Ex--staffer: Conyers 'harassed' and 'verbally abused' me repeatedly

[no_hypocrisy]

No sexual harassment. Verbal abuse, berating her


OK, this is a whole new level of accusation.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/22/politics/melanie-sloan-john-conyers-cnn-tv/index.html


I had two bosses (mid-50s) in a law office like that. Exactly like that. Overreaction over minor transgressions. I mean loud yelling, eyes scrunched. Sometimes insults like "Whatsamatter? You got your head up your ass?"

And you know what? It was manageable, maybe not 100% OK. My feelings were never hurt. I never left work with a headache. And I gave back in kind by pushing back where necessary. (I was never threatened with being fired.)

And both of them were like that with everyone. They were classic curmudgeons. I witnessed both of them scream at someone who came into the office to get out when she asked to find an office in the complex. (OK, that was extreme . . . . )

I was never propositioned. They never insulted me as a woman. I actually learned how to practice law from them (when they weren't yelling.)

And trust me. They weren't meant to be anybody's boss. They weren't authoritarian or played with your head.


My point: While these guys were irascible and difficult people, I was still able to do my job because their behavior was not an impediment. If Conyers did anything remotely resembling the behavior of my ex-bosses, this new allegation doesn't rise to blatant sexual harassment. And as for the settlements, let the Ethics Committee sort it out.

[VermontKevin]

1. Calling a staffer to your office whilst you are in your underwear?

That is not sexual harassment?

[no_hypocrisy]

3. By itself, inappropriate. On the cusp of SH, if true.

[FarPoint]

4. One either confronts issue at time of event...

Can also leave and remove oneself from the conflict, take legal action and document ....Media is a Tabloid frenzy tool for character assination.... this is not the way to evoke successful change in behavior. It may temporarily feel good but is fruitless.

[Historic NY]

7. Well at least he wasn't on the bowl, like Johnson used to do....

or bare ass in the tub like Churchill.

[FarPoint]

2. They should just sit down and not go to the media

This is Tabloid journalism... nothing more..has no power to make positive changes, it's disorganized and completely destructive...It's a tool...

[VermontKevin]

8. The woman who made this accusation headed CREW.

[FarPoint]

9. Like to know the action plan...from CREW ..

that will be used to coordinate organized, sound and effective change ... anyone can speak out....Are their measurable goals?

[VermontKevin]

10. ??????

[FarPoint]

11. Maybe I didn't understand you then...

What was your concept regarding the CREW? no

[VermontKevin]

12. Conyers accuser is an ethics lawyer.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ethics-lawyer-says-conyers-mistreated-her-during-her-years-on-capitol-hill/2017/11/22/ed88a480-cf9c-11e7-81bc-c55a220c8cbe_story.html

[Kingofalldems]

13. Not sexual harassment.

[FarPoint]

16. Okay

Thanks for the clarification.

[Kingofalldems]

14. Ummm:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ethics-lawyer-says-conyers-mistreated-her-during-her-years-on-capitol-hill/2017/11/22/ed88a480-cf9c-11e7-81bc-c55a220c8cbe_story.html?utm_term=.be045f078f50

[wasupaloopa]

5. My wife works in a cubical next to an office of a guy like you describe.

He calls people into his office and yells at them using profanity. My wife especially but everyone near his office can hear him.

It is very unsettling to those outside his office, They know what is coming when anyone goes into that office. it makes for a hostile work environment and degrades the employees efficiency since it takes time for everyone to get over what just took place.

People like you describe should never be taken as lightly as you suggest. But too many times it is overlooked by managers and the other employees have to suffer for it.

It happens in business, schools and government. it causes depression and anxiety and sometimes leads to suicidal thoughts when it seems jobs are in jeopardy. I am a victim of such treatment. I am retired but still have anxiety when I think about it. Even as I type this.

[Historic NY]

6. Wow, how did I ever get along in my own work life....

try working for a micro-manager, it can even be worse. Nothing is ever perfect, because they didn't do it. So the boss is an asshole that yells and shouts. I've got family members that do the same stuff at the drop of a hat. Perhaps this just wasn't the job for her.

[american_ideals]

15. This sounds like a real accusation. Remember, GOP trying to entrench plutocracy with their tax bill

Sloan said she did not believe she was sexually harassed by the congressman, but she said his behavior toward her was inappropriate and abusive. She said she was speaking publicly after seeing Conyers dismiss former staff members’ accounts of misconduct.


Sloan said that Conyers routinely yelled at and berated her, often criticizing her appearance. On one occasion, she said, he summoned her to his Rayburn Building office, where she found him in his underwear.

“I was pretty taken aback to see my boss half-dressed,” she said. “I turned on my heel and I left.”

Let's make sure we pay attention to these stories, while we recognize the GOP would rather us talk about this than their horrific tax cut bill.

Remember, the GOP is trying to entrench hereditary plutocracy with their tax cut bill. Let's talk about that too.