Melissa Harris-Perry Narrowly Escapes An Attack During Iowa Caucuses

[mfcorey1]

Melissa Harris-Perry has a rather harrowing tale to tell about a terrible experience at the Iowa caucuses. Rather than paraphrasing it, I'll let her words speak for themselves.

Monday night I was sitting in a hotel lobby in downtown Des Moines with my back to a wall of windows, my eyes fixed on the TV, my attention wholly focused on early caucus results. I didn’t notice until he was standing right next to me, much closer than is ordinary or comfortable. When he started he speaking it was like he was picking up in the middle of sentence, finishing a conversation we had begun earlier, but I couldn’t remember ever meeting him.

“…So what is it that you teach?”

“I am a professor of political science.”

“My wife is a professor of communications.”

“Does she teach here in Iowa?”

“What I want to know is how you got credentialed to be on MSNBC.”

I am not sure if it is how he spat the word credentialed, or if it is how he took another half step toward me, or if it is how he didn’t respond to my question, but the hairs on my arm stood on end. I ignored it. Told myself everything was ok.

“Well. It is not exactly a credential…” I began.

“But why you? Why would they pick you?”

Now I know something is wrong. Now his voice is angry. Now a few other people have stopped talking and started staring. Now he is so close I can feel his breath. Before I can answer his unanswerable question of why they picked me, he begins to tell me why he has picked me.

http://crooksandliars.com/2016/02/melissa-harris-perry-narrowly-escapes

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. Jeeze.

Lucky escape indeed. Sounds like a total loon, and hopefully the 'my wife is a professor of communications' will narrow down the suspect list enough for police to identify him.

[liberalhistorian]

138. Except that he may not have

been telling the truth with that. Fuckers like that often lie or live in delusionville.

[metroins]

2. I don't believe this story.

[CurtEastPoint]

3. Care to share why you don't find it believable?

[metroins]

6. Based on the article

The way she recalled it and her past, I do not find this believable.

I believe she's received death threats, other confrontations, but the way this story was told, I don't believe it.

If the guy was legit crazy and going to do something, he would have done it anyway. He would not be scared off by students coming in, because they're already in an open public lobby. The rhetoric that she recalled would seem like this was "his one chance". But then he magically runs off, gets in a car and flees....

It seems to be manufactured in my eyes.

I bet some creepy guy came up and talked to her, but I don't believe what she's saying actually happened.

[gregcrawford]

28. "If the guy was legit crazy and going to do something, he would have done it anyway."

And you know this how? Do you speak from experience? Are you "legit crazy?"

There were many witnesses to this event.

[2naSalit]

77. +1!

[ChairmanAgnostic]

106. more than a decade ago, a friend set me up on a blind date.

We were going to make it a foursome, but my friend and his date stuck at the bar because they met someone they knew.

I sat with the blind date. She was rather attractive, and I started off the conversation, "Excuse me, but I did not catch your name."

From that moment, she went on a soliloquy of her own, barely taking a breath, and not giving me the slightest chance to speak. For the rest of the evening. In her words, as I best can recall, came this. It lasted at least 15-20 minutes nonstop. I have shortened it a tad:

"I know you. I know exactly what you are like and who you really are. You are going to fuck me, aren't you? You want to get in my pants, don't you? (Well, she did get that part right)
"But you are just like all the others. All you want is sex. Sex. SEX. (Her voice was getting loud enough for other tables to hear)
"And I know EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. You will get me pregnant, you dirty scum, and then when I am with child you will abandon me and your unborn son! (she was literally screaming by this time, about 15 minutes into her tirade)
"And then when I try to get child support to grow and nourish YOUR SON, you will leave hanging with no job, no income, no support, nothing! YOU BASTARD. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME! HOW CAN YOU ABANDON YOUR OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, AND THE WOMAN WHO BORE YOUR CHILD! HOW CAN YOU BE SO CRUEL AND INHUMAN! YOU MAN, YOU!"

By this time, the entire restaurant (Friday night, downtown Chicago, crowded popular Greek restaurant) was listening closely to every work. It was impossible for them not to hear.

She went on talking about how I beat her, raped her, raped "my" baby boy and girl (i didn't even know how she worked in a second child), and how she spent so many days in the ER because of my beatings. I'd say that 20-30 of the people observing this event wanted my blood at this point. They were staring daggers at me.

Anyway, when she finally stopped, the silence was deafening. Even the waitstaff had stopped, the music was off, the TV sound turned down at the bar, and every single person was absolutely silent. After a pause, I finally responded,

"OK, but could you please tell me your name? I didn't catch earlier today."

