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JERRY SANDUSKY, A Sad, Sick Story
Bellafonte, Pa. Late Night, Friday June 22nd. 2012
Somewhere near Penn State University campus, a.k.a. "Happy Valley," just prior to Midnight, on Friday June 22nd, the loud clang of a jail cell gate being slammed shut was heard across our nation.
A pale, visibly-shaken, 68 year old man, convicted on 45 of 48 counts of various sexually motivated crimes against young boys over a fifteen year span was the new inmate. As yet not officially sentenced by the Judge, he faces over 400 years in prison.
The inmate, retired defensive coach for the Penn State football team, Jerry Sandusky, was locked up to await his fate for the remainder of his life.
Sandusky, had been the one-time heir apparent of highly regarded, much-loved Hall of Fame Head Coach, Joe Paterno ("Joe Pa," as he was affectionately called by all).
This night there was no love nor respect in the air for Jerry Sandusky. This was loudly and clearly confirmed by the cheers of victory heard from the masses, waiting on the courthouse steps for the verdict's announcement.
Instead, the air was filled with a palpable sense of relief and gratitude that justice had been well-served.
As the nation listened intently to reports from the un-televised trial, Sandusky's guilt was demanded and expected, based on overwhelming evidence in terms of real and moving testimony by his victims, in their own emotional recounts.
Guilty as Sin
So strongly evident was the general consensus of Sandusky's guilt, his own lead defense attorney Joseph Amendola, publicly conceded to a question posed during jury deliberation. When asked by a member of the news media, what his reaction might be to a not guilty verdict........Amendola responded with, "I'd have a heart attack."
Sandusky's defense team did their job no doubt, to include a few wild tosses at the wall, in the hope something....anything might stick. These lawyers even went down the mental disorder route. Surely not in an attempt to explain the repeated sexual abuse for which there is no excuse nor explanation but to show possible cause for bizarre behavior by an adult male toward minor boys......behavior to include writing love letters to his victims.
Several of Sandusky's young victims, as part of their testimony, told of creepy love letters they had received from Jerry Sandusky, professing his love and devotion to the victim. To the discomfort and disgust of any mentally healthy individual, these letters were presented as evidence and read aloud in court.
Defense attorneys, in an effort to create filters over these letters, brought in a psychiatrist to interview, diagnose and testify per his expert opinion. This Dr. suggested in sworn testimony, he found a strong probability that Sandusky suffered from histrionic personality disorder. By most accounts referring to the symptomatic behaviors of this disorder, Jerry Sandusky simply does not match up.
Prosecution experts in the field of psychiatry disagreed and rebutted the statements of the defense expert, in terms of this disorder. The public most definitely did not buy this defense tactic but saw it for the desperate attempt it was.
Classic Pedophile "Speak"
How Does This Happen?
Is Jerry Sandusky merely your garden-variety sexual predator or could there be more complex issues intertwined within the twisted tale of this Penn State scandal?
From the stunning jolt of reported abuse that opened the floodgates of this case, to the numerous blasts of collateral damages, all the way to the announcement of the guilty verdict, this tale is one of unforgiveable tragedy.
Nothing of this magnitude and far-reaching destruction happens overnight. As has been well-reported there were whispers and suspicions over the years. More than this, there were eye-witnesses to clearly damning scenarios involving Sandusky and young boys on more than one occasion.
There were reports, statements made and discussions had by Penn State Authorities and Hierarchy that were shamefully covered up, stuffed away in files and basically swept under the carpet. The suspicions, rumor and innuendo were left to fester and simmer for reasons that will never be understood nor ever condoned.
As it has often happened in history, the cover-up became as horrific as the crimes. Voices were heard and heads rolled. The media swooped in and the ultimate explosion would be missed by no one.
A University, it's Athletic Department, entire student body and local community were rocked to their very foundation. Soon enough, the country was enmeshed in the worst University scandal of a decade.
Indictment, arrest, trial, conviction. Jerry Sandusky goes down, collateral damage in his wake
The charity organization, Second Mile, was founded by Jerry Sandusky in 1977, within the Penn State community. This charity was aimed at providing guidance, education, recreation and numerous other benefits for at-risk youths. Young boys in particular,who had less than adequate home-lives and/or came out of severe poverty and were often exposed to the threats of inner-city gangs with little hope to escape.
