Is there one shred of evidence or one thing in Paterno's background to suggest he would knowingly cover up a child-abuse scandal? Show me that evidence and then I could believe his image should be tarnished. Without that evidence, he has earned the right to have his explanation, that he did not fully comprehend the situation, accepted. Much of this happened before the Catholic Church abuse scandal became public and these things were talked about far less than now.
A university is not defined by one person accused of monstrous crimes, or by a failed administrator. It is defined by the millions of people who live their lives with dignity, honesty, and charity - who live their lives the Paterno way.
I am now, always have been, and always will be Penn State proud.
Marty Rosenblatt, East Norriton
Defend principles of justice
The modern-day Greek tragedy playing itself out in Happy Valley exposes the hypocrisy in America today. We espouse the virtues of defending those accused of wrong until proven guilty. However, when the news broke about the abhorrent charges against Jerry Sandusky, authorities, trustees, and the media made Joe Paterno the face of a scandalous cover-up. Was Paterno responsible for the terrible acts alleged against children? Where were the editorials decrying the need to uphold our American principles of justice as JoePa was being publicly flogged? Only after he died did articles begin emphasizing his character, values, and philanthropy.
The message that comes out of this terrible situation for me is that our American principles need to be supported and defended publicly to prevent them from being shoved aside to satisfy our anger and lust for revenge.
E. Michael Theodore, Penn State Class of 1969, Lansdale, emtheodore@aol.com
President committed on environment