When the penny dropped for most of the observers, I actually got a round of applause. She stormed off, muttering how I was about to kill her.

The second worst blind date in my life.

[Maedhros]

107. SECOND WORST?!

Stop. You're really scaring me.

[BlueJazz]

117. JESUS CHRIST! I was thinking the same thing.

[Maedhros]

120. My worst was nowhere near that bad.

I was able to see the crazy ahead of time and abort.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

121. We met at the restaurant.

Never did forgive my friend.

[Maedhros]

122. I've told my friend not to set me up anymore...with anyone.

He keeps trying against my will.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

125. Keep that promise that you made to yourself.

Luckily, by accident, I ran into the most wonderful partner, game player, and friend who has made my life great for more than a decade. She is just a gem.

[redwitch]

108. With friends like that...

I want to hear about the worst blind date.

[Liberal_in_LA]

118. 2nd worst?

[ChairmanAgnostic]

124. Oh, yes.

I was working a Chicago political event when I met someone about my age. She seemed friendly and fairly smart. We made a date and a second time, she invited me to her home for a home cooked meal.

I stayed the night, which is truly one of the regrets I have.

It struck me that I really did not want a relationship with this person and decided to break it off during our next date. She invited me to Little Italy, a grouping of really nice restaurants, many family owned, outside of Chicago's loop. I arrived, not knowing what I was getting into. Her entire extended family was there. Her brother and his wife, her sister, her parents, both sets of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and more. It turns out she told her family that we were getting married, and I only found out about it when they all stood to toast me and my (ahem) fiancé.

I guess my poker face cracked a bit, and her brother noticed. While I was figuring how to extricate myself from this mess, eating a plate full of raw oysters (to prevent any awkward conversations), he stood up and leaned over me and whispered, "She did it again, didn't she? You aren't actually engaged?"

"She did this BEFORE?"

"Oh, dear. Let's get you out of here. Dad has Family connections and he is buying dinner for all. He would hate to be embarrassed. Again."

So we excused ourselves, with me driving with brother's wife, and my (ahem) fiancé driving with her brother. We headed to a near north side pub and pool place, with a cigar bar attached.

On my way in, the oysters decided that they and I had a major disagreement, and I was about to erupt from both ends. On the way in, from one direction stomped my ex-wife, as nasty and cruel as ever. From the other direction, my ex-fiancé (a real one) was walking in the other direction. They crossed in front of the men's room just as I was ready to spew and explode from food poisoning.

By the time I was washed up and empty enough to leave the men's room, all three of them stood there, waiting for me.

THAT was the worst date of my life.

[msanthrope]

147. I always wondered what Library Girl would be like to date. nt

[liberalhistorian]

137. I have an uncomfortable feeling

that her race and gender play a large role in the poster's dismissive attitude. I get the sense that if she were of a different gender and/or race, his or her attitude would be different. The dismissive attitude reeks of the kind of shit we women hear ALL the damned time whenever we report incidents of assault or rape/sexual assault and how we're automatically disbelieved or minimized or discounted.

When she talks about the sense of danger she got from him even when he hadn't yet done anything or said much, most of us women know exactly what she's talking about. We've had to develop that kind of a sense for our own safety and sometimes, sad to say, survival.

[gregcrawford]

150. Only weak, sniveling cowards...

... feel the need to intimidate women to make themselves feel like "men." They invariably fail in spectacular fashion.

[sybylla]

35. You've never gone door-knocking in conservative areas of the rural Midwest, have you?

These kinds of knuckle-dragging bullies with a chip on their shoulder that says everyone else has it better and only he deserves it are EVERYWHERE. They lurk not under rocks but are probably sitting on the local school board. I know because I have one sitting on mine. And that fucker will confront anyone and everyone he deems a threat and he will do it in just such a manner. His last threat to me was very public yet indirect at the last candidate forum, done in a way that only a few would know it unless they knew me and were sitting beside me.

Trust me, you know when these special kind of assholes are a threat. No need to denounce the victim here.

[metroins]

89. I have not

I live in Texas.

[ehrnst]

37. Why would she manufacture it?

[randome]

40. I raised some questions in #36.

But to answer your question, why does anyone make up a story? We've seen examples of plagiarism and outright fabrication from Progressive icons before. It happens to the best of us and there usually isn't a straight-forward event to point to for its cause.

Human motivations are a mish-mash of conflicting hopes and fears.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[Fla Dem]

56. She was there with a friend and 22 students. Why don't we wait until one of them

steps forward and says it's all made up fantasy. Not particularly a MHP fan, but don't think she'd make something like this up.