Sandusky was heavily involved with and very active in all aspects of his charity. He was especially involved in establishing close relationships with the young boys who were the focus of this charity.
A Sexual Predator's Perfect set-up.
What better and more convenient method to form close, personal relationships with dependent, vulnerable, and most grateful young men? How much easier could it have been for Sandusky to groom, manipulate and create attachments with these boys who had so little exposure to the good life prior to 2nd Mile Charity.
Not only had Sandusky set himself up with his own private selection of warm young bodies, he was being lauded as a wonderful, generous and compassionate man for his work in this organization.
If your skin is not yet crawling, consider that Jerry Sandusky and his wife Dottie legally adopted not one or two, but five boys to raise and educate....and in Jerry's case, certainly to love.
As of the week prior to the verdict, near the end of the trial, adopted son Matt came out to attorneys as yet another victim of Jerry Sandusky's evil deeds. Shocking as it may seem, Sandusky had molested his own son for years. Thus far, Matt is the only adopted son to divulge this fact.
The reality is, we may never know how many more victims remain silent to this day and who may in fact never speak up.
For Sandusky, it matters not. As for his numerous victims, they have had their day in court and can feel some relief and vindication. Hopefully, they are all able to begin to heal their souls and mend the damage done to their psyches at such a young and vulnerable age. The vast range of emotions felt by the victims of this kind of abuse is endless. The mixture of disgust, anger and sadness felt by their families, and in high-profile cases such as this one, the public in general, take a very long time to subside or bring peace of mind to these folks. We will not soon forget.
The entire country holds these young men in high regard for their bravery in coming forth and their courage shown by giving testimony in a court of law, of their individual horrific nightmares, starring Jerry Sandusky.
Friday night, June 22, 2012, was not quite the "Friday Night Lights" of Jerry Sandusky's former celebrity lifestyle.
A MUST SEE video
Comments
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In a matter of weeks, this case will be 4 years old. Sometimes it seems like it happened longer ago and others, like it was only yesterday. The mention of Sandusky's name still turns stomachs and refreshes the anger & disgust toward him back then.
At 72 years old now, I do wonder whether this piece of crap ever came to terms with his egregious behavior and the crimes for which he was convicted. Don't know about any of you, but I've heard absolutely nothing about his life in prison.
All we can know is that his existence must be very lonely and depressing. He cannot be allowed anywhere near the general prison population for his own sake. We're all aware that inmates despise pedophiles and consider it a feather in their cap to kill them.
Sorry to say, it would be no loss.
To tell you the truth I really would be afraid of what I might do if I witness an act like these against a child . Wheen my imagination thinks "vigilante " I want to hang these Bast222ds, Maybe if we keep talking about it ? I don't know . ........great hub sweety !
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FA...I appreciate your visit and your serious comment on a very somber topic. Just recently, I see that his wife, "Dottie Sandusky" is continuing her incessant denial. She defends him and makes excuses. God, please save us from such ignorance.
She's lucky that people are not locked up for plain old stupidity. She'd have done herself a huge favor by maintaining silence!!
I hope all wh0 participated, turned away and pretended not to notice, or covered up the truth get the justice they deserve here on earth and beyond. What a horrible, sick & twisted man that Jerry Sandusky is. And just think about the damage he has inflicted on the lives of so many. This was a good hub. I hope we never forget that our "heroes" can do bad things, too.
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Ed...seriously? Keep an eye on him? I understand they keep a KEEN eye on dirt bags like him, when they're confined to a cell, too! Only in the U.S. of A. !!
My thought is that guys like this , are protected enabled and even encouraged by those who know something and turn their heads the other way . How many lives does one man ruin by even one dispicable act ? Great hub ! I remember as a kid , one of these predators worked in the toy dept of the local JJ Newberry dept. store . Fondling little kids who would go there ,especially alone ! Later to work for the local police dept as a clerk "so they could keep an eye on him " !........Ed
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Yes, Jaye...it is unbelieveable. I find it unacceptable, irrational and irresponsible. I have imagined myself face to face with these "so-called authorities"......if Heaven FORBID, this had happened to one of my precious loved ones.......My rant cannot be repeated nor written, but I have no doubt you can hear every word!.......OUTRAGED, simply doesn't cover it for me, Jaye.
