Can Joe Paterno be Defended Without Defending Child Abuse?
Posted: Friday, November 11, 2011
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437
Greetings Fellow Travelers …
It’s a fair question.
On television, I saw students marching in protest to “Joe Pa’s” dismissal. Ashton Kutcher stepped in “it” when he tweeted his idiocy to the world. Does this mean these folks condone child abuse? Well, Ashton Kutcher’s focus is on himself, much like his compadre and mirror-image Charlie Sheen- but what about the students?
Penn State has a long held and highly regarded reputation, or so it did. The accomplishment of the students over the years is not threatened by the grossly insensitive and criminal “eye-turning” of some of the staff. Still, I am curious as to how many of the cumulative living and breathing souls that made their way in, around, and through the campus over the years knew something and didn’t act either- student or staff.
Tragically, to answer my own question; No, Joe Paterno cannot be defended without legitimizing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Period.
Forget Sandusky- there is no doubt that he needs to pay for his crime. While he acted out his perversion, sideline players like Paterno essentially stood guard, protecting his sickening and disastrous exploits, and for what reason; to not “rock the boat?”
I see his “pity me” stance and his “can I please finish my career on a positive wave” malarkey and the only thing more appalling is the devastation left behind due to his inaction
Kudos to the powers that be that fired him over the phone. That’s far better than he deserved.
It’s a fair question.
On television, I saw students marching in protest to “Joe Pa’s” dismissal. Ashton Kutcher stepped in “it” when he tweeted his idiocy to the world. Does this mean these folks condone child abuse? Well, Ashton Kutcher’s focus is on himself, much like his compadre and mirror-image Charlie Sheen- but what about the students?
Tragically, to answer my own question; No, Joe Paterno cannot be defended without legitimizing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Period.
Forget Sandusky- there is no doubt that he needs to pay for his crime. While he acted out his perversion, sideline players like Paterno essentially stood guard, protecting his sickening and disastrous exploits, and for what reason; to not “rock the boat?”
I see his “pity me” stance and his “can I please finish my career on a positive wave” malarkey and the only thing more appalling is the devastation left behind due to his inaction
Kudos to the powers that be that fired him over the phone. That’s far better than he deserved.
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I didn't know about what happened, so I checked it out, and I think I agree with you. He knew and he didn't do anything about it? This is reminiscent of what Catholic bishops do with priests who abuse children - they protect them. It's unconscionable.There were a few people who knew but didn't do anything about it. I suspect that Paterno and his subordinates did a great deal more than simply turn a blind eye. For something like that to happen, and continue to happen, there has to be a system in place that allows it.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Jennifer!
I'm not solid on the specifics of the case so I'm treading on thin ice I guess but, from what I know...Wow! How could these people have been as quiet as they apparently were. I understand Paterno did not break the law because he reported it to someone higher up but, for Paterno to know he did that kind of stuff and tolerate him nearby--It's nuts. A few of us were having a conversation about all of this last night. One moral and caring woman said she did not know what she would do if she knew something like this was going on. Wow, again! I couldn't believe it. Anyway, anyone who knows or SEE's something like this has to report it, stop it, and be a man or a woman and step up and do the right thing--there is NO gray area here.One theory of mine; It's human nature to look away. We make plans for our life and something like this, if you get involved, can really mess up those plans.
Another theory; Most folks don't want to think that things like this happen in "their world."
They simply refuse to believe that evil is NOT an ugly, lazy and smelly thing, but in all actuality, a handsome, beautiful, lovely and attractive being that will calm your fears while raping your children.
You are right- no gray area here at all.
Thank you, Steve.
Ken, You are so right. I cannot believe people turned a blind eye to what was happening, especially in today's society. They got what they deserved in being fired. Good read.Thank you, Nancy.
My humble opinion is that they got far better than they deserved, but only God can or will-- or should--hand out the proper punishment. That's one of the joys of being a follower of Jesus Christ; I don't have to make THAT decision!
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