[randome]

57. It shouldn't have been a story without some corroboration.

I doubt she'd make it up, either, but I'm saying I understand why someone might question it. I think the question I posed is relevant: how did MHP know this guy drove off? Did someone follow him? Who?

If the author of the piece -Karoli Kuns- is a journalist, why didn't she fact-check anything?
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[ehrnst]

73. It seems that if she was going to fabricate it, why would she include witnesses? In a public place?

Any ideas?

[randome]

76. No. None at all.

It just seems odd that a reporter essentially gave over her byline to someone without doing any sort of corroboration at all. I doubt that anyone would make up the story out of thin air and claiming there were witnesses when someone could easily verify at least that part of the story.

But no verification was done. I find it odd, that's all.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[1StrongBlackMan]

41. I'm laughing to stop from weeping; but, will say ...

everyone has an opinion, and like assholes, yours stinks.

Why would she make this up? ... for celebrity, that she already enjoys?

[roguevalley]

53. agreed. I am speechless. but then rapists out themselves here

[1StrongBlackMan]

61. I wouldn't go so far as to call the poster a rapist ...

Just one who lacks even a speck of empathy ... just like a lot of rape questioners.

[Mr Dixon]

78. SMH

Agreed, make no sense to make this up

[liberalhistorian]

139. The blatant sexism around here still angers

me, but no longer shocks me, sad to say. When I first started here thirteen years ago, it never, ever would have been tolerated at all. Now you have rape deniers and apologists galore and even a poster and his followers who calls child support "male enslavement". The immediate and casual dismissal of a woman's likely very-real story, and the poking fun at it even, are now par for the course around here, when we're supposed to be a progressive site.

[ehrnst]

74. I think that we have someone that is upset about "progressive icons."

I think his time here is limited.

[LiberalAndProud]

99. This is not an accusation, but an observation ...

She first related this story to emphasize her calling to teach as an introduction to mentioning that she had been named Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University. And at least most of the student "witnesses" weren't aware of what had just occurred.

We do know that sometimes reporters make stories up (paging Brian Williams). This may have really happened as she related it, or there may have been some embellishing in the writing. I don't have any reason to disbelieve her, but I don't think a modicum of skepticism is entirely out of line.

http://ajccenter.wfu.edu/2016/02/02/5756/

[pnwmom]

102. I'm not laughing. Or weeping.

Just angry and disgusted. What is wrong with some people? Why is the first thing that leaps to their minds suspicion of a woman like this?

Is it because she isn't in love with Cornel West?

[liberalhistorian]

140. No, it's because she's a woman, frankly.

It's par for the course in this culture to immediately and casually dismiss women's stories such as these. Any woman who's tried to report a rape or assault or a stalker or even suspicion of one knows exactly what that feels like. Along with immediate victim-blaming.

I remember being at a restaurant-bar where a very good male friend of mine was a DJ. One guy sitting near me started getting too close for comfort and got worse the more he drank. He started getting aggressive with me, putting his hand on my shoulder and trying to get even more physical. His friends would pull him back, but he then kept coming back to me. In desperation, I told him the DJ was my boyfriend and he wouldn't like it to know that someone else was moving in on me. He didn't believe me until my friend came over to sit with me during the break and I managed to ask him to pretend to be my boyfriend before the guy started in again. He finally backed off when my friend gave him a look and took my hand. I'll never forget how uncomfortable that was.

[pnwmom]

143. Thanks for sharing that story.

Every woman probably has stories like that. I identified with Ms. Perry talking about how she at first felt frozen. I know that feeling. And I know a young woman with PTSD and I'm sure that would also be her response.

[liberalhistorian]

158. Oh, I'm very familiar with that feeling

as are many women, I'm sure. That's why discounting the story based on her freezing up like that, when it's really far more common than the men would ever think, really infuriates me.

I was also amazed at the number of people who immediately discounted or dismissed my story, even saying things like "well, he was just trying to be friendly", or "maybe he was lonely and just wanted to get something going for once", etc., etc. Right. Never mind that I didn't WANT to be picked up by him. Apparently, that didn't count for shit. It was all what HE wanted that mattered. My mother said "let that be a major lesson in what we deal with all the time as adult women." But it was really interesting how the same people would suddenly completely believe the story when my good friend corroborated it; suddenly, everything was true. Gee, imagine that.

[awoke_in_2003]

129. There is a lot of stink in this sub thread...

and it's disgusting. I suspect some of these are MRA people.

[liberalhistorian]

141. This board is infested with

them, unfortunately, and it's inexplicably tolerated. One of my "favorites" is one who claims that child support is "male enslavement." Gah.

[Rebkeh]

65. Not exactly

Predators tend to want easy victims, they target people they think will be manageable. Legit crazy people aren't necessarily determined, on the contrary, a lot of them are cowards (it's part of why they are the way they are).

