The Sandusky Scandal

            The verdict is in, and Jerry Sandusky has been found guilty of some forty-five criminal counts of child sexual abuse. The former assistant football coach to Joe Paterno at Penn State University is on his way to prison for life. The scandal has sent shock waves throughout Pennsylvania and across the country. How could such an outstanding coach and role model commit such devious acts? Yet, that’s one of the questions that will linger for some time.

Even more puzzling was his complete denial of any wrong-doing. Scheduled to testify on the last day of trial, he decided to decline. Instead, throughout the hearings, he brazenly “eye-balled” each of his accusers, in a seeming attempt to intimidate them.

Prosecutors summed up the charges thusly: Sandusky was “a serial predatory pedophile,” who used gifts and the pageantry of Penn State’s vaunted football program to lure and abuse vulnerable boys from troubled homes.

Interestingly, his wife, Dotty, gave a brief testimony in her husband’s defense, saying she had no knowledge of his sexual activity with boys. It’s mind-boggling to think that Jerry and his wife can flat-out deny any wrong-doing in light of the heart-wrenching, intimate details of the eight boy accusers who testified. Then on top of that, Jerry’s adopted son Matt has come forward to accuse his dad of molesting him as a boy. Jerry’s silence was like a death knell, sending out the message, “guilty as charged!”

Just prior to the jury’s verdict, Connie Bowland arrived at the steps of the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, PA. This guidance counselor from an area elementary school was there for one reason.

“I want to look him in the eye, I want to see him, face him,” Bowland said. She was referring to Jerry Sandusky, who was not only a coach, but founder of the Second Mile charity, designed to help youths at risk. She thought these children were going to camps, etc. but instead became prey for the devious acts of a predator.

“I feel total betrayal, Bowland said; “I sent him these kids that were at risk, underprivileged, to give them an opportunity they wouldn’t have.”  When hearing he might testify, she planned to be front and center where Sandusky not only faced the court, but faced her as well.

Working with drug and alcohol addicts for many years, it is not uncommon for them to deny their addiction up front. This is why so few addicts ever recover. Sex-addicts are no different. In fact, denial is the common denominator in all kinds of addiction. This is true, especially in Sandusky’s case. His notoriety as a outstanding coach, a role model for young men, etc., could only serve to bolster his addiction and cover-up. How could such a “great man” ever commit such atrocities? Not only that, but how could he “come clean” with his wickedness and still keep his sanity? He has chosen to suppress his guilt, which eventually may only lead to despair and hopelessness.

            A psychiatrist testified that Jerry may have “a mental disorder.” Really? Anyone who commits such dastardly deeds is “mental;” but the mental problem is a result, rather than a cause. Evil thoughts can produce “sick” actions, but that doesn’t excuse one’s responsibility for sin. If every criminal is “sick,” then how can justice ever prevail? To equate sin with sickness is to eliminate guilt; we put sick people in the hospital, not in prison.

The ramifications of this case are endless. The untimely termination and death of Coach Joe Paterno are directly related to Sandusky’s actions. In hindsight, Coach Paterno probably wished he had handled the situation differently. One can argue Penn State University’s dismissal of Paterno, but whatever the case, the whole University was rocked by this scandal. What about Joe Paterno’s family, the coaching staff, the Sandusky family, and the millions of football fans across America? What devastation! And all through the hypocrisy and perversion of one man!

                        Did Jerry not sacrifice his future on the altar of fleshly gratification? Did he think that his mental brilliance, his elevated social status, and physical prowess, would exempt him from liability for his illicit behavior? These are questions, not only for him, but for many others in our corrupt society, including many revered religious leaders. What goes around comes around. Seeds take time to germinate and produce fruit. The initial process is “covered up,” but it’s only a matter of time before the harvest is revealed. Reputation is what men think we are, but character is what God knows us to be.

            Mr. Sandusky has done a great injustice to those who have revered him. The effect of his “role model” has been nullified. What could have been a great legacy, has instead become a saga of irreparable damage and heart-break. May God’s healing grace be extended to all those who have been victimized.

Free Speech: Used or Abused?

             One of the great privileges of being an American is the freedom of speech. Unlike most countries of the world, we can still express our views openly, within reason. Talk is everywhere, whether on radio, TV, cell phones, Internet, etc. However, with such privilege comes grave responsibility, whether in the public or private domain. Words are powerful, and can help or hinder; they either build people up, or tear them down. The old adage, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names (words) can never hurt me,” is really not true. I have seen folks readily healed from knife and gunshot wounds, who have yet to overcome the inner trauma caused by the cancer of caustic words.

            The tongue is a potent instrument. For instance, a positive word can greatly encourage a child’s heart, while a negative tirade can crush that child’s spirit. Some children have grown up with the constant “reminder” that they are “stupid, and will never amount to anything.” How many families are in  disarray and divorce-bound because of hateful speech? Listen to how young people display verbal hostility and “bullying” toward each other. Words have dire consequence.

