Unfortunately, James Wentz's column was the first to cross my counter when reading the Mirror on Oct. 6.
In defense of the innocent, I immediately emailed the author, my hands shaking with indignation at the lack of empathy and respect given to the victims of the violent pedophile. One would expect more from Wentz, a retired Navy captain.
My son-in-law is career Navy. I beam with pride at his intelligence, commitment, honor in all aspects of life.
Wentz proclaimed "Joe [Paterno] came damn close" to perfection. His column depicts error in judgment and a public machete to the backs of those violated.
Paterno chose football over human dignity. Paterno's pride was priority over morality. While the generosity in Wentz's support of Penn State and the Paterno Library is respectable, the complete disregard of Sandusky's pedophilia and Paterno's trickle down effect on the victims was deplorable.
In feigning ignorance, Paterno consented in each child's violation.
Speaking on behalf of every cringing, frightened, emotionally scarred child, Wentz's blue and white bleeding money is going exactly where it belongs.
Jayne Chirdon
Ashville
