I choose to write and speak publicly, and I have for years, although I don't pursue publicity. Also, what about everyone in the world who has social media? Do all of those people deserve to be bullied because they publish on the Internet?
I don't think it's too much to ask that other public figures think about how they would feel in my situation, instead of perpetuating the lie that what's happening to me and what I have to say about it are negligible and even something for which to blame me.
I hope that they know that, if our situations were turned around, and they said things about me that I didn't like, I would not retaliate by violating their rights or encouraging other people to violate their rights. The threats of exposure to which I am subjected every day are extortion.
I have never in my life consented to being videotaped or photographed naked or in other intimate situations. It's already bad that I've been victimized by voyeurism; for that voyeurism to be publicized as if it's my fault is outrageous.
What's happening to me could not have happened to someone who isn't poor. You're not supposed to have to buy your fundamental rights, and you're not supposed to be subjected to tactics of intimidation by the people who abuse those rights.
Copyright L. Kochman, December 7, 2016 @ 8:26 p.m.
