Or even a USEF member who is a U.S. citizen based in the U.S. And who might be considered a big loss by influential equestrians. Influential people who would be blaming heavily to deflect attention — heaping blame on either SS or the victims or both. The usual thing.
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I’d really hoped that we had progressed past this type of enabling of abusers. However, when parents settle out of court and the abuser isn’t named who is left to speak for the child? No one, until the child becomes of age and can force the issue themselves.
When the parents aren’t aware, the child can hardly be expected to stand up to the adult that is abusing them.
Hopefully Safe Sport will make a difference. :sadsmile:
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I would hope their NGB would and the FEI would reciprocate.
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There were some pretty big names who were active in entertainment: Harvey, Kevin Spacey, Louis CK, Matt Lauer, Roger Ailes, etc. While some of them might be considered old, they were at the top of their power/popularity.
I think something like the banning of GM would have a huge impact. Not only was he like a god in the sport, he was brought down for a lifetime of behaviour (i.e., just watching yourself starting now is not sufficient). I would think that would act as a real deterrent to others, no?
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Agree with the above, unfortunately there’s so much we don’t see, a la Justin Beiber just sued two girls accusing him of sexual misconduct for $20mil.
Interesting to think that the banning of GM (he was already banned, though he doesn’t seem to be taking it very seriously–who would have thought?) might persuade abusers to be more careful of protecting themselves, and hopefully show abusers current in the sport that there’s consequences for their actions (can’t believe you need consequences to avoid assaulting children, jfc).
Also interesting that this thread disintegrated from some viable discussion to YD’s sealioning, to an actual argument about a cartoon displaying a fart… a classic COTH masterpiece. (long time lurker)
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No. You would think, but no.
That is something I’ve learned in the last few years. Nothing stops the true predator. Some of them have been fired or “moved on” from jobs multiple times, some of them have even been in and out of jail (general, not just equestrian). Then they are busted again with thousands of photos of child porn on their new hard drive.
That’s why we need SS. The old “word in the ear” to stop a predator and save everyone embarrassment, especially him or her, has never worked.
It is a monument to the relaxed vigil of equestrianism that it has been possible for these guys to carry on for decades in this sport.
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Actually that was the point that was being made in the article I read. Harvey was past it, as far as the industry was concerned. He was no longer as involved in big projects and it had already become possible to say “no” to Harvey without much effect on one’s career.
Kevin had only the one series going. Roger had bad health and although still powerful, at the time he had some strong forces pushing back, as one of the brother-owners wanted him retired and out. It was questionable how much longer he could hold out had he not died when he did.
I don’t know about all if those names, but for the most part they were already sharing power and had stronger forces than ever competing for their power, and fewer supporting them, within their own organizations. Before the accusations. It’s telling that Matt was out so quickly after it went public.
Those who still hold significant control in their organization are much harder to dislodge, even after their misdeeds are public. Not naming names but we can all think of a few. Maybe an equestrian or two, as well.
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Could this be the reason for the protests against SS?
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@FitzE
apparently thought better about the cartoon and after waffling about whether the cartoon was or wasn’t meant for YD, has now edited the fart out of the cartoon.
So that bell has been unrung.
Part of the “disintegration of the thread” was a spate of identity accusations initiated by your “joke that didn’t work”.
In other news, FitzE has actually written some posts on the topic of the thread.
I have read through most of these pages and, for the sake of time, it might be easier to just scroll on past or not comment on any posts from YD in the future. It sure does get tiring trying to wade through her posts. I believe this is a battle that cannot be won. It has been fought in other topics and lost.
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I would think that going after current people would amp up the argument of, “But… but… you’re ruining lives!!!” and also exacerbate the claims that people attack others using SS as a way to prevent them from being successful. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to happen, but that’s the expected pushback.
YD, a fart is funny regardless of which end you’re on. Sometimes when you’re starting to feel falsely targeted it’s best to take a step back and return when you’re ready to see the whole picture.
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That’s true. I forgot that Harvey had begun to enter irrelevance. But Louis CK was certainly the top comic at the time.
Also true that these people don’t change and often simply change jobs or locations.
I guess all an organization like SS can do it keep knocking them down even while other’s are setting them up. It’s crazy.
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Why are you tagging me in this?
SS opponents have already been making these claims that “olympic hopefuls” were being targeted by green eyed monsters. Of course they could produce no evidence of this occurring, and given the thorough investigative process by a third party, I really do think it unlikely that even if a fake report were filed, it would progress to the point of sanctions.
Crazy as it sounds, there arent too many people who pretend to be sexual assault victims, and investigators aren’t playing gotcha with no evidence.
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internal block, Jealoushe, internal block.
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Even Benjamin Franklin found farts amusing.
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Because the moderator had already stated that I was not any other poster, past or present, which would include LadyB.
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That’s what I’m saying, though you explained it more clearly. The number of people who make false claims is infinitesimal, and the SS naysayers really do think that they ban people willy-nilly without any supporting evidence. My point was that drawing more attention to the current top people in the sport would only increase the SS backlash, even if it’s necessary.
I would hope that my previous posts here would show that I think an organization like SS is completely necessary and is doing its job.
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