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The look on Victoria's face confirms that the comment was absolutely inappropriate. She showed up to do her job, and she was rewarded by her boss putting her in the same category as a prostitute. Let's face it, she was in a room that is still very much a boy's club. And, the only way they could deal with her gender and looks was sexualizing her presence. If some fresh-scrubbed, attractive male aide had been holding up the posters, no mention of the Spitzer scandal or any other sexual reference would have been made. It's not a joke to be demeaned in front of a room full of colleagues. DiMasi should be held as accountable as Larry Rivers when Mr. Rivers made his idiotic comment about women and science.

Tracy W., Boston


I think that it was part of the jokes, although in bad taste, but should have warned her that she may become part of a joke. "WE" as society have made jokes & comments like that to be NOT EXCEPTABLE and especially in the work place & in front of a large crowd. I think that if it had been in a corporate environment this would have been sent to human resources to see if grounds for firing him. Maybe that is why he so far HE as had NO COMMENT!!

- Judi, Brockton


DiMasi's comment about his aide is appalling and infuriating and I am not sure what upsets me more: the notion that a sexist, arrogant man was elected as our speaker or the notion that our speaker is neither, yet is still capable of demeaning and belittling a woman so casually. What does either scenario say about our society and the state of woman's equality within it?

- Jodi
Watertown, MA


Talk about going over the line/he sure did and he is a leader? 

- Bob, Worcester


Senator Jack Hart showed how thoughtless, brainless and cruel he is by picking on and making a DiMasi aide suffer the brunt of his sexist humor.  He just doesn't get it and shouldn't be elected to a college fraternity much less the state senate next time around. As a mother of a young woman my heart broke when I saw the look on that woman's face.  Powerful and protected men like DiMasi apparently can get away with comments like this.  Not even a team like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton can keep this going.  Unfortunately no one will run with this beyond Monday!

--Mary Anne


Moronic, Like most of our legislators. 

--Bud

DiMasi, well there is absolutely no excuse for his horrendous reference that not only compared and made his aide out to be a prostitute, but also by comparison called every aide working for the former governor of New York prostitutes.  What is it with DiMasi?  Is he really that insensitive and stupid.  He ought to step down form his role as majority leader.  The people of Massachusetts are poorly served by his presence and should demand he step aside.  
      
--Charlie


These comments were inappropriate. This young woman is somebody's daughter.  Would Mr. Demasi have liked to hear those crude comments made about his daughter.

--Bill

Well it seems that the boorish behavior we observe elsewhere has arrived in Massachusetts. Sal has shown that while he wears fine suits and tries to appear as a sophisticated leader within our legislature he is really just a power crazed, self absorbed, small minded, elderly good old boy after all.  

It is one thing for these politicos to insult and roast each others but to branch out and include the folks that are not part of the club is truly very disappointing.
  
I also hope that sooner rather than later Sal sees fit to apologize to the young woman and the citizens of Massachusetts.

--Bill Coni


The comment was inappropiate but because it was a "Roast" it could be expected, I am sure that the speaker had no malicious intent but he did lack good taste.

--Murph


When you employ a young lady, you should treat her like your daughter and that was not a comment that the Speaker or anyone at the podium should have ever made. How would you like that to be your daughter or sister? Completely unacceptable, tasteless and I am sure he reqrets saying it.

--Dennis, Medford, Mass.


Normally don't have a problem with comments along these lines. I think America has gone too PC these days, but for some reason this comment just seems wrong to me. The woman was doing her job. She does not deserve to have herself associated with anything about FORMER Gov. Spitzer. Many politicians expect to be the butt of many jokes as they walk in the hall for the breakfast. I doubt she even thought she would be part of the "show" that morning. She deserves better than that for doing her job. I don't think DiMasi should have to step down for his moronic comment, but he does need to address it publicly and face the music.

- Sam P.


DiMasi should know better.

- Bob B., Lowell


His comment was inappropriate, off base and lacked consideration. That being said, it was during the St. Paddy's Breakfast and was clearly an attempt at humor, not an intentional personal slight. Of course that won't stop the ridiculousness will it? String him up, get his resignation now! How could he! (Sarcasm intended). Wonder if the outcry would be so voluminous if it was a female making the comment instead? (Doubt it)

- Anonymous


Was rude & crude.

- Elaine L.


I can certainly understand why some would be offended, however, for me personally, the gloves are off for anyone male or female that decides to pursue a career in politics. That goes for the representatives, senators, department heads, and their assistants.

Let's face it, politically correct just doesn't cut it any more. The world has changed. If you're not thick skinned you better put your seat belt on, because you're in for a rough ride.

- Mike G.


