I am horrified at downplay of Trump, Bush conversation

I work alongside victims and survivors of trafficking. I have friends and family who have been sexually assaulted. I have two young daughters I want to protect from a rape culture that makes excuses for unacceptable male behavior.

I am a believer in Jesus, who demonstrated to us that the powerful should not exploit the vulnerable. He willingly gave up his “platform” and prestige, showing that violence is not the answer to humanity’s sin issue.

For all these reasons and many more, I am horrified that some might want to downplay the impact of Donald Trump and Billy Bush’s conversation on that tape. I am disgusted that political utilitarianism would even be a factor in what should be a discussion about sexual violence and our complicity in the crisis.

I am ashamed that I have to explain to my son that no one should treat women this way much less be celebrated for it.

This story was originally published October 19, 2016 at 12:53 PM with the headline "I am horrified at downplay of Trump, Bush conversation."