A Letter Judge Kavenaugh Should Have Written

Can this be a place where justice 
rolls on like a river?

Many of us are experiencing grief about all the polarization resulting from Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings. This was only made worse when Kavanaugh blamed Democrats, liberals and leftists for conspiring to bring up the disturbing allegations made by Christine Blasey Ford. The groups he's disparaging are, after all, a part of the diverse mix of US citizens with issues that may some day come before the Supreme Court, representing cases he would need to decide without any political bias. 

Meanwhile, I wish he could have published the following:

Dear Dr. Ford (and other accusers):

I hope you can understand how the intense scrutiny I've been subjected to in the confirmation process has been extremely difficult for me and my family. Yet it has also made me aware of how some of my actions of years ago must have caused great suffering for you and others.

(While I do not recall) or (While I now acknowledge) the alleged traumatic incident you have described, I must admit that in high school and as a young adult I was a part of a peer group in which excessive drinking and inappropriate behavior and attitudes toward girls and women were far, far too common. I deeply regret such behavior in that stage of my teen and young adult life, and especially regret any harm I or any of my peers may have personally caused you or others.

There is no excuse for anyone of any age to physically or psychologically assault or otherwise traumatize any one of any age or either gender. Period. Looking back and acknowledging my part in such behavior causes me great shame and makes me all the more determined to spend the rest of my life rectifying this kind of harm. I am determined to have my experience make me a better and more compassionate judge, and a more focused advocate for the rights of any and all who are exploited or otherwise harmed.

I am also personally willing to meet with Dr. Ford and with any of my accusers in a restorative justice process in which I have the opportunity, which I sincerely welcome, to fully acknowledge whatever wrongs I've done and to repair any harm to which I've contributed, to the best of my ability.

In conclusion, I can only say I am deeply sorry and sincerely ask for your forgiveness. I see forgiveness as involving far more than a dismissive "let's pretend this never happened," but is based on thorough repentance and turning ones life in a positive and new direction.

I hope you and the American people will extend me that grace and grant me that opportunity.