To think that this is ONE incident.......of perhaps HOW many? I need to cleanse my brain before it explodes.......
This story gets "sadder and sicker" with the report released by the special investigation commission, which reads in part:
"It is more reasonable to conclude that, in order to avoid the consequences of bad publicity, the most powerful leaders at Penn State University – Messrs. Spanier, Schultz, Paterno and Curley – repeatedly concealed critical facts relating to Sandusky's child abuse from the authorities, the Board of Trustees, Penn State community, and the public at large. Although concern to treat the child abuser humanely was expressly stated, no such sentiments were ever expressed by them for Sandusky's victims."
It's almost unbelievable that anyone could look the other way to prevent bad publicity, while all those boys were being brutalized.
Jaye
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Thanks Skarlet.....Good to see you're still moving about. I'd expect you to be resting after your incredible marathon! I've missed your last few...been busier than usual.........Glad you like my Hub about a terrible person and a tragic situation. I understand there are dozens of stories on this ,on Facebook. I don't have a FB accnt.....but I've heard from other hubbers.....take care!
Great writing.
This is the very first hub I have seen on this case, and you did an excellent job of presenting it.
The whole thing is so bizarre and sad.
Voted up....
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Thank you maggs224....Oh yes....this creature got what he deserved......although the actual sentencing has not taken place, it's fairly certain to be in excess of 40 years. For an old coot, that's a life sentence in iteself...but the sentence will probably be much higher than that.....and it couldn't happen to a nicer Baboon.........Thank you for your visit.
A very powerful and well written hub about a very difficult subject. I knew very little about the case until I read your hub, and so I am pleased to know that your courts have put this man away behind bars where hopefully he can do no more damage.
Voting this hub up and hitting some buttons on my way out.
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Vincent
Suzie
Borntocare
To all 3 of you, caring (and outraged,) fellow-writers........It is apparent that we ALL share the pain and anger of this tragedy.......and it is a tragedy of the most horrific kind.
So many victims, ....and those who must bear the shame and remorse for whatever part played in the veil of secrecy or code of silence.
We do not know how they live with themselves......nor can we even imagine.
The man at the center? It is now time for all to turn our backs on whatever vengeance is taken......we see nothing, we hear nothing and we know nothing. We only damn him to the depths of hell.
Thank you for your heartfelt comments.
Paula! It's difficult to attach accolades to a story as horrific as this one. Let it suffice to say that you have evoked the emotions of so many and did a sterling job in the process.
Unfortunately for me this breaks my heart. Growing up in Philly in the 60's and 70's any kid who was playing football, as I was, wanted to play for Joe Paterno at Penn St! I know I did! I know Joe Pa is gone now and for a reason unrelated to this incident. I think his knowledge of it, even if superficial, was enough to break his heart too and add to whatever caused his demise. How could anyone who knew live with him or herself?
Having been a victim of similar issues myself in Sandlot baseball, my guess is this happens more than we know. I will say it left a scar, but I also know it was a great motivation for me to try to right a wrong, to find a way to help others make decisions for themselves, to learn that they have ultimate control over only one thing, and that is their thoughts.
Life actually sucks sometimes (sorry for the vernacular but it's what this story produces in me) But that doesn't mean we have to stay in that mindset or accept the outcome. We can change what's on the inside.
That's the saddest part of all here, people think it's a done deal. It isn't until we fix it...and we can, we just have to work at it one human being at a time. I'll try, and I know you will!!!
I really admire your courage at taking on the difficult topics!
Keep writing, I am grateful for you!
Congratulations on bringing this horrific case to light here. I am not familiar with it and my heart goes out to all the victims and their families. I truly hope the justice system goes after those who covered it up, as they carry just as much guilt in my opinion. Parents put their trust in Penn State to look after their children and that trust was smashed in the most vile way possible. Well done fpherj48 in a well written account of these most hideous crimes. Voted up and sharing.