            There is certainly room for free expression of varied opinions, whether on a national or local level. Talk radio is a constant means for exchanging ideas, especially in the political arena. With the Presidential election coming up, this warfare of words will only escalate. Regardless of political persuasion, there’s no reason why this world of ideas cannot be approached with civility and mutual respect.

With that in mind, I am thankful for the outstanding service rendered by our Tribune Chronicle. The editorial staff has demonstrated great concern for our community, along with an open forum for the diversity of ideas. The two-hundredth year celebration was a testimonial of our national history and the Tribune’s dynamic role in journalism. The publishers need to be commended for their dedication to free speech and their contribution to the legend of America.

            It has been both an honor and challenge to contribute as a “community columnist.” I’ve had “fans” and critics, but it’s all been par for the course. Some articles have been controversial, giving us opportunity to stretch our minds. More than once, I’ve been “bent out of shape” by pieces printed in the Tribune; but some of you have had a similar reaction after reading my “stuff.” Whatever the case, it’s been a learning experience, and a meaningful adventure, not afforded to those who live in Iran.

This matter of free speech also warrants a personal evaluation. I am amazed at the incessant volume of “cell-phone” use. Are we really communicating with one another, or is it just “chit-chat?” Do we really have something to say, or do we just have to say something? Are we effectively using this privilege, or abusing it? Then you have the TV “celebrities” who can’t speak a sentence without profanity. With so many “bleeps,” one begins to question, among other things, the size and depth of their vocabulary.  

Our character is revealed by our words; to hear a person speak his mind for five minutes, exposes who he really is. In counseling, words are vital in promoting understanding, and fostering healing to those involved. Therefore, the need for heart-to-heart communication of truth in our relationships is paramount. I believe that fewer couples would divorce if they faced their problems with honesty and humility.

            As citizens, it’s time to use our freedom of speech while we still have it. Insidious forces are at work to curtail and squelch this privilege. On every level, our words have impact, which behooves us to use them carefully. Character and verbal integrity are woefully scarce these days. The need to “say what we mean, and mean what we say,” is overdue. How different our world would be if words were properly used, rather than abused. 

Drilling for True Prosperity

            Recently several land owners in the Valley received large checks from gas-drilling companies for mineral rights. I’m sure these folks were not only elated by the money, but by the thought of having such a potential energy source right in their back yard! These folks have been sitting on a “gold mine” without realizing it. Of course, the acquisition of the natural gas will depend on the effectiveness of the drilling or “fracking” process. I’m happy for these residents, and the anticipated economic boon to this whole region.

            It causes me to be thankful for the unlimited natural resources contained in the earth. Before thinking of drilling for natural gas and/or oil, we’ve been able to drill for water---the basic sustainer of life. How amazing that water is attainable to all on this planet, but there’s not a drop available on the Moon!  

            Could not this same principle apply to human resources as well? There are hidden qualities in every human being waiting to be “tapped.” The media is replete with violence, sex, and foolishness, overshadowing these inner qualities. There’s an epidemic of sensual frivolity and pleasure-madness. Just look at the present investigation of the alleged prostitution activity in some 8 so-called “Health Spas” in our area!

            Somehow we need to find our “soul and conscience” again---that character training we used to know. Remember when “drilling” had other meanings besides boring a hole in the ground? It involved “training by repetition,” by parents and teachers. What about the “flash card” drills in Math, or even the Catechism at church?

            Ask anyone with military experience to describe a “Drill Instructor.” Some of us had elementary school teachers that fit that description—remember? These were the teachers you hated at the time, but afterward you loved, because they “dug” the best out of you. They knew how to “drill.”

            Recently, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini addressed the Friends of Scouting breakfast in Howland. The Youngstown lightweight boxing legend extolled the high standards of the Boy Scouts, and their role in developing future leaders. He said, “Faith, honor, perseverance and responsibility…You have to be responsible for your actions in life. Everything you do you will have to answer for…” He further expressed concern for young people who were seeking instant gratification without exerting the “sacrifice and dedication” needed to achieve their potential.

             The Scout Oath requires a young man to pledge his honor in doing his best “to do his duty to God and his country, and to be reverent.” Actors John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, both Scouts in their youth, were honored by President Ford at a benefit dinner in 1980. Mr. Stewart, who had earned Eagle Scout rank as a boy, received the Distinguished Scouter Award. Both of these men recited the Scout Law without a hitch---they had been “drilled.”

            Commenting on “Duty to God,” Mr. Stewart said it was recognition that there is someone above this universe, who watches over it and us. It is a “lifetime thank-you note our hearts send out in appreciation for the life that has been loaned to us here on earth.”         

            After John Wayne recited the Scout Law, he commented on “Reverent.” To “put it simply,” he said, “Believe in anything you want to believe in, but keep God at the top of it. With Him, life can be a beautiful experience. Without Him, you’re just biding time.”

            While we’re drilling for “riches” below the earth, let’s not forget the wealth residing in individuals on the earth. We must return to the basics of “duty” to God, family, school, church, and society. We cannot survive as a country apart from embracing the principles that made it great. We must not only drill for natural energy sources, but there’s a desperate need to strike the depths of moral consciousness, producing a “geyser” of spiritual awakening.