In light of the fact that this post is about Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony post Dr. Ford, it is deliciously appropriate that it should begin with beer. I like beer! Actually, I enjoy beer. I consider myself a bit of a beer snob. Watching Judge Kavanaugh on Thursday reminded me of an incident where my words were taken out of context involving beer.
I was at a pub in the neighborhood where I live, when Miller Lite did a promo event. It was a Lite beer version of the Pepsi Challenge. They poured some Miller Lite into one glass, and Bud Light into another. They placed the glasses in front of me unlabeled and asked me which I liked better.
I sipped both and then pointed to the Bud Light (and yes, I knew it was the Bud Light) and said, “this one has no taste.” One of the people working the promotion then told me that since I liked Miller Lite better, would I could have one for free. Notice, I didn’t say that I liked Miller Lite better, I just said that Bud Light had no taste! As I said, I’m a beer snob.
Judge Kavanaugh stated in his testimony that several people had “refuted” Dr. Ford’s allegations against him. Let’s be clear, NOBODY refuted her testimony! If I say that I don’t recall something happening that is NOT the same as saying it DIDN’T happen. If I say I DIDN’T SEE something happen, I am not saying it DIDN’T happen. If I am unable to confirm an event, that is NOT proof said event DIDN’T HAPPEN!
In science, and yes, I know Republicans hate science, a theory remains a theory until it is either proven or disproven. Failure to prove a theory is not disproof of said theory. Have they proven Fermat? No, I’m asking have they?
In the interest of disclosure, I thought Judge Kavanaugh disqualified himself with multiple perjuries during his first round of hearings. I thought his opening statement on Thursday was disqualifying in its partisanship. I have not seen a single commercial on television against his elevation to the Supreme Court, I have seen several in support. Hmmmmm.
On Thursday, I saw a bully present bluster as fact. I saw people knowingly making false assertions of facts not in evidence. Judge Kavanaugh has spent his career dealing in law. He knows what words mean. He KNOWS that not being a witness is NOT a REFUTATION- that assertion ALONE should be disqualifying!