License to Harass, and Get Out of Jail Free

by Tom Arnold, ©2024

(Nov. 25, 2024) — First of all, let’s agree about something which I believe is important to this discussion.  We are all SINNERS.  That applies not only to you, me, and all others in our country (and, of course, the world); it includes those who are employed in either a civilian or government capacity.  By definition, then, sinners do include U.S. representatives and senators.  For the purposes of this discussion, WE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES and, as it turns out by a quirk of law (the Congressional Accountability Act in 1995), ONLY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.

All too often, we have seen that federal workers WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE or appointed to their offices (and are BEING PAID by citizens’ income taxes for DOING THEIR JOBS) have what seems like an acquired or automatic “LICENSE TO HARASS, AND GET OUT OF JAIL FREE.”  We are talking mainly about sexual harassment or related civil or sometimes criminal behavior involving sexual matters (presumably even including incidents of alleged rape).

Socially unacceptable wrongdoing (civil matters) and/or unlawful behaviors (crimes) such as these, whether or not they ever see the “light of day,” often are disposed of by our government without any charges being filed or court action being taken.  In some ways, the treatment of these government workers (specifically Congressmen and women) is similar to what in civilian jurisdictions is often called “diversion.”  I liken it to “GETTING OUT OF JAIL FREE!”  

Because of this rather permissive special treatment of legislators, one might even say they are being led (as encouraged, or invited!) to commit these types of offenses.  How do you feel about that?  Anyway, let’s take a look at who or what is involved in this and what, if anything, can be or is being, done about it.  Sorry, but I will not be naming any names; those involved obviously know who they are and what I am talking about.  Not surprisingly, though, so do I and many of you!  Incidentally, one difference between them and us is a distinction which I think should be emphasized, i.e., you and I do not hold jobs governing others and do not have such consequential responsibilities and employment.  Some even call them “public servants.”

I am going to provide you with some information about the former “Office of Compliance,” which was established by the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) in 1995 and thereafter became known as the “Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR).”  Apparently (but with only limited research by me), this office exists as an adjunct and resource SOLELY FOR OUR GOVERNMENT’S CONGRESS.  Why that is, I do not know.  Could it be because the offenses to which we’ve referred occur disproportionately more often with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate?  I doubt that the OCWR was formed for that reason, but in the reality of today’s world it does not seem to be too far-fetched!

Some facts for us to consider: 

The stated mission of the OCWR is to “advance workplace rights, safety and health, and accessibility in the legislative branch of the federal government.”  Apparently, this is a cloaked way of saying that the OCWR is a resource for complainants who allege sexual harassment or worse. 

In a November 2017 news story by CNN, the OCWR reported there had been a total of 268 “settlements” since its inception.  The settlements were paid out of a “special fund” within the U.S. Treasury and to that time had totaled over $17 million.  That, my friends, is MONEY FROM INCOME TAXES PAID BY YOU AND ME TO THE IRS.  Did someone say the alleged-to-be guilty parties “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE?” 

By the way, the “cases” and settlements are SECRET.  In the spirit of fairness, I do want to note that the OCWR does have some worthwhile and laudable programs, which include dispute resolution, education, enforcement, and resolution of racial, religious, disability, and discrimination matters.  

SO, WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT ALL OF THIS, IN PARTICULAR THE “LICENSE TO HARASS, AND GET OUT OF JAIL FREE?”  There’s something going on here that just doesn’t seem right. 

I have an idea:  SEND IN THE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY (DOGE).  Stop the OCWR and U.S. TREASURY from paying with citizens’ income taxes for Congress’s sex-related “SWEET DEALS!”  Make the offenders accountable for their misdeeds!  No more secrets!  I thought our country’s law enforcement agencies and courts were the keepers of law and order.