Many abusers go unnoticed by their peers for years. Why? because of their rank and status in their profession and or community. It seems that many feel they are above the law and sadly protected by it. Abuser come from all walks of life. They disguise themselves very well until they are uncloaked eventually. I have no sympathy for this man, however much empathy for his victims including his immediate family.
Yes he will go to prison, quite possibly die in it by the hand of another inmate or possibly by his own hand. I know if I were him being the coward that he is, he should take the easy way out and do himself in before he gets as you described "the shank" from another possible victim of abuse, there are many locked up in pens across the nation. This was a very well written account of this wolf who leaves a black mark on his profession, I'm sure Vince Lombardi is weeping over this disgust.
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Thanks Tammy.....We should never expect anything less than total love and protection from our parents at all times. And honestly, it is my belief that child abuse/neglest in all forms, is OUR business. Who will speak up and/or defend the children if adults do not?
Hard as I TRY to understand the "circumstances" or the "positions" some of these individuals found themselves in......my staunch bottom line remains...that when & if you literally WITNESS an atrocity being inflicted upon an innocent and helpless child......and it is within your immediate power to ACT.......not another thing should stop you or prevent your effort to intervene. Thank you Tammy......this is so heart breaking......and leaves me with such massive concern for children everywhere.......I want to build an impenatrable fortress around my grandchildren!
Great expository look at a real dirt bag. There is a special place in Hell for those like him. It was recently released that 1 in 4 children will be sexually abused in the US. There are so many more out there who will not be caught like Sandusky. I will never apologize for being a protective mother. Sad, but this is a needed hub.
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Thanks, Kelly....Someone told me recently that FB is absolutely deluged with Sandusky/Penn State hubs/and discussion....and the general consensus of opinion is very much the same as your and mine. How could a decent person feel any other way??
I think I wrote it just to purge. Problem is, I couldn't really use the verbiage that would match my utter disgust.....know what I mean...and I'm sure you do!
Thanks for stopping by. Always good to see you........and I'm really flattered you would take the time away from your toaster. Do you make up gift baskets of toast to give your friends? That would be so awesome.
Peace!!
Hey Paula - this whole thing makes me sick. I tell you - I'm not sure who is worse - those who helped cover it up or him. Obviously he's very sick, and the people around him HAD to know it yet they swept it under the rug for him. They should ALL be jailed! Everyone who looked the other way should have to answer for that. These were just kids and he manipulated and abused them over and over again because no one wanted to speak up.
Up and excellent hub - good for you for writing about it:)
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Thanks Coge....Yes, the focus is now on the University and those involved in the egregious activity of "the blind eye."
To me....there are no excuses.....NONE. No reasons or rules or explanations. You had knowledge and did NOTHING? Time to face the music.
I was so happy when the verdict came down and it was guilty....I only wish he would live to serve the entire 400 years locked away.....now the attention is turning to the university and their responsibility in this tragic story. Your hub is very informative and interesting.....job well done.
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Thanks, Til.....The article was actually difficult to write because of the rage I feel toward this piece of garbage.......I don't believe there's a parent or grandparent in this country who is not outraged by the entire situation.
Sadly...there was not enough outrage at the right time for the RIGHT reasons ,for any sane adult to do the right thing.
This is a frightening fact to dwell on.. Where in the name of heaven are our children safe?? Thank you so much for the kudos. Peace, GF.
As always, this hub is well written and leaves nothing to the imagination. You covered the trial and years of abuse in question with dignity.
There is nothing dignified about Sandusky and he will receive no sympathy wherever he goes, in the prison population or out. He will always have to watch his back which is as it should be.
COVER UP by any other name is still cover up and those guilty of that should live with guilt and pain the rest of their lives. They could have protected some of those boys by stopping this when they saw it but chose not to get involved in what was clearly their duty to get involved in!
Voted your hub up, useful, awesome for your writing, and interesting.
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It's quite acceptable that you feel so strongly and come to this young man's defense. I have stepped up in defense myself, numerous times. I admire your dedication.
Not for a moment do I think there is only one, or even a few individuals at fault here. Sadly, it appears to be a "group collaboration," which as we know, only makes it more egregious...