Mr. Dimasi was way out of line for saying something like that. I think he is very disrespectful and should step down for such a horrific remark.

- James A.


Inappropriate & stupid!!!

- Bob W.


Talk about an overreaction. No one can crack any joke these days without some liberal whiner complaining about it. Spitzer has been the main topic of news for the past week, why would anyone be shocked at it being fodder for a joke?

It's crap like this that stifles free speech and I'm absolutely disgusted by it.

- Kris M.


I feel speaker Dimasis' comments about his aide were simply part of the days jokes. People need to have a sense of humor; it is outrageous that this subject is even a topic of debate. In my opinion the speaker meant no malice and the public should loosen up.

-Curley


This girl is merely doing her job, then her boss comes up with an idiotic comment like that!! Apparently he doesn't think much of the employee he has working for him. He seems more interested in getting a "laugh" from the audience. I guess he really needs to think twice before opening his BIG mouth!!

My guess would be that he didn't mean to take such a stab at his aide, but I hope he gave her a HUGE apology!!

-I.Clark, Plymouth


Oh I think it was most appropriate. Don't forget, this is Women's History Month, and men have been sexualizing their contempt for women for millennia - why should they stop now?

- Dorian B.


That was shameful. Sen DiMasi needs to do more that utter a quick apology at a very public breakfast. A public apology is required in all local media. How about "resigning" and allowing the Mass House of Representatives to take care of business instead of holding them and the governor hostage to his wishes. Who elected him King?

- Nancy M.


This is ridiculous. First of all who cares, isn't this her business. Did anyone ask her if she was offended? Maybe she is rational enough to understand that if you go to a roast you may be roasted. If you sit in the front row of a comedy show prepare to be poked fun at and maybe even offended. Not everything is sexual harassment, maybe something could just be a joke. I myself am a young American women and who would have guessed I can take a joke. Grow up America and find something more important to talk about. Isn't there a war in Iraq right now?

- Samantha, Middleboro


The young lady should be given a new job with a gentleman or woman in place of DeMasi and a public apology.

- "A Taxpayer"


Totally insensitive. Those two guys were up there disrespecting the young lady in front of the public. Typical old boy stuff ... Out for the quick laugh at the expense of others and... Most important, disrespectful to the aide. I'm surprised - I thought he was better than that.

- Chris W.


The comment made by Speaker DiMasi was deplorable and should have never been made. The Speaker should know better and this type of comment may not be a slip up as it may be a glimpse into what this man really thinks. Overall, I think Beacon Hill should evaluate if they want a man like this running the show up there.

-Manuel A.


Shame on the Speaker. In the regular workplace, in any "old boys network," anywhere, anytime this should not be allowed. Spare me the "can't you take a joke" nonsense. Mr. DiMasi has been around long enough to know better. All the women of the DiMasi should get in line to take him out to the woodshed... If Mr. DiMasi's aide is a college student in addition to her job on Beacon Hill, maybe part of his penance should be to pick up her tuition in total for the next semester. Also a month's worth of serving meals at Rosie's Place (minus the media in tow) would be another step in a workable Act of Contrition.

- Karen S.


Not only was that inappropriate, I was downright stupid. Many public figures making derogatory statements like this have lost their jobs. Shouldn't Mr. DiMasi be held accountable for publicly insulting and humiliating his aide?

-Anonymous


If it was meant to be a joke, it was a bad one.  She is owed more than an apology.

-Donna, Chelmsford


I thought it was quite funny. Everybody in this country needs to lighten up a little and stop taking things so personal. It's a roast of types; you're supposed to make sly remarks. She became open game as soon as she started holding up those posters.

-Mike, Leominster


I think newscasters should present news not personal opinions. DeMasi's comment was very inappropriate and I'm sure he realized that as soon as he said it.

-Jean M.


If this was his idea of a joke, then I hope he's got himself a good lawyer! Sounds like she's got a nice sexual harassment lawsuit settlement coming her way! I mean there it is right on video, on the news! What was he thinking???? To compare this woman to a career prostitute is no joke, it's demeaning and just disgusting! Obviously DiMasi has a low opinion of women in general. If I had been in her shoes I would have thrown his "movie posters" right at him and walked out the door!

-Susan W.


It was discussting and deserves an appology in public, and not a"just kidding" comment . There is picking on someone and joking about someone, this was just cruel and shovanistic. DiMasi has always gone to far every year he's been there.

-George C.


DiMasi should be ashamed of himself! That the idiot politicians get together and roast each other is one thing. But when they start to pick on -- and that's putting it extremely mildly -- innocent bystanders, they should keep their mouths shut! As my mother always said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Mr. DiMasi, take note!

-Cindy S.