First, while I appreciate and understand the depth and breadth of the love and respect for Joe Paterno, enough already with the fan base scolding the rest of humanity with their endless comments.
We’ve heard about it from every angle known to man. Please free up the space on the opinion page for commentary related to more current events.
Second, in response to Patricia Welch’s question (CDT letter, Tuesday) concerning whether a football coach is “responsible for enforcing the law,” the answer is no, he is not responsible for enforcing the law, nor was he asked to do so.
As an educator who became aware of a probable crime perpetrated against a defenseless child, however, he is legally obligated to inform the appropriate law enforcement and children’s services agency of the matter.
It is then up to those personnel to enforce the law by investigating the situation and, if necessary, charging the perpetrator. The perpetrator is entitled to the same legal protections and processes available to the rest of us. But the insinuation that Paterno was held responsible for enforcing the law is completely false.
The many CDT readers who have opinions concerning Paterno’s responsibilities and obligations in the current situation should consider whether the opinion has been expressed already and not monopolize the opinion page by repeating the same information over and over.
Jill Salow Smith State College
