The Penultimate Post
The one before the Final
A symphony typically consists of multiple movements. The 2nd to last segment of a symphony is commonly referred to as the “penultimate movement”. Plays have similar definitions: the 2nd to last segment is referred to as the penultimate act or scene. Therefore, I'm declaring today's post "The Penultimate Post."
Day One:
Starting on Sunday and each of the following days this week has been a segment of my response to the ludicrous and inaccurate accusations I have recently endured.
The first post, was intended to set the tone of my response. As noted in that post, I set a strong boundary and have not interacted this ill informed person. A subscriber sent me a note that someone on X said that I'm debating with this person. I have not.1
The first post showed the timeless speech by Robert Kennedy announcing the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. I noted that it would be ridiculous (the epitome of DARVO) for anyone to claim that MLK was responsible for his own murder. 2
Day Two:
The goal of this post was to show how we can fall prey to a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing." I used the example of the convicted child abusers, Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke, to illustrate how millions of people were bamboozled by a mob mentality, professional branding, and possibly a bit of content that makes sense.
After this post, I had several inquiries on "How can you tell?" Fortunately, I'd already planned my missive about hobby researchers and shoddy investigators.
Day Three:
The post about scientific researchers and their stunning developments was released. As noted in that post, that type of rigorous research and testing doesn't even compare with the online hobbyists who claim they are "researchers" and "investigators." I included sources for presenting legal evidence and conclusions as well as the minimum standards required of legitimate investigative journalists.
Hopefully, this information should help one tell if they are being manipulated by a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing."
Day Four:
This day was dedicated to those wondering if they should report to the police. In this post, I conveyed that I can't voice an opinion on this issue, simply because it wasn't an option for me. Therefore, I used RAINN's recommendations and advice on how it is the survivor's choice if they want to pursue criminal and/or civil actions. I also provided the 2022 study about how police officers have readily dismissed survivor’s accounts. But, as RAINN states, it can be empowering for survivors to take this action. Always remember, it's your choice.
Day Five:
Day 5 conveyed a snippet of my unmitigated rage. More on that, in the finale. In short, I identify with Taylor Swift's "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" and how this song "metaphorically addresses the rumors, false accusations, and negative media portrayals she has endured over her career."
Today, Day 6
Today, is the 2nd to last post, The Penultimate Post, about my response to the damaging and ridiculous attacks I've recently suffered. Please know, it took me awhile to process my emotions3 to get to a place recommitting to to do my part to love and offer support to those suffering. And, deepening my resolve to help survivors of sexual assault. I know we can unite with “love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, feeling of justice toward those who still suffer….”
With that said, don't let DARVO scare you. Learning about DARVO is one of the most empowering ways to combat it. Please use caution with whom you follow online. Remember it's your choice if you want to notify the police. And, anger can be healthy, just don't stay in that state for too long.
Tomorrow's post will be the finale. It will be for paid subscribers only because it will be much more personal and from my heart. Speaking of my heart, thank you for all the heartfelt and outraged messages. And, always I am so grateful for the prayers of support. Thank you.
As mentioned in Sunday's Post, I won't caste my pearls before swine.
Strangely, I finished my writing and then scheduled the post to drop early Sunday morning. Later that night, I heard that there was an assassination attempt on former President Trump's life.
My processing was similar to the stages of the sections in Paperdolls & Cowboy Boots--only my processing was quicker.