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Published November 06, 2009

Local view: Sexual harassment at UMD? ‘Rod was just being Rod’ chat

By Emilie Marshall, for the News Tribune

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Rozanne S.
Spokane, WA     11/06/2009 5:41 PM

I also agree with the latest comments made by David F. None of us really know what a perfect stranger is really capable of doing especially when they appear to be so nice and willing to lend a helping hand. When I think of a charming man who also was a serial killer by the name of Ted Bundy. He was a very charming man and charmed his way with his innocent victims who were also very young. I know that the crime of murder is in no way of a comparison to harrassment; however, it just goes to show a person that a charming stranger no matter how well intended can be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

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Mr. D. David D.
Chicago, IL     11/06/2009 3:59 PM

If “Rod was just being Rod” then the following is also true: “David Letterman was just being David Letterman” “Mark Sanford was just being Mark Sanford” “John Edwards was just being John Edwards” “Eliot Spitzer was just being Eliot Spitzer” “Bill Clinton was just being Bill Clinton” “Rod Raymond was just being Rod Raymond” Therefore, THANK YOU Ms. Emilie Marshall – you summed it up perfectly!!

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daniel f.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 3:45 PM

Yeah, she knows Rod just about as well as I know the nice gas station attendant, or the lady that held the door open for me. Give me a break. I'm only judging based on the reports and recommendation of the investigating party. Blaming the victims is about the worst thing you can do, and it makes me sick when people say they should have stood up for themselves or simply said something to Rod. Reporting this abusive behavior isn't as easy for the victim as some may think. Its not like they decided to do this over a cup of coffee one morning. The stood up for themselves in the most appropriate manner possible. Had they not said anything to the proper authorities, more women in the future will discover 'Rod being Rod.' Emilie and Rod both could use a sexual harassment course.

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Amanda P.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 2:51 PM

When the comments that he made during his snowy rescue made her uncomfortable, did she say something? Did she confront him? If so, I applaud her courage as a minor girl alone with an adult man. If not, perhaps she can understand the mindset of the young women who did not directly confront their teacher.

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Saywhat S.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 2:32 PM

How sad that the "she asked for it" mentality is alive and well STILL. And young women are accepting it?????? Holy yikes.

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Saywhat S.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 2:29 PM

Oh, Megan...oh dear. You NEVER want to blame a victim. I hope you are never faced with that. I have been, and when you are young and vulnerable people take advantage of you.

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Julie B.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 2:17 PM

Emilie, I applaud you for making your opinion known. However, you and young and naive and just didn't quite get the facts right. A person in a position of authority telling a female student that she looks "sexy" is not normal, nor is it appropriate. You can't write someone off as "just being themselves" if "being themselves" is inappropriate or against the rules. I realize you are a journalism major, but you are only a freshman, so I doubt you have studied too much into the area yet. When you do, you will learn the difference between reporting based on factual evidence, and reporting based on emotion and opinion.

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Ned N.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 1:54 PM

These girls aren't in High School anymore. I know Rod, (and I would be offended if you simply labeled me as a member of his 'base') and know that he is an approachable and respectful enough person to confront directly about an issue on this scale. If they went along with it until they finally 'tattled,' then they are equally, if not more, subject to blame. Political correctness has made everyone soft, I guess. In addition, keep your criticisms intelligent. By that I mean a.) understand that opinion articles are not strictly 5Ws journalism, and b.) if you are going to critique her writing style, check your own first.

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daniel f.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 1:28 PM

Dan H and Jack....you give hope to the sane people around here. Thanks.

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Ryan G.
Duluth, MN     11/06/2009 1:25 PM

Just because you disagree with her does not mean you have to resort to attacking her personally and her writing style. She's entitled to her opinion just as much as you are. Attacking her makes you look bad and defeats the point of opinion page.

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