Is maintaining the prestige of an institution more important than the innocence of our children, or is it too big to fail?
I am sure you have all been sickened by the child abuse stories coming out of Penn State University.
How and why did these horrendous acts occur, and why weren’t they reported to the proper authorities?
Yes, the offending coach is the main culprit and has been arrested, but the alleged cover-ups, the lies and the seeming willingness to sacrifice the safety of our children, over the prestige of the university is beyond belief.
This is an example of “too big to fail,” because it clearly identifies how the interests of a major institution may have trumped the need to protect our children from sexual abuse.
Just look at what has happened in the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandals. There are countless stories in the media of Catholic priests who have been engaged in sexual abuse of children for years and have been protected by the church without any legal ramifications.
These scandals have occurred not only in this country but all over the world!
Why?
Because the Catholic Church is “too big to fail.”
When an institution is presented with a situation that threatens its reputation or financial base, the first reaction is to circle the wagons and fight by all means to hold on to any appearance of legitimacy by its members.
This is very sad, but it’s a reality we have to deal with.
Penn State is arguably one of the top football and academic schools in this country and has been so for years.
Joe Paterno was a coaching legend, most wins in Division A football, respected for his program, getting kids to graduate and sending players to the NFL.
The football program brings almost $50 million annually into the university.
Why would anyone want to bring a program like that down?
Because morally and legally, it is the right thing to do.
Unless of course, it is “too big to fail.”
Donald Tucker
Phoenix, Ariz.
