Is this just the tip of the iceberg? More allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful men emerge every day. 

Ten days ago, on November 19, I posted the comments below. 

Aren’t you tired of reading about the outrageous sexual behavior of powerful men?  

I am. As a man, a husband, father and grandfather, I am deeply disturbed by the seemingly endless revelations of totally unacceptable actions (and talk) by men in high places in our society.  

What’s going on here? I’m afraid it’s evidence of serious moral decay. Men who can’t control their impulses are not men. They’re boys whose emotional growth is stunted and whose character is deeply flawed. No mature man forces himself on a woman, another man or a child! No man who has reached physical, emotional or mental maturity allows his aggressive sexual urges to dominate his behavior toward others. 

These are men with serious problems. They need help. They do not belong in positions of authority or power over others.  

In recent years we’ve seen that sexual predators can be found where we least expect them to be—occupying positions of trust and confidence in the Church, in government, in the entertainment industry, in business and in fact anywhere there are opportunities to exercise power and influence over others. 

It’s tempting to blame the so-called sexual revolution of the 1960s for this outbreak of sexual abusiveness, but those of us who grew up in the 1950s experienced its powerful behind-the-scenes effects. Sexual abuse is out in the open now, and that’s a good thing, but it doesn’t make it easier to stomach.  

We need to rethink our understanding of the meaning and purpose of human sexuality. And many of us—especially rich and powerful men—-need to change the way we express ourselves sexually. 

In June 2002, when faced (finally) with the awful truth of clergy sexual abuse and the failure of Church leaders at all levels to deal with it appropriately, the bishops of the United States developed a charter with a zero tolerance policy. No clergyman or church employee who is credibly accused, and subsequently found guilty, of abusive sexual behavior may remain in Church ministry. No exceptions. No excuses. 

I think it’s time for leaders in all other sectors to do the same. It is no longer acceptable—if it ever was—for powerful predators to simply apologize for bad acts and then go about their business as usual in government, business, the news and entertainment industry, social service, education or religion. We must hold our leaders to a higher standard, and they must be held accountable for their actions. 

Once again, we need to rethink our understanding of the meaning and purpose of human sexuality. And many of us—especially rich and powerful men—-either need to change the way we express ourselves sexually or face the serious consequences of an across-the-board “zero tolerance policy.”