You have helped me to see Mike's terribly impossible situation, from a more rational perspective...rather than that of a furious grandmother.
I needed to step back a bit. Thank you.
It is easy for us to play Monday morning quarterbacks in this situation. As I said originally, I admire you for writing this and I agree with the article. You are a fine writer here on Hubpages and I couln't even write about Sandusky because I was so revolted by him. Again, I didn't mean to attack you personally. I think I got caught up in my zeal to defend McQueary and forgot there are other perspectives out there. Excuse me and I sincerely am grateful for the discussion here on hubpages.
Yes, I do understand where you are coming from and your perspective. I apologize if I came across too harshly, but I just don't see one person being at fault here. There is a chain of adults who ignored these poor defenseless little boys. I now read in the NYTimes that one boy did report the abuse to a school counselor and the counselor, at the time, said what a golden reputation Sandusky had and didn't believe the boy. Another adult failing a helpless young victim.
I do not agree that McQueary should have intervened and stopped the situation at the moment it was happening. A frightened and confused victim could think McQueary was joining in on the "fun." I believe McQueary handled the situation the best he could under the circumstances. It is easy for us to
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I understand your explanation and respect your position. I am not a student nor a teacher. Thus I do not look at this case from that position. At this time in my life, I am, amongst many other things, a Grandmother. Your basic female citizen.
What I see here, is not colored nor altered by anyone's "position" or "title"....nor do I feel the need to consider this occurred on University property.
To simplify my stance......I see the adults and the child.....the attack, abuse and what should be, under any and all cirsumstances, the automatic, responsible, rational and immediate action of an adult in defense of an innocent, helpless child against a monstrous, pedophile.
I understand you bring laws and "rules" and procedure into this, due to your own knowledge of this type of "environment."
Suzette...I do not wish to make McQeary a "scapegoat." Sorry if I came off that way. I am also painfully aware that Joe Pa is much more at fault, being the head coach and senior individual here.
This being said, if you can try to understand my outrage and frustration.....I, PERSONALLY, cannot imagine witnessing such an egregious crime taking place ....knowing full well what was happening....and WALKING AWAY FROM THIS......regardless of WHO the perpetrator was, or the "location," of the crime.
To explain further and then put this to rest......I have 4 adult sons, who are all Dads......As well as I know my sons and their personal constitutions,... in that very same situation.....be it a school, a public park, an alley, a church or a University.....each one of my sons without exception, would have "ACTED" in whatever way necessary to STOP Sandusky, protect the child and call law enforcement......without regard for another thing. And no matter what, THIS WOULD BE RIGHT, JUST AND PROPER. It would also be nothing less than what we would expect of my sons.
Have I helped you to see my stand?
The laws are ludicrous in this respect...they should not be in force and in fact, need to be changed......immediately, if not sooner.
I appreciate your input, Suzette. Thank you
When I was a teacher in the state of Ohio, if I suspected or witnessed sexual abuse, my only recourse by law, was to report it to a school counselor. I could not even report it to a principal. I could not go to the police and report it. By law, the only person I could report my suspicious or my witnessing was to a school counselor. Mike McQueary was just another student at Penn State. He was not in the position to report it to anyone other than Joe Paterno. Blame the laws, not the people.
I am going out on a limb here and support Mike McQueary. He was a STUDENT COMPLETING AND INTERNSHIP at the university when he says he saw what he saw in the Penn State shower. He immediately reported it to Joe Paterno. It was Joe Paterno's responsibility to report to higher ups AND to the police what was reported to him by McQueary. Joe Paterno is the one who is at fault for not reporting what McQueary told him to the police. McQueary was a student completing a football internship under the mentorship of Paterno. I am appalled when anyone blames McQueary and tries to make him the scapegoat in all this. JOE PATERNO WAS THE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH. NO ONE TOLD PATERNO HOW TO RUN HIS FOOTBALL PROGRAM. IT WAS JOE PATERNO AND JOE PATERNO ALONE WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPORTING THIS TO THE POLICE. As much as we all loved JoePa, he allowed one of his coaches to do this. He is more responsible than anyone for what happened. He is dead now and may he rest in peace, but how he could habe looked the other way is beyond me. I'm sorry I can't agree with all of you but McQueary was not in a position to do anything but report it to Paterno which he did.
