Bus Fumes

It seems the judge is actually giving the victim a reprieve from having to watch her own victimization in front of the rest of the world. This should never have been a question -- let alone a threat -- in the first place.

It's bad enough that the tape exists, that the attorneys had to see it, that the judge had to see it, and that the jurors will have to see it. As far as I'm concerned, every time it's shown it's another violation of the victim. That the court would even consider inflicting that incredibly painful act on the poor woman again is beyond the pale. I can only surmise that defense counsel was hoping that by bullying her, the victim would recant her testimony, or that a mistrial would occur. Everyone deserves a defense... but not an offense. And this is offensive indeed.

For what it's worth, I believe that woman, whoever she is, is unbelievably brave. My prayers are with her.
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Speaking of offensive, there'll be a different kind of demonstration of faith occurring in a couple of Catholic churches here in Chicago today.

I am flummoxed by Cardinal Francis George's continued unwillingness to implement the program he, as a member of the Conference of Bishops, helped to design after the first big wave of pedophilia scandals and lawsuits rocked the church.

I am baffled by his willingness to assist DCFS if allegations are brought forth going forward, but unwillingness to notify them of past allegations.

I'm beginning to wonder if it's going to take him being arrested for aiding and abetting to finally get his attention. Just because he answers to a higher power does not mean he does not also answer to the laws of country and state.

(And just what is he going to say to his maker when asked to explain why he did not put protecting children above all else?)

Over the weekend I heard people on the radio saying what a good person Francis George is. I'm sorry. A good person does not set up the fox to guard the henhouse. A good shepherd protects his flock.

Francis George has shown phenomenally bad judgment and no understanding of why it is bad.
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