While I am NOT the least bit of a big fan of football, this
Penn State story is something I must speak on. Legendary Penn State Coach
Joe Paterno and the university President
Graham Spanier have both been removed from their positions, effective immediately due to sexual allegations against one of Paterno's former assistants. According to the press Paterno as well as school officials were aware of the abuse that was happening to the students and they did nothing about it. Students as well as Penn State Alumni and fans rioted outside of the university in Paterno's favour, throwing over cars and pitching rocks at police when the news broke out that their Stellar coach was to be fired.
But is it Paterno's fault? Was he wrong for not reporting the incidents to an even higher authority than what he had already reported to? Was it his responsibility to ensure the safety of the students that were in his care? Some people say, it's not his fault. He had nothing to do with it and that the university is wrong for firing him. Some say he is just as guilty as
Jerry Sandusky the man who is being accused of the actual abuse.
I say if Paterno knew of abuse and took the "Don't ask, don't tell," route, he is just as guilty. If I pick you up and we get stopped and there is a gun in my car, although it is my car, the police will take both of us to jail. Those students were in Paterno's care. His assistant sexually abused them and he knew about it and did NOTHING. Both of them are responsible. The children in this case are VICTIMS!
There is no excuse for victimizing a child, not in a church, not in a classroom, and definitely not in a locker room. I pray that if any of my readers have witnessed or been subject to any type of abuse, MENTALLY,PHYSICALLY OR SEXUALLY, THAT they
REPORT it. Do not be afraid or ashamed. Too often are things like this going on right under our noses, RIGHT IN OUR COMMUNITY. I thank God for having an overprotective mother, but I know that everybody wasn't as privileged. So if you've experienced anything like this, my heart goes out to YOU.
Prayers to the VICTIMS at Penn State and Across the World. God Bless - La