AS
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Thanks.....I'd like to slap that cutey patutey McQueary upside his stupid head till his face is as red as his hair!.....Seeing what he SAW WITH HIS EYES.....a 10-12 year old boy being brutally molested in a shower by Jerry the Puke.....and HE WALKS AWAY???? ("Tells "somebody to wash the scum off his hands......and never looks back) Oh yeah, he's my hero! Young and strong as he is, he could have put Sandusky in a headlock and called the damned police!! That MOMENT! bill.....accountability went Bye Bye a long time ago and it sickens me.
As sickening a case as has come across the American landscape in a very long time. As disgusted as I am by Sandusky, and that covers a whole lot of disgust, I was shocked,and yet not shocked, by the cover up of the administration. Where does accountability begin? How can image be so important as to trump the safety of children? I guess we should ask the Pope that question.
Well done my friend!
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Unless there were absolute PROOF of her knowledge....nothing could be done. She's in a sort of prison now.....can YOU imagine having to show your face in public as Jerry Sandusky's wife??
However....there surely is enough blame to go around, now, isn't there? All those coaches....staff members, even JANITORS, for heaven's sake........When you exist in a bubble like that (a college community) the gossip and rumors travel far and wide and quickly......
The "suspicians" had to be rampant...and yet WHO said or did anything for these children?
Even McQueary...think about it and put yourself in his place....He knows he saw what he saw.....Sandusky clearly raping a young boy....and McQuery CALLS HIS FATHER?? Give me an effing break! A young strong man like him SHOULD have knocked Sandusky to the floor and sat on him...called the police and had him NABBED right then and there.....rescue that poor child and get him to the ER! and instead, he turns around and walks away??? I do not get it and I can't accept it.
I actually need to stop thinking about this whole case. It's rotting my insides. I raised 4 sons who were all athletes......they are grown and married now, but I can clearly and unashamedly tell anyone.....if someone ever went near my small kid in that manner.......there'd be no trial...just a funeral.
Thanks for your input cloverleaf
I agree. It totally sickens me that she didn't do anything. I don't understand the mentality, but women stay with abusers. When we were going for our foster care license, we had to take a class on this. Throughout the whole class I was like "just leave the bastard". But, I do know that it isn't always possible, as they fear for their life, or their lively hood. Me, I would live on the streets before I would let a man treat me that way. Again, I don't understand where they come from.
I wonder if she could be brought up on charges...like accessory to the fact, or something like that. My husband and I were just discussing this. If she knew, and didn't say anything, she should rot in prison right alongside him.
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cloverleaf....Bless your generous heart. I'm afraid I do not feel any sympathy whatsoever for a woman (wife or not) who would know, or even strongly suspect that the dirt bag she is married to is molesting children by the score, for years on end....and do nothing.
In fact, quite the contrary, as much as he disgusts and angers me, I have severe disdain for any other human being, who cannot muster the strength and courage to do what is right.....when they are fully aware, what is the only proper, moral thing to do.
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teaches.....and you would be correct to think the way you do. It's beyond sad....right down to criminal. When will people understand the need and the serious importance of coming forward and speaking out to protect the innocent and weed out the scum???
I am not sure if his wife knew or not, and you are right, if she turned a blind eye, she is just as much at fault. I guess I feel bad for her not having the strength to A. leave, and B. tell someone. It must have been hard for her to live through it all.
It's a shame that someone didn't come forward years ago. Many victim's could have been spared.
I did not watch the trial. I only heard of the outcome online. I still had to think, "wow, this must be something on his family". His son (I don't know his age) must be horrified with shame. I know I would be. It will take a long time for this to "go away", and I wouldn't blame him (the son) if he changed his name to hide his identity.
Oh, and I love how the state AG says "We believe kids here in PA". I say there was something wrong with the system that aloud a pedophile to be a foster parent. I am not surprised, as we use to be foster parents, and KNOW the whole system is so screwed up.