Of course there are determined legit crazy predators too, I'm just saying that opportunistic creeps don't all fit the exact same profile.

[snooper2]

45. It reads like some kind of B grade crime novel LOL

"And I can’t hear all the words. But I catch “Nazi Germany” and I catch “rise to power.” But I can’t move. I am lulled by a familiar powerlessness, muteness, that comes powerfully and unexpectedly. It grips me. Everything is falling away. Until in my peripheral vision I catch sight of a ponytail, the movement of an arm, the sound of familiar young voices and I remember… my students.:"

[cyberswede]

49. I don't find it funny at all.

Unless you've been in a situation like that, you don't know how it feels. It's terrifying, and things can become a blur. MHP is a writer, so she may describe things with more descriptive language than the average person recounting an incident.

[ieoeja]

51. Or the start of a very sick Penthouse Forum story. n/t

[ehrnst]

75. Ever been raped?

[pnwmom]

103. What you just said is very revealing. About you. n/t

[randome]

47. I posed some questions in #36.

[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[heaven05]

52. and???

They have no reality attached to them in my book. There were witnesses and you were not there. With all the shootings and other incidents going on and being perpetrated by the new powerless class, I could EASILY believe her and just as easily break out in laughter at your transparency...😄😄😄

[tblue37]

92. I think you got hidden because your reply went to the wrong person--i.e., to

a person you agree with, not to the one who claimed MHP must have made it all up.

[lamp_shade]

4. Why?

[metroins]

7. I replied above

[redwitch]

17. Is your wife a professor of communications by any chance? nt

[metroins]

19. No. She is a Social Worker.

[malaise]

20. Had the same thought

[Mr Dixon]

79. OMG

LOL

[Starry Messenger]

85. Ha!

[MatthewStLouis]

91. Ha ha!

Good question.

[Iggo]

95. Best!!!

[safeinOhio]

5. Seems to be plenty of witnesses to the story.

Would you buy their story of what happen? Or, not not her?

[metroins]

8. Only

If they all heard exactly what she heard.

I believe some guy talked to her, I do not believe he said what she recalled.

[redwitch]

14. Why would you doubt her?

I find your comments offensive. And stupid. And I don't think you will be here much longer.

[metroins]

15. I cannot control how you feel

I am entitled to my opinion and my opinion is that I believe much of this story is manufactured.

[pintobean]

42. Jury results

On Wed Feb 3, 2016, 09:28 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

I cannot control how you feel
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7582009

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Offensive, baiting other long time DU'ers.
Absolutely no reason whatsoever to be so contrarian and that is me being kind.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Wed Feb 3, 2016, 09:37 AM, and the Jury voted 3-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Feelings>reality? No.
Juror #3 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: Borderline but I'll give the longtime DUers the coin flip
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: There is absolutely nothing wrong with this post. It's a very calm and rational response to being called stupid. I think this person is being baited and alerted for having a different opinion and a low post count.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Ridiculous. There is nothing alertable in this post. Not even close.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given

[metroins]

82. Thank you

No idea why it was alerted.

[awoke_in_2003]

130. Because you're a dick head....

No, I didn't alert on you, though. I would have done that on your first post in the subthread to get you on MIRTs radar.

[metroins]

132. Please read my posts

Then read yours.

You are insulting me, yet calling me a dick head?

Do you see the irony?

I don't even know what a MIRT is.

[Inkfreak]

133. Calling other members "dick head". Classy.

[In_The_Wind]

148. ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511135853

[awoke_in_2003]

153. My mistake

was that I should have directed my comment to the original post, where they accuse a well respected writer and commenter of lying. I don't care for MRA types

[MatthewStLouis]

93. Very scary.

With all the hate the right wing media drums up these days, this incident isn't at all surprising.

[yellowcanine]

24. I agree. Puzzling comments which seem agenda driven.

Seems like a good candidate for ignore.

[randome]

36. I appreciate anyone willing to entertain skepticism in a story like this.

The fact is the story as written is entirely about Harris-Perry and from her viewpoint. Apparently the writer did not think it important enough to verify anything. Did she not seek out some students for corroboration? Why not?

As admirable as Harris-Perry is for the Progressive cause, a story like this that cannot -or will not- be verified quite naturally raises a flag.

That is not the same as doubting it happened but it's important to maintain a smidgen of skepticism especially when the information comes from someone you trust. If we don't hold our compatriots to higher standards then we are doing them a disservice.

