Florida Democratic Party leader resigns after report of "creepy" behavior

[Jose Garcia]

Source: Orlando Sentinel

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Democratic Party chairman Stephen Bittel is stepping down after a report detailing the hostile and “creepy” work environment he created for women.

“When my personal situation becomes distracting to our core mission of electing Democrats and making Florida better, it is time for me to step aside,” Bittel wrote in a statement posted on the FDP’s Twitter feed. “I am proud of what we have built as a Party and the wins we have had for Florida families, but I apologize for all who have felt uncomfortable during my tenure at the Democratic Party.”

The effective date of the resignation isn’t set, but Bittel said he would work with the FDP to set a date to elect his successor.

A Politico report published Friday morning detailed claims from six anonymous former staffers and consultants that he made inappropriate comments, ogled them and invited them to his house and on his private jet. He also kept breast-shaped stress balls at his desk, which he said was a gag gift from a female former general counsel.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/political-pulse/os-fdp-chair-bittel-resign-20171117-story.html

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. When will guys get a clue?

Sexual harassment has been illegal for some thirty years now. Every employer of any size has rules prohibiting it and procedures for reporting it. When you start a new job you might even have to watch a video about it.

Everybody knows what it is - and yet it keeps happening.

It's simple: Don't talk dirty at work. Don't stare at women co-workers' or employees' chests, comment on their looks, touch them in non-touchable places (you know what they are), try to get them to come to your home, or ask them about their sex lives. Why is it so damned hard to just behave like a civilized, respectful human being?

[HeartachesNhangovers]

2. "Guys" aren't responsible for Bittels behavior,

Bittel is. Feel free to hound him until the day he dies - he certainly deserves it - but don't blame anyone else for his behavior.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. That sort of behavior is rampant everywhere.

If you're not a woman you wouldn't understand. It's everywhere. I doubt there are many women in this country who've worked outside the home who haven't been subject to the kind of stuff Bittell did. Of course he is responsible for his own behavior; but we live in a culture where this behavior is constant and usually unpunished even though it's illegal. Men - yes, all of them - need to figure out that this is not acceptable, ever; and either don't do it or don't condone it through inaction.

[HeartachesNhangovers]

4. It's rampant among men who have significant

hiring and career advancement influence over women - which doesn't include most men. But it does include most politicians and Hollywood producers.