Sad, just sad. I pray that the victims find peace and compassion in their hearts.
I didn't watch the trails. I couldn't bear to watch him and those who defended him. I am sorry for the victims as they have a long road to healing from this man's actions. I do not wish him harm, but I do hope that some day he realizes the horrible things he did to innocent lives and confesses. I think too many people closed their eyes and looked the other way just because of who he was and because of money. So sad!
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Pop.... I believe this is a strong feeling amongst 99% of the public.....those dear, sweet men who will struggles for many years, to heal. I wish them strength and Peace.
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Jaye....as usual, you have said it ....and precisely my own thoughts in all regards......I want to see him live to 100. The entire time, every day being verbally battered and made to feel shame and remorse (if even possible).......his wife? Oh Jaye, just as you said....of course she is not blind, deaf and dumb.......nor can she pretend to be "stupid."
I used the expression in my hub.....but I'm repeating myself.
This really Makes my skin crawl.
I thank you for your exceptionally well-written thoughts on this case. You are always so insightful and generous with your wisdom.....(you chose the right name!) Bless you......Peace
ADDENDUM....I was trying to add to my comment when time ran out.
I hope justice of some sort finds those who covered up Sandusky's egregious crimes, beginning with his wife. No, I cannot believe she wasn't aware of what was transpiring in the basement of their home. No, she isn't absolved of responsibility, even if she buried her head in the sand because she found it too horrendous to contemplate. When children are at risk, an adult has no right to look away and do nothing. I hope she is named a defendant in the civil lawsuits and that she loses everything she owns and finds herself a homeless pauper, which is no less than she deserves for closing her eyes to this horror.
Just as bad are those from the university who covered up Sandusky's monstrous actions in the hope of avoiding scandal and its fallout to the university and their sport. They share Sandusky's guilt in the number of years he was allowed to continue this horror and the number of innocent lives he ruined. They deserve justice, too, though it may only come in the form of disgrace and civil lawsuits.
What is wrong with people who, for any reason whatsoever, turn their backs on the sexual abuse of children???
Paula, you did a brilliant job of writing this article, both from a reporting perspective and that of commentary.
I am so thankful the jurors found this vile man guilty, though how could they not with such overwhelming evidence against him? Still, other juries have given "not guilty" verdicts for defendants whose guilt seemed quite as unassailable. Our so-called justice system in the U.S. is not, unfortunately, a guarantee of real justice.
I hope the suicide watch will prevent Sandusky from taking his own life, and I equally hope he will evade being murdered in prison. Why? I believe he deserves to live out his entire lifespan locked in a prison cell with time to reflect on what he did. The news reports mention that he will be required to undergo psychiatric treatment for pedophilia, and I hope he must sit through countless hours listening to WHY what he did was horrendous and unforgivable.
Everything I've read about the various treatments for pedophilia suggests it's not successful, though there is a fairly recent study of an injection described as a "temporary chemical castration" that completely inhibits abnormal sexual urges, but only while treatment continues on a monthly basis.
I wish all convicted sex offenders were mandated to take these injections forever, in and out of prison, especially since the Supreme Court won't allow actual castration--even in the case of a Texas offender who BEGGED for castration to keep him from giving in to his criminal deviant urges. The Court called castration "cruel and unusual punishment" and ruled that it is unconstitutional...as though sexual abuse is NOT? (I have lost all respect for the U.S. Supreme Court and the justices who are there for life unless they opt to resign.)
Thanks for this brilliant hub! Voted UP and all the way across (except "funny", of course).
Jaye
My heart goes out to all his victims and their families.
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I raise my glass of cranberry juice to That, Pop!! It just doesn't get much worse, considering the ruse, and how he glided through while literally destroying lives and stealing souls.......
He is awful, vile, guilty and most assuredly gone.
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happyboomer....Bless them all.....I'm sure you won't have a problem understanding...that the entire time I wrote this, I had such a knot in my gut and sadness on my heart......and every so often, a surge of true anger would run through my blood..........
What a myriad of emotion this case creates. Thank you for your thoughtful words.....
As you already said in this hub the story of what Jerry Sandusky is guilty of doing is sad, sick and for his victims, tragic in that it will continue to affect them for the rest of their lives regardless of whether they came forth at the trial.
