"It was obviously a mistake, but the only people who would be shocked by the incident would be people who don't know William Donald Schaefer," said Senate President Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert). "You have to consider the totality of the candidate. It's hard to overlook his record of achievement in the past." The Washington Post published an editorial critical of Schaefer. Well, ever-so-gently critical at least. The paper compared the harasser to one's grandfather, writing: Maybe William Donald Schaefer reminds you a little of a long-retired grandfather. Gramps is quite a character, too, right? Cranky, crusty and politically incorrect, he makes his relatives shake their heads and roll their eyes indulgently. A real specimen from mid-century, God bless him. . . . Wouldn't it be nice if, along with his grumpy witticisms, he presented himself to voters as a man fully acclimated to the 21st century? Even Schaefer's opponent for state comptroller in Maryland's Democratic Primary seemed quick to forgive him. "I'm sure the comptroller, when he thinks about this, will feel badly about it," Delegate Peter Franchot (D-Montgomery) offered. Let's get all this straight: A powerful official publicly harasses a young woman. When reporters question the official, he curses at them. He says the woman should have enjoyed it. It was just a joke. His spokesperson says that the woman overreacted. The politician has a good record of promoting "little girls." He really respects women. And if he doesn't, well, it's his generation's fault. He's just like your grandfather. Plus, when this official gives any thought to his actions, he'll probably be sorry. I say, make him sorry. And I'm not suggesting the State of Maryland spend dime one on a sensitivity class for the old goat. Sure, Schaefer should apologize. But he should do so during the same news conference that he announces his withdrawal from his re-election campaign as well as his resignation from the office of state comptroller. If that sounds like harsh medicine, he should remember it could get worse. Somewhere, the father — or brother, or boyfriend — of this 24-year old woman wants to punch Schaefer right in the nose. ------ After the above column was placed safely into the hands of Townhall.com, the author came across the late-breaking story that Shaefer had, indeed, apologized. Sorta. Almost. Well, he had written the offended woman a 24-word letter that somehow managed to say the word "sorry" without admitting any wrongdoing. Another masterful political stroke. Changing a word of the above column for such a dismissive missive seems unnecessary." |