WDAM Viewpoint- Good men doing nothing - WDAM.COM - TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports

November 10, 2011

As Edmund Burke famously said, "All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing."  That is what led to the ouster of legendary Penn State coach, Joe Paterno…along with the University's president.   A former Penn State Defensive Coordinator and protégée of Paterno's was seen by two or more eye witnesses in the act of molesting a young boy at his on campus office.  Apparently, from what we now know, this was far from an isolated case.  One of the eye witnesses told Paterno—known throughout his storied career for his high ethical standards and sterling reputation.  Technically and legally, Joe followed procedure and reported it to Penn State officials.  Nothing happened.  It was swept under the rug and he let it drop…not informing authorities or doing anything else to stop it.  He failed to live up to his own high standards.  Joe is beloved by millions and the perennial good guy.  How many of us are guilty at times in our lives of not doing the right thing?  Do we pass a stranded motorist because…well surely they have a cell phone and we're in a hurry?  Do we know of someone taking advantage of someone with less power than themselves and look the other way?   Bullying doesn't just take place on the school yard and is not just physical.  Do we see acts or words of racism and say nothing?  Coach Paterno admits now that he should have done more.  Before throwing too many stones at him…let each of us first examine ourselves to see if we too are guilty of not doing the right thing and letting wrong triumph in its place.  I'm Jim Cameron and we'd like to hear what you think.