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cloverleaffarm.... Hi there and thanks for stopping by. I always appreciate heartfelt comments to my hubs.
I don't know, cloverleaf if I share your compassion for his "family"......I have a tendency to agree with the huge percentage of the public that are convinced that Dottie Sandusky could NOT have possibly been 100% blind, deaf and dumb for all those years. In her own sick way, she was compelled to turn her head, rather than believe her suspicians.....for they were too shocking and ugly to accept as fact.
There were also several children in that home, their own included, who should have spoken up any number of times......
You are correct about inmates despising child abusers......LOOK OUT, Sandusky, you're about to meet a tough guy named Karma.......he always gets what he wants!!
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Martie......(I swear I responded to your comment once already....must be some sort of magic trick).........I feel so very much as you do and our concerns are similar as well. All we can do at this point is hope and pray that these young men are able to heal from the inside-out.....with some supprt and therapy, they will eventually feel a sense of peace.
I am so sorry that you had to experience such a tragic incident in your own life. Bless your heart. It is amazing what a strong woman you are. Peace Martie!
I feel bad for his family. It must be horrible for them to go through all this.
With that said, I say, let the victim's families have at him before he gets to prison. Prisoners HATE child abusers, and I'm sure he'll probably get a lot more than raped in prison. Karma...it's a good thing.
Oh, this is such a sad-sad occurrence in the lives of too many people - sexual abuse - The unacceptable, unforgivable deed of an adult towards a child, forcing the child in a wrong direction to happiness - a bumpy detour of many decades to the destiny of peace and joy everybody had wished for the child, and the chance that such a child ever reach this destiny is almost zero.
How on earth did he manage to victimize 48 children? Why was he not reported by the first unfortunate victim?
The only solution for this horrific problem, is - 1) People who have the tendency to molest children should REALIZE that they need professional support. They should take responsibility for their weakness and control it with or without professional support. 2) Children should KNOW why they should not allow an adult to ruin their precious lives, they should report without any delay and without fearing the consequences, the slightest abuse.
Signed: A survivor of sexual abuse, crying my heart out not only for the victims, but also for Jerry Sandusky who had allowed his own crooked urges to bring him to this state of dishonor.
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writer20.....Unfortunately, Sandusky the sleeze bag that he is, might enjoy it too much.
However, he will be segregated in prison from a population of inmates who deplore child molestors.......Our real hope would be that he runs into a lifer who has nothing left to lose, should he accidentally shank Mr. Sandusky straight through his evil heart.
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If we could perform the actual miracle it would take to "prevent this from ever happening again," this world would take a huge step toward near-perfection. Sadly, it pains me to know, we will never conquer all the sickness in this world. Thank you for your sincere comment. It is much appreciated
This is a brilliantly written article on a truly horrible subject.
I too was unaware of the abuse on his own son. It boggles the mind and yes, it does make the skin crawl. You are a tremendous writer fpherj48.
Lets hope he gets raped in prison then he'll know how those poor boys feel.
Voted up useful and interesting. Joyce.
Thank you for writing such an excellent article! I couldn't bring myself to pen an article about Sandusky, as vile as the man is. I am thankful and grateful for the victims that he is finally getting his due. Now, the authorities need to go after the higher ups at the university that knew about this and did nothing. I still to this day cannot absolve JoePa even though he has died over all this. I still cannot believe he looked the other way and allowed this to go on. I used to revere the university and now I have lost all respect for it.
The bottom line is those boys' lives are forever ruined. They will always live life in the shadow of this abuse. They were so brave to come forth and testify against him. When I heard about the adopted son, I nearly keeled over from disgust for this monster. As you said this is a sad, sick chapter that is over - how can we prevent this from happening again elsewhere? As a society we never seem to learn from our mistakes.
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ROFLMAO.....as always, GF...you crack me up.........may the karma bus runneth over ... lmao!!! I love you!!
May he rot you know where. I didn't follow this trial. I didn't know about his adopted son either. I was on Facebook when the verdict came in and the site was on fire with comments! May the karma bus runneth over.
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