There is no “accidental” rape.

I’m not going to comment on Strauss-Khan’s guilt, but just so we’re clear, there is no way in which this hypothetical, twisted Abbott and Costello routine exonerates him from a charge of rape. The identity or occupation of the victim is no more evidence of Strauss-Khan’s innocence or guilt than his own. Even if the victim were a sex worker, that would not justify Strauss-Khan continuing to assault her despite her refusing to give consent. The matter would be no different if this were an issue of mistaken identity. Sex workers do not relinquish their right not to be sexually assaulted merely because they have sex for money. A sex worker’s right of consent is as inviolate as anyone else’s. You cannot accidentally rape someone, no matter how bad your taste in food—or jokes—happens to be.

Adam Serwer responds to Bob Kuttner’s somewhat bizarre post. 

Putting Occam’s Razor to DKS’s Balls

One other detail that calls Strauss-Kahn’€™s judgment into question: McCormick€™s and Schmicks? Really? This place, suggested by a friend for a meeting, was the site of my only mediocre and overpriced meal in New York. And he’€™s supposed to be the ultimate French cosmopolitan? Maybe this is even exculpatory. A sophisticated diner confusing a chain restaurant with a decent New York eatery is almost capable of mistaking a housekeeper for a hooker. 

Bob Kuttner’s blog post headlines are laugh-out-loud funny (and the posts are, of course, insightful and smart.) 

One of the few positive parts of the DSK sexual assault scandal: it highlights the importance and strength of unions. Hotel workers from across NYC protested outside the courthouse this morning where DSK’s arraignment was held.