He "jumps in a car"? How does anyone know that? Was he followed? By whom? Or was he conveniently parked right outside the window behind Harris-Perry? These are legitimate questions, IMO.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[heaven05]

48. laughable and transparent

Your attempts at deflecting from the seriousness of this 'incident'. But I find this area of conversation ripe ground for the new powerless class. Who are fodder for comedy and contempt.

[randome]

50. So you'll take Harris-Perry's word without any attempt at verification?

And the questions I posed are irrelevant to you? That is transparent, I think, your willingness to be led unquestioningly down a certain path. We should always question ourselves.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[roguevalley]

54. over you, yeah.

[LiberalAndProud]

123. Agreed.

Though I will say that doubt born of skepticism is not quite the same thing as "I don't believe her."

[CurtEastPoint]

39. Yeah. Buh-bye with that attitude.

[lumberjack_jeff]

101. Why shouldn't we?

The temptation to embellish a story to which no one else is able to confirm is human nature.

Absent independent confirmation or at least hearing the other half of the story, doubt seems mertited.

I would expect that on-air personalities often meet people who disagree with their reporting, doubly so with personalities like Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Maddow or Harris-Perry. Their whole reason for being is to be controversial.

I give as much credulity to anything she says as I do to anything I read here. I don't know truth, I only know plausible-sounding.

The story is very long on how she felt about the discussion/confrontation, and nearly silent on its content.

[redwitch]

105. You are free to question her story.

I just find it very plausible.

[liberalhistorian]

142. There were over twenty witnesses present.

That's hardly "what no one can confirm."

[randome]

151. Actually, no, there weren't.

See post #112 and #99.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[hfojvt]

155. the headline is already embellished

she

narrowly escaped

an attack.

Except there was not an attack, Just some guy talking to her that she FELT was a threat. She does not even quote him saying something threatening. He said THIS which she took to be a threat. Admittedly it might have been, but it also could easily not have been.

I cannot find the story but here in the KC area a woman was recently attacked in a shopping mall. Guy pulled a knife and tried to kidnap her and she fought him off, getting cut in the process. At least that is her story and a guy has been arrested. Presumably there is camera footage from the parking lot too.

In that story there is both an attack and a narrow escape.

In this story there is really neither.

[pintobean]

156. I agree. /nt

[lumberjack_jeff]

157. If I were to confront Bill O'Reilly with my disagreement in his views

and he were to react the way she describes, frozen then scrambling away in mortal terror, I'd leave too.

I think Bill O'Reilly is an asshole, but despite that, I wouldn't want to traumatize him.

[leanforward]

128. Hey hero

You need to believe her. I had some fool talk to me, claiming to be a vet and then take off on racist rant concerning my C in C. Two more words, "I voted for him". He went away.

[malaise]

11. Who cares

Enjoy your short stay

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

12. What do you know about childhood victims of rape? Nothing

That explains everything about your comment.

[metroins]

18. What does rape have to do with this story?

This is about her saying a guy came up to her and muttered things.

[yellowcanine]

25. You apparently didn't read the story. She states she was raped as a child and

this guy caused her to relive the experience momentarily. So you don't believe her story but apparently have not even bothered to read the whole thing very carefully.

[metroins]

80. I read the story

The validity of the facts in the story had nothing to do with the prior rape. Her feelings do not change what material facts occurred in the hotel lobby.

[yellowcanine]

86. I don't believe you.

And my opinion about that is just as valid as your opinion is about the story. See how this little game you started works? All one has to say is "I don't believe it." and that is that. One can't debate it. Convenient. Means you don't have to bother yourself with the implications of the story.

[metroins]

87. I don't know what you're talking about

[Iggo]

98. I don't believe that.

[yellowcanine]

104. I don't believe you. Of course you do.

Kind of tough to have a conversation when one adopts your strategy, isn't it?

[Duppers]

31. Did you even read all of the article?

The terror of rape, the powerlessness of rape stays with you in a too close, threatening situation. Something I'd like for you to ...understand.

If I posted what I'd like to say to you, I would lose my posting privileges.

[roguevalley]

55. there are revealed rapists on this forum. nothing said so far surprises me

[Hoppy]

22. Me, too.

Her friend is there. Her students are there. No one calls 911 --- during or after?

The desk clerk goes on about his business, not concerned about her or the security or reputation of the hotel?

I am not going to call fraud --- I was not there. But there are instances of people going off on made up charges. Anyone remember Morton Downey?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

115. Pray tell: Why would he make up something like this? Makes no sense!

[Hoppy]

135. His ratings were going down, fast. Needed something to bring to spotlight back to him.

People do stuff like this.

About four months ago, students at Kean University (My Alma M.) were holding a Black Lives Matter rally. One of the attendees left the rally, walked into the student union building and sent a Tweet that the author of the tweet was going to kill students at the college.

