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Opinion
Ill-advised
words on abuse could have positive impact
April
26, 2005
Make
no mistake. Domestic abuse is a despicable offense, whether it
involves women, men or children. In a way, it may be
fortunate, then, that ill-advised words by a state legislator
are likely to do more to combat domestic violence than
anything has in a long while.
Rep. John Altman,
R-Charleston, as most South Carolinians know, chose poor
wording before a bill on domestic abuse was killed by a
committee. His words came across as insensitive and indeed
hateful. The measure would have made a second offense domestic
violence conviction a felony instead of a misdemeanor, as is
now the case. Because of Altman’s words, lawmakers were almost
overwhelmed by a negative public response. In fact, the public
response was so strong that lawmakers promised a new bill on
the subject would be introduced.
APPARENTLY,
THE BILL THAT was killed included extraneous material
that should not have been in it. There were questions about
its overall constitutionality and chances are it would have
been sent back to committee had Altman not said
anything.
Nevertheless, the public perception of the
implications inherent in Altman’s remarks was such that the
subject will not be left wanting when the legislative session
ends. The public outcry will see to that.
Domestic violence
is serious stuff. There are too many who carry emotional and
physical scars around every day to ever doubt that. For that
reason alone Altman should have given a little forethought
before blurting out in a TV interview things like, “The woman
(who is abused) ought to not be around the man (who abuses),
or, “I mean, you women want it one way and not another.”
ALTMAN HAS A LEGISLATIVE reputation
as being outspoken. That has left him in hot water before.
Whether this time he meant what he said in the way it came
across doesn’t matter. How it sounded does. And the way it
sounded is not much less despicable than domestic abuse
itself.
Altman may suffer negative political consequences
this time around for things said in the heat of a moment.
Still, the serious matter of domestic violence, thanks to his
remarks, is in the public eye like never before. And that’s a
positive result that’s likely to lead to a better law and
improvements to the system.
There’s a lesson in it for all
of us. Thinking before speaking is always a good plan.
Editorial expression in this feature represents
our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.
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