Ireland

Ireland

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Rebuttle

It seems some people disagree with my thoughts on the firings and non firings of the people associated with the once mighty Penn State football program.
I just love a good debate.

What surprises me most is what happened at a meeting that took place last night in "Happy Valley" with the alumni that were present. They made it clear to the reigning president of that school, that they were unhappy with the firing of one Joe Paterno. One guy shouted out, "why was he fired?" ( see drinking the cool-aid previous post )

Um, can I answer that? You see, old Joe knew that a 10 year old boy was sexually abused in one of the football teams locker room and for years he never reported it to the authorities. Dear alumni, in the human world, that is a bad thing, so, that's why he was fired.

If you witness a burglary or a woman getting beaten on a street corner, or, lets say a 10 year old boy getting raped, would you report it to your boss or call the police? Maybe it's just me, but I'm calling the cops.

As far as the school acting by firing JoePa before "the culprit was convicted?"
Let's review, shall we?

An adult saying he was abused by Sandusky many times when he was 10 yrs old.
An assistant coach saying he SAW Sandusky having sex with a 10 year old boy.
A head coach who admits the assistant coach told him about Sandusky having sex with a 10 year old boy.
I'm sorry, but convicted or not convicted, that really is enough for me. And lets not forget, there are FIFTY other instances we haven't even talked about yet and Sandusky himself saying on national TV that he likes to "horse around" with boys in the shower.
Case freekin Closed.

Let's take this to another level. Let's remove this scenario from the sacred hallowed grounds of "Happy Valley," ( hairs on back of neck standing up ) separate it from a living legend of a football coach and use an example we can all relate to. Let's pick another workplace environment we can use, let's say, a teacher for lack of a better idea and swap some characters around.

Ready, let's play.

School principal =Athletic Director
Head of Art dept = Joe Paterno
art teacher = Mike Mcqueary
Math teacher = Jerry Sandusky
10 yr old boy = 10 yr old boy.

The art teacher one day sees the Math teacher in a empty room having sex with a 10 year old boy.
The art teacher reports this to the head of the art department. ( instead of slamming Math teachers head against any solid object.)
The head of the art department goes to the Principal and reports what the art teacher told him.

For the next 8 or so years the Math teacher is seen frolicking through the halls with other 10 yr old kids.
Then one day, the police arrest the Math teacher because there are over FIFTY ONE complaints against the Math teacher.

It turns out the principal didn't call the cops.
The head of the art dept must have realized this because the Math teacher was seen in school with young boys, for many years, but he didn't feel it was important enough to call the cops.
The Art teacher must have realized no action was taken concerning the vicious disgusting act he witnessed, because he saw the Math teacher in school, with young boys, for many years, but he also didn't feel it necessary to call the cops.

So, you really don't think the Principal, the head of the Art dept AND the Art teacher should be removed form their jobs? I'm more concerned about the well being of children than I am about the employment concerns and reputations of a couple of coaches.

Your appreciation for the "law" is commendable, but they already waited 8 years to act, and firing Joe Paterno is the nicest thing they could do. JoePa didn't say anything for one reason. He didn't want to bring shame to his beloved University.

How'd that work out for you Joe?

Have a great rest of the week.


12 comments:

Donna said...

Mark
Thanks SO much for being a voice of reason. It's amazing to me how consistently we place the pathology of adults before the protection of children.

Sueann said...

I didn't realize it was such a "let's all drink the Koolaid" bunch of people! Yikes!
Know I see why it was so bizarre.
It makes me sick that someone saw this happening and did nothing about it. I would have tackled said coach for sure! And then beat the crap out of him.
Sigh!
Sick people for sure All of them
Hugs
SueAnn

Formerly known as Frau said...

Yes I'm clapping right now...well put Mark! Did you hear on the news today Penn St. is paying Paterno as if he retired not fired...unbelievable!!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Bravo, Mark!!!

dcpeg said...

You are so right, Mark! The problem is that there is a culture among some groups of men, particularly in the policing, military and sporting worlds that requires guys to watch each others backs. No snitching on one of "the guys" -- no matter what!

I hope "the guys" take to heart the messages from this horribly painful and damaging (for the victims -- to heck with the perps.)disgraceful event.

Joy Tilton said...

Why so many people didn't do the right thing saddens me, it says "I don't care." We live in small town America and nearly everyday there are charges brought against child molestors. WTH is going on that this is so widespread? I think I have to lay down for a while and get my BP down to normal...

Unknown said...

Well said, Mark - you're absolutely right.

Reena said...

A sad situation for all ... mostly the young boys. The university added appropriately NOW ... just should have years and years ago.

Anonymous said...

I still maintain that you are crucifying the wrong person.
You are assuming that Joe (and others) knew the details. Hearing comments from McQuery, in particular, I do not believe he gave Joe the specifics.
I wish that all involved had done more, but hindsight is a great gift. Punish the perpetrator, don't make scapegoats of others.
Molly

Anonymous said...

I still maintain that you are crucifying the wrong person.
You are assuming that Joe (and others) knew the details. Hearing comments from McQuery, in particular, I do not believe he gave Joe the specifics.
I wish that all involved had done more, but hindsight is a great gift. Punish the perpetrator, don't make scapegoats of others.
Molly

Debb said...

Well Said. I am from Pennsylvania and I am ashamed and appalled at the way all of this was handled or not handled. An "Old Boys" network and sports rule... so sad for everyone.

My heart breaks for the children involved and I pray that they all find peace within themselves soon. The horror that they went through and will endure for the rest of their lives is so, so, sad.

Melinda Owens said...

Dear Anonymous Molly,

To use the word crucify implies that Paterno is being punished in place of Sandusky. That is not the case. This horrific incident is like an onion. Each layer that is peeled away only reveals another rotten layer, with Sandusky being at the core. He will eventually be punished, and I pray, to the fullest extent of the law for what he's taken from these boys, now young men. The outer layers, the coaches, the administration and anyone who else who even sensed this was going on, protected Sandusky. They should have been protecting the children who didn't have a voice. They trusted this man. They felt guilt and shame which only further silenced them. Paterno, and everyone else who knew, even if they didn't know the details, chose not to do anything. They aren't scapegoats. They are participants and are just as accountable for their lack of action as Sandusky is for his heinous actions.