The Clinton-Paula Jones case

A judge's dismissal of Paula Jones' lawsuit (against President Bill Clinton) helps draw clearer distinctions between what is sexual harassment -- the legal version -- and what is not.

Not every clumsy pass made by a boorish guy meets the legal definition of sexual harassment. Not every creepy act creates a hostile work environment. Not every problem can be solved in court.

Women especially have to be careful not to foster a victim culture in the workplace. Indeed, they sell themselves short if they go to work each day as fragile flowers who will wilt on a moment's notice. Most of the time, women can handle these situations themselves.

U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright ruled, appropriately, that Jones' claims met neither the quid pro quo definition of harassment nor the hostile work environment definition. Jones' contention, for example, that she suffered because she did not receive flowers on Secretary's Day mocked, and cheapened, legitimate cases.

-- The Seattle Times