We’ve seen the stories. Alleged sexual assault by football players against a teammate.
I’m shocked by the conduct of those involved. What’s wrong with us? Can we accept such actions without outrage? Why should supposedly trusted adults tolerate this behavior?
Sorry for any confusion. I’m not talking about the children. I’m troubled by the tragic actions of adults in positions of authority. I’m not sure more irresponsible treatment of children could occur if they tried. But, no adults were charged with crimes.
How can I explain my opinion? No science necessary. Use the common virtues: justice, responsibility, empathy, compassion, and forgiveness. Examine each before you throw the first stone at the youths.
Begin with justice and responsibility. When I heard children were indicted on felonies I had to wonder: Why were no adults named? Imagine watching TV with your spouse while the conduct of teens in your basement causes serious criminal charges. You’d likely face at least “endangering the welfare of a child” for poor supervision. Imagine being paid school staff. What the heck happened? And please, don’t give me, “I wasn’t in the room.” We’ve all heard tales of hazing gone wrong.
Does training on hazing at the start of each sport’s season with the players take place? Who now pays the price for failed oversight? The adolescents?
No report of Superintendent of Schools Mike Hayden or head football coach Dave Uimonen accepting some responsibility and culpability for what happened? No statement of outrage over their students being accused of felonies?
The superintendent said earlier, “We are continuing to work with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.” What did that mean?
Did police have full access to school staff, students, and the ability to ask about prior incidents or any horse-play toleration? Was District Attorney Christine Callanan told it’d be better if the school handled any staff misconduct internally and confidentially?
Judge Richard Healy said the defendants acted in a “heinous” manner. The definition of heinous is “outrageously evil or wicked.” We have evil children in Clyde?
However, one of the defense attorneys said what a video shows “is going to be up to some interpretation. I think everyone should keep an open mind.”
Our society is quick to judge external actions. I recall three conditions for real evil: “The act is a grave matter and done with full knowledge and deliberate consent.” Children can cause serious harm, but adults have obligations to supervise and teach.
Let’s move on to empathy, compassion, and forgiveness. Remember Dec. 25 and WWJD, or “What would Jesus do?”
As a teenager, I recall doing some criminal things. I have empathy for how a terribly bad idea can suddenly seem OK to a group of boys. I’ve been there. Have any of you?
Certainly, I have compassion for the young victim. It must have been terrifying. My adult time spent in courts and jail allows me to extend the same to the others. They and their families have been terrorized by weeks of judicial threats.
Can we stop a legal train wreck and change our focus? I was happy to read recently about a discussion of dismissing the charges.
And, how about reconciliation? I recall serious fights between neighborhood kids, fights during which blood flowed. But a responsible adult brought them together, apologies were made, and offenses forgiven. Lives could move forward without being chained to the past.
Do you still have a desire for punishment of these children? If so, you must also demand criminal charges against the adults involved. How about that?
Let’s bring this tragedy to an end. In my opinion, dismiss all the charges. I know the boys must have learned a lesson. I’m not so sure about the adults.
John Murtari of Lyons is the son of Italian immigrants. He is an Air Force Academy graduate and former pilot. He earned a master’s degree in computer science and always worked in that field. He’s done volunteer work for the elderly and homeless and considers himself an idealist. He’s been arrested and jailed over 45 times in peaceful demonstrations for reform. Contact him at john@murtari.org.
MURT'S MINUTE: Looking at the alleged Clyde-Savannah sexual assault in another way
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29.01.2024
We’ve seen the stories. Alleged sexual assault by football players against a teammate.
I’m shocked by the conduct of those involved. What’s wrong with us? Can we accept such actions without outrage? Why should supposedly trusted adults tolerate this behavior?
Sorry for any confusion. I’m not talking about the children. I’m troubled by the tragic actions of adults in positions of authority. I’m not sure more irresponsible treatment of children could occur if they tried. But, no adults were charged with crimes.
How can I explain my opinion? No science necessary. Use the common virtues: justice, responsibility, empathy, compassion, and forgiveness. Examine each before you throw the first stone at the youths.
Begin with justice and responsibility. When I heard children were indicted on felonies I had to wonder: Why were no adults named? Imagine watching TV with your spouse while the conduct of teens in your basement causes serious criminal charges. You’d likely face at least “endangering the welfare of a child” for poor supervision.........
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