This attendee then returned to the rally and pointed out the tweet she had just received.

She was arrested and is awaiting trial for posting a threat, even though it wasn't a real threat.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

152. I'm sorry. I made a typo. My question was about MHP, not MDJ. I know about his story.

I used to watch his show from time to time back in the day. Once he got cancer, he looked like a walking skeleton, but he still smoked relentlessly.

[MineralMan]

30. Well, that's interesting. Let's have a look:

I've been watching and reading Ms. Harris-Perry for some time. I trust her to tell the truth, since she has always done so and is a reliable voice.

This is the first time I've ever seen any words from you. I don't know you, nor do I have any idea of why you would doubt that person's words. You don't explain. You simply say, "I don't believe this story."

So, my question is: Why should I believe you, instead of someone I've heard speak and whose writings I have read for some time? Can you offer some explanation that would give me an indication of your reason to disbelieve that woman?

I'll wait here.

[metroins]

81. You do not have to believe me

I only stated my opinion and skepticism.

[MineralMan]

83. No, you're right. I do not.

As for your opinion, I have no valid way to judge it, since I know nothing about you. On the other hand, as I stated, I know a good deal about Melissa Harris Perry. I've been watching and listening to her for quite some time. She has proven herself to be thoughtful and honest. You, though, are a blank slate. Perhaps we'll all learn more about you as time goes by. Until then, you have stated your opinion, which goes against my opinion of the person you doubt.

I hope you have a wonderful day, though.

[Iggo]

97. Don't worry. It's real easy not to.

[cwydro]

84. I gotta say I think the whole story is odd too.

Someone gets in my personal space...I back the hell up pdq.

If I was that alarmed, I would say HEY very loudly, and then "get away from me." Or call out to someone nearby.

All these people around. I don't know. It's an odd story.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

94. Did you even read the article?

She DID get up and get distance between herself and the guy, but not before freezing -- just as she froze when she was a little girl and was sexually assaulted. Textbook example of "triggering". After the moment of freezing, she reminded herself she was not that little girl any more and instead a grown woman in a safe place who could take action to save herself. And she did.

[cwydro]

100. Yes, I read it.

I find it odd.

[liberalhistorian]

144. Just because someone does not respond

the same way that you would have does not make their story odd or less believable. People react differently in these situations, some panic and freeze. I know that's exactly how I would have reacted, by freezing in panic. Of course, that's also how I reacted when I was four years old and molested by a babysitter's teenage son, but then what the hell would I know? I'm probably just 'making that up" also, because I didn't act the way YOU think I should have.

[valerief]

145. What was your rape like, since you're implying you behaved differently during your rape?

cwydro (21,469 posts)
84. I gotta say I think the whole story is odd too.

Someone gets in my personal space...I back the hell up pdq.

If I was that alarmed, I would say HEY very loudly, and then "get away from me." Or call out to someone nearby.

All these people around. I don't know. It's an odd story.

Response to cwydro (Reply #84)Wed Feb 3, 2016, 03:01 PM
Hell Hath No Fury (15,706 posts)
94. Did you even read the article?

She DID get up and get distance between herself and the guy, but not before freezing -- just as she froze when she was a little girl and was sexually assaulted. Textbook example of "triggering". After the moment of freezing, she reminded herself she was not that little girl any more and instead a grown woman in a safe place who could take action to save herself. And she did.
Proud uppity woman and counterproductive left wingnut onboard.

Response to Hell Hath No Fury (Reply #94)Wed Feb 3, 2016, 03:31 PM
Star Member cwydro (21,469 posts)
100. Yes, I read it.

I find it odd.

[jpak]

32. I don't believe you

nope

[valerief]

146. No one cares what you think. You're going to prison for murdering 2 people.

Before anyone hits the alert button:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=1336340

[Person 2713]

59. You are lying to yourself

[tenderfoot]

66. ...

[Iggo]

96. I don't believe that.

I think you're mistaken.

I think you do believe her story.

[Rex]

110. Sounds legit to me, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

White nationalists are scum of the earth cowards...her story rings true based on what I know about them.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

111. You were in the other thread saying this bullshit! Just go sit down somewhere.

And watch your trolling, too!

[Vinca]

9. That's terrifying. Too bad someone didn't get a license plate number.

On the add chance he was only half a nut, I'd have police check out husbands of professors of communication just in case.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

10. I worked for a male psychologist who had a

...controversial way of treating young adult victims of childhood sexual assault. The young women would freak out. I totally understood why he believes his approach is an effective treatment. It's "revolutionary", so there's no way to determine its effectiveness.

