It’s all about trust, and it’s breakdown in this country. It’s bad enough when our politicians lie to us and make deals and do things that hurt us under the guise of passing laws that benefit us. The idea of using one’s power to be a predator is entirely another! Take the example of Dennis Hastert, who was sentenced yesterday to a 15 months in prison for abusing students, wrestlers in his care. Can anyone say, Jerry Sandusky. I have no pity for anyone, especially people who abuse the trust rooted in the concept of “In loco parentis.” (In place of the parent.) Whether it is Jerry Sandusky, Dennis Hastert, Priests, Presidents, or anyone who uses their power as a coach, teacher, religious figure, or president, they should be put away and have the key thrown out. There is only one side here, and that is that it is wrong to take advantage of your position of trust, even if you can somehow, in some sick way try to say that another person had involvement. When that person is in a subordinate or lesser position, they are vulnerable, and feel a certain need to belong or please, and that is what makes the act so despicable. Dennis Hastert should be locked up for the rest of his life for negatively hurting the lives of young people, then trying to pay off $3.5 million later on to cover it up. The power that was used to initiate the abuse of having sex with kids, or subordinates, should not also be used to get that person off, or lesson the penalty. If it does, then what does it say about the sick , immoral mentality of our legal system, and our country. Throw the key away on Denny, Jerry, the Priests, and oh yes, President Billy C. while you are at it. They are all the worst of the worst in lying and taking advantage of who we thought they were, and the power they were supposed to responsibly use. They should represent the highest in principles; not the lowest if they are to represent us. We hire, select and elect people based on our trust that they will do the right things whether they are in the private or public sectors of government. When they don’t, it is time to hold them accountable as we would the regular citizen. I feel sorry for any of you who would try to explain that away because of some other concern like a political side. Right and Wrong are still Right and Wrong ! Lock them up, and throw away the key! They deserve nothing better. ….Gary Sutton
