On August 7. 2007 I wrote a commentary on the abuse of a child.  The title of the commentary was “Appalling”.  Since writing that commentary two people have written to voice their disagreement.  Both stated that they care about the alleged perpetrator of that abuse.  Both seemed to be particularly willing to use name calling as a mean of making their point.

I have stated from the beginning that we have to wait for the court to decide guilt or innocence.  But I have also said that I highly doubt innocence in this case, other than the innocence of the child.

I have replied to both of those who commented negatively about my commentary.  The most recent reply was today as was my own reply.  I am reprinting the most recent comments and my own for your review and comment. No edits have been made.

This was from Sara, today (12/2/07).  “All I have to say to all of you assholes out there that want to judge a person before you even know what is going on, you all need to rethink what you are saying. Would you want to be judged. No probably not. Everything that they are all saying isn't true. Emmaline is a 2 year old child, she is going to have brusies and bumps. and did you ever think that the "burn" on her leg was from a carpet burn. Mike has a 5 year old son and him and Emma played all the time together. Mike would never hurt Emma he loves her and Crystal very much. And one other thing that all of you should know is that Crystal is a GREAT mom. I love her and Emmaline very mcuh and can't wait to see them again. Think about it is the news always right? No they are not. Before you judge someone you should really find out the truth. Mike is a good guy, just because he has a felony doesn't mean he is going to hurt a child. Just think about how big of an ass you just made your self to be.”

My response (12/2/07).  “Sarah, I feel sorry for you.  The fact that you cannot discuss a topic without being abusive says volumes to me about you.  The comments that have been made on here about the alleged abuse of that little girl have been based on news articles and on the statements of law enforcement officers.  The two people who have defended the alleged perpetrator (you and cypooka) have based your arguments on the fact that you like the alleged perpetrator.  That is weak at best and given your response, suggests to me that the perpetrator will be found guilty. 

“I have worked with abused children for 30 years.  I have heard every argument possible by friends of the perpetrator and by the perpetrators themselves.  Most of the time the abused child provides all the proof needed.

“We will all allow the court to decide.

“In the meantime, please refrain from being abusive yourself in your response to open discussion of the case.  You will gain many more supporters if you do that.”

As you all know, I welcome discussion and debate on this site.  I do NOT welcome abusive language or name calling.  I also do not welcome people blindly supporting people accused of child abuse without some proof beyond the fact that they “like” the alleged abuser.  Every abuser has people who like him or her.  Most are good enough at hiding their behavior that most of their friends and acquaintances have no idea.  The only ones who REALLY know are the children lying in hospital beds, dying for the abuse. 

I actually hope that the alleged perpetrator in this case IS innocent.  But, once again, we have to let the court decide.