It's based on the "powerlessness" and "freezing" MPH speaks of. In one-on-one sessions, he puts them in compromising situations and recreates the freezing. I never spoke to him about this, so I'll try to interpret: He wants them give him a good beat down or flee. Do something to break the freezing up.

I've always wondered if other psychologists would flip their shit upon hearing this.

[Raster]

33. Sounds like the psychologist you worked for was committing his own version of assault.

"I was just doing it for her own good..."

And yes, highly likely other psychologists would "flip their shit" upon hearing his "methodology," AND highly likely the AMA might flip their shit also.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

68. The young woman described him as a creep

His treatment center is a prototype. It's his laboratory and the patients tell him they feel like they're his lab rats. I'm sure he has to go to great lengths to get this experimental treatment center approved. If his outcomes are positive, there might be other centers opened. If not, he's contractually minimized his liability.

[Raster]

119. Just my two cents: CREEP is probably a very accurate description.

[redwitch]

13. How terrifying!

I am so glad she wasn't hurt, love her! Thank goodness she was in a room filled with friends. I am also sorry to read that she is a victim of rape. Such a beautiful, strong woman! May she always be surrounded by friends and be strong.

[meaculpa2011]

16. Was this incident reported on MSNBC? n/t

[pinboy3niner]

21. MHP tweet...

Melissa Harris-Perry ?@MHarrisPerry · 1h1 hour ago

Deep gratitude for all expressions of concern. Had common response-felt fine 1st 24 hours then shaky/ teary. Better now.

https://twitter.com/mharrisperry

[myrna minx]

23. Good lord, how terrifying!

My best wishes to her. I'm a big fan of MHP. Her show is like my favorite conversations I had in college with my teachers. I learn so much from her and her guests. No wonder she's such an intellectual threat to disturbing creeps.

[Octafish]

26. Fascist bastard.

Hope his wife turns him in.

[mountain grammy]

27. I believe her, because America.

[Kalidurga]

29. Actually she was attacked

It just narrowly didn't become physical.

[madokie]

38. Exactly

[thereismore]

34. Scum bastard pos. nt

[Mc Mike]

43. I'm glad she had people who were on her side nearby.

That's the way this country's right wing works. He could be a lone nut right wing nut job, straying off the repug reservation to advance the repugs' nazi cause with his unhinged actions. Or he could be a completely "rational" (the term has to be used in quotes) right wing pig, pretending that he's unhinged, in order to threaten harm or actually commit a violent attack.

[heaven05]

44. after reading article

I must say ms.Harris-perry is lucky indeed. This probable trumpchump was not only crazy, he represents a huge bloc of Americans who hate the fact AA being in any position of influence, Since his entitled ass has none. Thank fate for the courage and proximity of her friend. American politics is creating more of these clowns every day. Poor, poor 'entitled' nobody feeling powerless. Huge sarcasm meant. I despise these Idiots who lament their fall from all areas of power in society. May their fall continue.

[Person 2713]

58. Yes down the drain I hope they go. Too frequent these days and their jealous hatred un rational

as it is , is being affirmed by GOP politics like trump rallies . Notice his crazy rant included Nazis

[asjr]

60. That stupid man must have not been communicating

with his wife and took it out on Harris Perry.

[Trajan]

62. Because I don't watch national news channels

I don't follow the latest news-celebrity stories, and I have no idea who she is nor what her political philosophy might be

Other than the fact that I don't ever want innocent people to be hurt or threatened - I frankly don't care to know details about news media figures - if I did, I would watch their lame ass news reports ...

Good thing she is safe - it's too bad that republIcans and THEIR CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRAT LACKEYS IN CONGRESS, national spending on mental health programs are nearly nil ...

That is the real tragedy ...

[MrChuck]

63. Initial reaction to this terrifying story.

-I wanted to know how the person was identified as a Republican, specifically.
-I wondered how much larger MHP's personal space is than mine.
-I knew she was being honest about the veracity of the confrontation and her reaction.
-I wondered if she didn't immediately understand that she would make a little hay on the experience and I absolutely agreed that she should.
-I wondered if the article needs to be as poetic and vague as it is. It's nice to read it and have insight to MHP's perspective but it would also be better if more facts were included.
-I realized that that's somewhat similar to asking a rape victim if their attacker wore boxers or briefs.
-I remembered that not everything makes perfect sense, that that is in fact quite rare, and that not making sense isn't a disqualifying quantity in the ultimate argument.

[randome]

70. The first question that popped into my mind was: how did MHP know he drove off?

Did someone follow him? If so, whom?

