I’m just back from three days at Penn State, or State College, Pa., which are actually pretty much synonymous. That’s because the land-grant school came first, then the town grew up around it. Many businesses have something related to the university in their name or vision, and they all exist Read more…
Although the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse trial “will, for a brief moment capture the attention of the eyes of the world,” according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly, there are bigger stakes to be had. The foremost stake is the fear of child sex abuse victims themselves, that no one Read more…
At least eight young men and children everywhere slept easier last night, knowing that a clarion call has gone out following the verdict in the historic sex abuse trial of Jerry Sandusky. Found guilty of 45 out of 48 counts of the criminal carges Judge John Cleland told the jury Read more…
In a child sex abuse trial of historic proportions, where the victims have only been identified by number, I felt rather honored today to become a number myself. And even though I was “Public Member Number 21,” by the time I entered the courtroom, the only remaining seats were at Read more…
When Jerry Sandusky waived his right to a preliminary hearing last Tuesday, I could only think of one good reason: plea deal. Which is one of the worst things that can happen to a case like this. It’s also one of the best. Before I tell you what that is, Read more…
If you happen to be in Bellefonte, Pa., today to show support for the Penn State victims–or for Gerald Sandusky’s preliminary hearing–and you see a blonde woman carting a satchel of books, it’s me. I’m not lukewarm, but am either hot or cold: sometimes I take days or weeks to Read more…
If nothing else, I’m thrilled that the Penn State scandal has allowed other victims of child sexual abuse to break their silence. According to NPR, attorneys around the country are fielding phone calls from victims eager to report their abuse. It’s about time. Because breaking their own silence is the Read more…
Children everywhere are still not safe tonight. That’s because a pedophile was allowed to roam the halls of a sacred academic institution, while power and prestige took priority over the plight of the children who were sacrificed to the gods of profit. Kind of reminds me of the ancient god Read more…