For myself, I resolve this accusation as follows: Certainly it could have happened. Neither clerical collar nor political status mean that one is more or less likely to engage in such conduct. Certainly, whatever did happen might not have the unsavory gloss described by Yoffe. Neither gender nor vulnerability mean that one is more or less likely to imagine, exaggerate or intentionally lie. Whatever the reason, however, the long delay and the fact that Drinan is no longer alive to defend himself, lead me not to view his reputation and character as besmirched. I accept her story, to the extent that it enforces the realization that lechery can be lurking anywhere. I do not accept it to the extent that I will permit it to defile the defenseless.

If a comment was written in haste, we encourage you to post a new comment that more accurately represents your newer opinions.

“This is exactly why so many people do not like college libs, wow you are really eager to pounce on someone who disagreed with you. Did A Reader threaten you? Or are you just afraid that people with different opinions can be thoughtful and reconsider.”

in conclusion, don’t be a drip.

This is exactly why so many people do not come forward when someone is lying. Stay strong, sister.

tehe

I, for one find all of her “testimony” doubtful. Here is why I think this:

The 14-year old boy sounds wise beyond his years – was he really so sophisticated at his early age? Sounds more like the stereotype of an older male (oldwer than 14-perhaps 18-perhaps 22) trying to seduce a younger girl. “Oh come on, baby, you’ll like it.” Was this perhaps youthful sexual exploration that became uncomfortable and Emily bailed out on it, and it stopped? And she’s trying to figure it out these mixed motivations many years later?

Similarly, I find the father story doubtful. Would an adult really pour out the story of his marital frustrations to a very young girl, a friend of the family? I find the “recovered memory” even less credible. Would the father have pushed his desire to take Emily home alone in front of his wife and daughter? Even when it seemed so unreasonable?

Finally, the Father. Thjs sounds curiously like the story of the father. Would a congressman lawyer priest, known for his articulateness, really mumble incoherently about women and men? Would a lawyer in the middle of a congressional campaign push himself on the daughter of a supporter?

The years modify our memories, and most of the time, I am afraid, it works to justify ourselves.

If I were on a jury empaneled to judge these allegations, I would look at Ms. Yoffe’s testimony and find it not credible for the reasons I have mentioned, based on my experience of human beings in my years on this planet. I would take the memories of students and colleagues as “character witness” statements and listen to them. My vote, at least, on this hypothetical jury would be “not guilty” of the charges and allegations.