So often, we avoid the topic of child sex abuse as if it cannot happen in our community; it only happens in trailer parks or in broken homes, etc. I would posit the thought that child sex abuse can drive any parent to madness, checking the Internets for the sex offender registries, wondering if every teacher, coach and family friend is "safe". It's easy to get caught up in that. With my past, one would think I'd be the ultimate helicopter parents, but I believe children can sense hypervigilance and that can eff them up even more.
That said, "Booger" here is the reason why vigilantes exist. And if you don't believe in vigilantism, do as my husband and I did last night and rent "Eye for an Eye" with Sally Field and Kiefer Sutherland. It makes you question what you would do on a completely visceral level when it comes to protecting your child. It sums up frustration with the system that so many secondary victims have. It is not for the fainthearted. Perhaps Patrick "Booger" Kelly would have met a similar fate had the evidence been corrupted or lost.
5 comments:
liz,
i saw Eye For An Eye several years ago--don't forget that the underlying message of that movie is that vigilantism is NOT the answer, despite whatever sympathy and compassion you felt for sally's character.
the underlying basis of vigilantism is one thing: pure, raw emotionalism, NOT rationalism, and, despite whatever sympathy and compassion i may feel for crime victims and their loved ones, people simply should NOT take the law into their own hands and mete out their own brand of "justice", i.e., vengeance, and if they do, then they should be held accountable under the law as much as the original law breakers.
MARIO
Or "The Brave One" (excellent film, bad movie title)
Here's something to chew on: Mr. Outside The Inkwell eschews the names "co-survivor" or "secondary victim" because he believes it diminishes the offense to the survivor. While it is painful for loved ones and family, he believes that there's no sharing the stage in a smaller role, so to speak. I don't agree but that's his opinion. Thoughts?
M:
Actually, I think that "Eye for an Eye" condoned vigilantism in that there was no supposed punishment. Same as "The Brave One". Of course it's wrong, but unless you stand in those shoes, you cannot comprehend how tempting it may be. Mr. Notranting could barely watch it - he was chewing on his cuticles, walking around the room, getting visibly upset and cussing at the ineptitude of the DA and the cops.
Maybemarnie - Mr. Inkwell has a point but it's very personal. I don't care one way or another. I do know this - there is no good reason Mr. Notranting and I should be together after the 2005-2008 time period that would have torn apart many marriage. He doesn't view himself as a secondary survivor - and correct me if I am wrong, there are no funds to help family members - but I do. I think that our loved ones try to fix what has never been broken; many times at a terrible price to themselves.
But as I adore Mr. Inkwell, I totally respect his opinion. Who needs any of the spotlight? We all hate it, but we need it to get the word out.
First before we hang the guy- see if he's guilty first. It seems like lately we are wanting to hang somebody before getting the facts. Have you ever heard a psycatrist lead a child to say what they want? You could make a child say thay he flew across the room if you wanted them too. So, do we strap him down now so he don't fly away?
The current "witch hunt" for child predators isn't right. Those leading the pack include people who never touched a child in the mix, just to scare people.
Don't judge to quickly let ye be judged yourself. My guess is Red is innocent, and a entry level Psyciatrist is building up his/her financial portfolio.
Dear Anon:
The trouble is, even if found guilty, this person won't get much time. A crime against a child is the worst possible kind. As a parent, I can bear anything but that.
That said, you seem to know "Red" and have a great deal of mistrust for both children and psychiatrists. I know my 5 year old speaks truth without prompting if spoken to like an adult.
I think for every pedo and child toucher out there, there are 5 that go unreported. So, no, I don't believe there's a "witchhunt" at all. You may want to go back and read the post, which pretty much lambastes those who do so.
Sounds like you are a good friend to Mr. Kelly and he's lucky to have you. Because the evidence, thus far (that which the general public can see) is not very good for him and the others.
PS - I don't judge. You must be new to this blog. I am simply reporting the news that's already out there and asking readers what they think. And yes, as a rape survivor, I have been judged. Severely and without intelligence or sense, I may say.
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