As you might imagine, the last couple of weeks have been, well, a lot of things. Mostly, they've been horribly sad and haunting and sickening. But, well, you knew that already.
I have done something in the last week that I haven't done in years. I've unplugged. I have dropped off Twitter. I'm not on Facebook. I'm not scanning the Internet. And, as you may have noticed, I'm not posting on the blog. This was a personal decision I made so I could do the work I feel like I have to do. It's been interesting to go underground. I'm surprised how much more time I have in a day.
I'm sure I will plug back in when I finish my work … and I might pop on here with a post every now and again when something goofy strikes or when I think I have something worth saying or when Duane Kuiper does something great. But there's a lot to do -- even those extra hours I saved not posting on Twitter aren't enough.
Thank you for reading. Emotions are running high now, and they should be running high because acts terrible beyond words have happened. I appreciate all the opinions people have offered, including some of the most rage-filled. I've heard you. Now I am trying to do the best work I know how to do.
Let me say one more thing: I have spent a lot of time in the last couple of weeks talking with many people who have dedicated their lives to preventing child abuse in all its forms, and especially child sexual abuse. I hope to talk with many more. If anything good can come from the alleged horrors of Jerry Sandusky, I hope it is that people will take measure of their rage and find the strength and courage to both report what they know to protect children, and (just as as important) lead those children to help. The statistics of how rarely people across America report child abuse are staggering and heartbreaking. The myth that children who are sexually abused can't be helped and are destined to be permanently scarred is monstrous and overpowering and that myth prevents so many of those kids from GETTING the guidance and support that could help them lead wonderful lives.
Child abuse -- all of it -- is a great worldwide shame. This Sandusky story is twisted and awful and painful. But it is also an opportunity.