Before Ms. Jones filed her case in 1994, we cautioned that "every Paula Jones deserves to be heard, no matter how old she is and how long ago the incident occurred, no matter what kind of accent she has or how much money she makes, and no matter who she associates with."
Last summer we successfully took on the president's lawyers over the use of the "nuts or sluts" strategy of irrelevant personal attacks meant to discredit and intimidate Ms. Jones.
When allegations of an affair between the president and Monica Lewinsky surfaced, we condemned the misuse of power by the president or any public official who has a sexual relationship with an employee or intern.
Ironically, the media reported we were finally breaking our silence when Kathleen Willey's deposition became public and we noted that her allegations, if true, constituted not just harassment but assault.
We will continue to speak out in support of women's right to a fair hearing and a just resolution of their complaints, and their right to be free of irrelevant personal attacks, regardless of who they are bringing charges against.
NOW is an independent political force that believes feminist principles trump practical politics. Our political action committee did not endorse in the presidential races of 1992 and 1996, and we have organized many protests over policy differences with the Clinton administration.
We urge everyone to check our web site at www.now.org to read our statements directly. As one correspondent wrote by email, "My first five minutes browsing your website made it clear that your position and attitude towards this case and others have been gravely misrepresented...I pledge that I will never believe another thing that I hear about NOW or Patricia Ireland, until I cross check it against your excellent website. " We urge your reporters and readers to do the same.
Patricia Ireland
President, National Organization for Women