...for whatever it is worth and as bad as the circumstances appear, there is a lot to be told and outcomes still unknown.
In North Carolina there is the expression, "Coulda, shoulda, woulda." It seems appropriate here.
I'll tell you what is going to prevent any charges against Sandusky to stick; is the lack of physical evidence. If McQueary or anyone else, including parents, had taken the child(ren) to the police and demanded they be examined by the same people that conduct rape evaluations in Emergency Rooms, there might something indisputable to convict. But, right now, there is circumstantial evidence and the trial could go either way.
Also, there are real people involved in this that have made their lives from the Penn State sports department. One is a 83 or 84 year old man that should have retired years ago. His health should not be jeopardized and the gratitude still due him for long years of service cannot be ignored. He could lose everything and there is some sincere injustice in that.
Additionally, Sandusky himself may have an ego that will surpass the scrutiny of a trial, but, there is the chance he may not. McQueary is kicking himself over and over for what he could have done and didn't for whatever reason he didn't. And there are parents dissatisfied with their circumstances and worried about their young men. There is a lot going on, a lot of pressure on people. I sincerely would hate for the scandal to take on a life of its own and increase the tragedy. Seriously.
As far as the state grant for the charity, I think the organization should open up its books and allow complete disclosure of the program, its budget and spending. But, more than any of that, while important, the "Second Mile" needs to hire professionals to 'measure' the success of the program and prove its worthiness. There needs to be a success quotient proven for the program to continue and to receive further funding.
- Did the young people involved with this program show better school skills, join athletic programs at school, show increased roles in citizenship and are they ultimately on a path of academic success that would place them in the halls of Penn State propeled into a future they would not have achieved alone?
If indeed this organization has proven to be an empty cause and simply a place for sexual exploits of a pedophile then the program needs to be disbanded. That lack of quality will also weigh at trials as well.
If the Second Mile proves to be successful, then the funding should be continued and the program monitored and the young people revered. I haven't heard how this was a gender neutral program either. I would think any funding from the State of Pennsylvania has to include non-discimination provisions including gender neutral enrollment.
Food for thought and nothing more. The young people should not suffer because adults fumbled the ball.
By Associated Press
Updated: Wednesday, November 16, 7:38 PM