And then: why would a reporter essentially give over her byline to someone else without asking any questions of her own or seeking any type of corroboration? That doesn't even seem like 'reporting' to me. MHP could simply have posted this on Facebook.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[MrChuck]

72. I'm not trying to cast doubt

I'm critical of this kind of writing.
It doesn't make the case as well.
My criticism is of a style that is going extinct.
Soon we'll only have poets and people who say they're liars and that's sad.

[cwydro]

64. She's a professor, but her grammar is not so great.

"Between he and I."

Gah.

[Glorfindel]

131. I noticed that, too. If she were teaching a child of mine, I'd ask for a refund of tuition.

[cwydro]

136. That is so wrong.

Basic English lol!

[Rebkeh]

67. Let's not enable predators by doubting victims, people. Come on. Eom

[aikoaiko]

69. Horribly threatening experience and I believe MHP told the facts accurately.

We will probably never know his intented actions were but they were no good for sure.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

71. In many ways --

this is a universal experience for women.

There is something for women about the invasion of personal space by a strange man that is deeply unnerving in and of itself, let alone for a woman who has received death threats and has been sexually violated in the past.

I am thankful she had the strength to break away from him before she was traumatized further.

[retread]

88. Thank you.

[meaculpa2011]

90. As the white father of two "children of color"...

I can say that I have nothing but revulsion for Prof. Harris-Perry.

It's despicable for her to be attacked, but the comments she and her panel made about trans-racial adoptions were beneath contempt. They're all the more contemptible considering her background.

I have to say that several comments similar to hers have been hurled at me since we became parents.

All were by people who proudly proclaim their progressive credentials.

[Rex]

109. It is a good thing she snapped to it and moved away quickly. He might have planned to kill her.

White nationalists are crazy-evil and prone to violent outbursts. What a horrible moment, yet I hope her students learned something from this encounter.

[randome]

112. Actually, her students probably didn't see a thing.

From the link in LiberalAndProud's post #99, MHP says "Most don’t know any of this happened, because as soon as they returned..."

So her students weren't there yet she credits them with saving her life by returning from wherever they were. The only person who could be called a 'witness' is her unnamed friend who interposed herself between the man and MHP.

My first thought was that this explains why the reporter in the OP didn't verify anything.

But, damnit, then I return to the same question I asked earlier: if this guy ran away and jumped into a car, someone would have had to run after him (into a parking garage, maybe, or outside the hotel) and seen this, then returned, right? Was it MHP's friend? Would the friend leave her alone after MHP was apparently shaken by the encounter?

I have no doubt that something like this happened but I understand why some think the story sounds a little 'odd'. Maybe it was embellished, which is fine and good, but, again, I understand why the story raises some cackles.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[Rex]

113. Well since you describe the detractors as cackling, I can kinda tell which side you fall on.

I don't really have any good reason to question her story nor can I think of one. She is not verbose here, so guessing at parts seems to be what the author wanted.

[randome]

114. I meant 'hackles', not 'cackles'.

As in 'raising hackles on the back of the neck', although that's probably not the right term I wanted, either. How about: 'raises suspicion'?
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Treat your body like a machine. Your mind like a castle.[/center][/font][hr]

[Rex]

116. Oh okay yeah 'loud chirping' means something different.

I kinda wondered if you meant hackles...well people are always questioning stories, that is natural while others take it on faith. I cannot see any reason to make this story up. We already know there are White Nationals out there that want to harm every POC they can get their hands on.

I believe her, like I said I have no reason not to since nothing is gained or lost by her story being told. It is just more information to digest imo.

[lasttrip]

126. wow. very scary for her.

Glad she is safe. I enjoy her weekend show.
Thanks for the post mfcorey1.
Peace.
LT

[rockfordfile]

134. Yes glad she is safe

[davidn3600]

127. The way it's written makes me think it's fake

It reads like an excerpt from a novel.

And it seems to be trying REALLY hard to tie it to something political without much information on what this guy's motivations and intentions really were.

[B Calm]

149. Would have been nice if we knew why the man picked her for really was?

[hfojvt]

154. makes me think he may have been mostly harmless

Maybe he was just a quirky fellow who was nervous about personally challenging a celebrity.

Or maybe he was a real threat.

In the end, he did not do anything except talk to her. He ran off because he thought he was going to be harassed by security for doing even that. Possible anyway.

"There is a 'this'" she says. 'This' could easily mean - 'I am pestering you'.

"Does he have a gun or a knife?" she asks. Pure speculation AND he could have both - for his own mostly harmless uses. Some guys carry knives everywhere. The mere presence of a knife does not make them an axe murderer. Some people carry guns for their own self defense.

His other 'crimes' of course were being large and being male.