The recent story regarding District Attorney Kenneth R. Kratz may ring a bell with more individuals than not..

D.A. Kratz has been accused of harassing a client and abusing his power in a way which can be considered inappropriate.  Most, except for a few, would agree that he should be removed from dealing with future clients within this type of setting.

The few that refuse to agree are those that are exactly like D.A. Kratz.  These individuals abuse their power within a workplace, home or relationship.  They “get off” on being able to control or manipulate others.  They are not fun to deal with and unfortunately, are not going away any time soon.

Each one of us has dealt with a bully, someone in charge, or a man or woman in power that has control over our livelihood.  It is not solely a female issue; it crosses over to men as well.   

The state of our economy and rise of divorce rate has caused most of us to succumb to this type of bullying behavior.  We deal with and overlook, knowing it will give us yet another pay period to feed our families and keep our homes.  Dual family incomes have now been reduced to the possibility of one or both standing in unemployment lines.  With one or the other being a bit too proud to beg, we continue to put up with the bully, knowing full well that it is easier to just get along.

Men and women similar to D.A. Kratz have been around since the beginning of time.  They use money, status, job titles and other to manipulate others into doing exactly what they so desire.  In the most unfortunate of circumstances, men and women have given into requests of a sexual nature.  Because of the dynamic of this “relationship” and fear of exposure, the victim is forced to stay and endure the most embarrassing of requests.   

Individuals who have yet to endure any type of harassment ask the age old questions, “Why?  Why don’t you just say no, why not complain to your Human Resources Department?  Why not tell someone, anyone about what is happening?”   That is so much easier said than done.

First off, some of the guilty are the ones working within the HR Department.  They may be the owner, his son, daughter or someone else on the higher end of the food chain.  They have enough money to protect their own and will let the victim go much faster than one of their own.  Because of the fear of losing their multi-million dollar incomes, other high end employees go along with the games and do whatever it takes to ensure their own security.  

Men and women who have been treated in a derogatory manner may react the same way as a victim of a domestic assault.  Initially, they may brush it off or pretend it never happened.  Next, they endure for as long as necessary and finally, may end up taking a stand.   There will eventually be a point of no return when that victim finds his or her voice.  It may take days, months or even years, yet it will eventually fester.

D.A. Kratz may possibly be a serial harasser.  He, along with so many others, has decided to take a medical leave and may have stated that he “needs help”.  Are we not sick to death of these types of individuals admitting themselves into treatment after they are exposed?   Is he planning on hanging out with Tiger or Mel?  I hope not!

D.A. Kratz, do us all a favor.  If you are guilty, state that you are.  Go ahead and admit your wrongdoings.  I know it’s not easy.  It wasn’t easy for me to inform my 17 year old that I really don’t have wings hidden beneath my shirt nor am I Mary Poppins.  By coming clean with my own child, I allowed her the chance to know that I am human, which is not the easiest pill to swallow.   

We know that you may not be ready and your hand is forced.  You may never admit guilt or defeat.   I pray that anyone else in your shoes will be able to see the light sooner than later and get help before 30 or more text messages are revealed.   May the men and women who have the DA Kratz personality find the strength to do what is right, moral and just.  

At the end of your life, do you want to be known as a Napoleon or a Mother Theresa?  It’s completely up to you!