WE R ... ?

"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing" ~ Edmund Burke

I read this on my twitter feed this morning and after hearing multiple news reports of the continued fallout from the Penn State debacle; I decided to add my opinion to the responsive chorus. Full Disclosure: I am both an alum (1996) , having spent all four of my collegiate years in Happy Valley, and a father of a beautiful little girl. Both of these obviously carry their influence on my response to what has been portrayed.

Even though it may seem this came about overnight; unfortunately this is a story that has at least THIRTEEN years in the making. Take a look at the timeline ESPN has put together at this link:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7212054/key-dates-penn-state-nittany-lions-sex-abuse-case

Since 1998, there have been warning signs that Sandusky was a sick individual who should be kept away from any contact with children, forced into treatment, and perhaps incarcerated for his actions. However, state officials and university administration failed to take the action that was desperately needed. Each and every child (their families as well) harmed could have been spared the unconscionable acts of Sandusky if people actually took measure of the situation before them. Children. Being abused. No excuse in any context can be made to assuage the guilt from not acting to prevent the acts as they are happening; and those likely to happen in the future.

As a father, I can in no way fathom myself in a position of witnessing a young child being molested and not taking swift action to prevent the continuance of that molestation. Second, I can not see myself leaving the scene until I knew the molester was in the custody of an officer of the law. The timeline itself accounts the failure of individuals presented with this horrible situation; and failing to protect/defend the most innocent victim; our youth.

The students and recent alumni of PSU whose chants of "WE R...PENN STATE" are louder than those I last shouted do not have the memories of JoePa in his heyday that the elder statesmen have. The man has "Peachy Paterno" at the fabled Creamery. (Note: the Sandusky flavor has been pulled from the shelves). Paterno is revered and a literal Titan walking amongst mortals on the campus of Dear Old State.

It is for that very reason I am appalled and have lost all respect due to failure of this Titan to be PROACTIVE; to simply go above and beyond the bare "responsibility". This man was informed nine years ago of Sandusky's actions (on the grounds of the university that has created his wealth and he represents). To be told on a Saturday what someone witnessed, wait a full day, then place a call to the "higher ups"; the father in me feels Paterno is lucky not to be named a Defendant as well.

My disgust for Sandusky and his inhumane treatment of children entrusted in his care is one thing. I think most of us will agree this man should have never been allowed near children and deserves any and all consequence the legal system affords him.

That disgust is only compounded by officials, entrusted with the lives of students on their grounds (and any of numerous youngsters who visit the beautiful campus), that chose to DO NOTHING and allow for the wretched behavior to continue. Each and every individual who observed, heard, was made aware, of Sandusky's behavior and stood idly by should not be allowed to set foot on the grounds many of us hold dear.

This includes the most storied coach in college football. How this man can stand on a sideline entrusted with the care of young men, when his own lack of a care for younger men continued the cycle of abuse, honestly infuriates me. The fact his backhanded apology and statement announcing his retirement showed not a single ounce of remorse only embarrasses the blue and white more.

A remorseful and humble man would realize the err of his ways, recognize the embarrassment and stigma he created, and leave the grounds so the cleansing and healing can begin. A shameful and prideful man would have the ignorant chutzpah to feel his right to continue until the end of the season outweighs the rights and protections of the boys that very chutzpah ignored.

JoePa needs to go. Yesterday. All the administration who failed to act need to be gone. Yesterday. We as the Penn State University family need to unite as one to extract this blight.

WE R...