The power brokers down in Trenton were shocked, SHOCKED, to find out about the ongoing patterns of abuse and harassment that run rampant through the corridors of power in the state capitol. The bombshell report detailing tales of abuse and harassment, published by this very website, has forced Trenton to sit up and take notice even as those in charge plead ignorance.
I find it hard to believe the harassment detailed in the NJ.com report come as a surprise to anyone involved in state government. That’s because it was likely an open secret. The idea that people were acting inappropriately during a booze filled train ride to Washington D.C. filled to the rafters with legislators and lobbyists should surprise no one. The fact that it has been allowed to go on as long as it has should surprise everyone. The #metoo movement is long overdue in Trenton.
Finally, substantive measures are being taken to curb the “Toxic culture of abuse and entitlement” that lead to women being groped and harassed while simply trying to do their jobs. It’s going to take more than just a few showy committees to fix a problem that has become endemic in the system. It’s hard to take the governor at his word based on his terrible handling of Katie Brennan’s allegations, but here’s hoping that folks like Loretta Weinberg being on the case can affect some real change.
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