DA scrutinizes Mass. camp where Sen. alleges abuse

[SecularMotion]

Source: Berkshire Eagle

BOSTON (AP) - Prosecutors are taking a deeper look into a Cape Cod summer camp where U.S. Sen. Scott Brown says he was sexually abused as a child after another former camper came forward to say he was abused there.

Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represents the former camper who says he was molested as a 10 year old, referred the allegation to the Cape and Islands district attorney's office on Monday. Garabedian tells The Boston Globe the employee who allegedly assaulted his client in the mid-1980s still works at Camp Good News in Sandwich.

Read more: http://www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_17773478

[sadbear]

1. Camp Good News?

Is that supposed to be a Christian camp?

[DeSwiss]

2. Yup.

http://www.campgoodnews.org/

[Auntie Bush]

3. What is it with these good christens? I wonder why

Scott Brown didn't say something earlier if he knew the abuser was still there. He could have saved a lot of other children from such trauma.

[drm604]

4. I think we should go a little easy on him for that.

It must be very difficult to talk about something like that.

[karynnj]

8. Politically, we should leave it completely alone

In terms of my opinion of him, it does seem that once he became a lawyer with a good supportive wife, he could have at minimum called the camp to find out if the abuser were still there. If he was, I think that he had the responsibility - not legally, but morally, to let the camp know what happened to him. By this I do not mean that he is guilty or an accomplice. What he is a coward, not caring enough that other young boys, many without his assets (intelligence, athletic ability or looks) will suffer what he did to deal with the embarrassment.

It would be hard to talk about, but by that point in his life, Brown's position in life should have given him the power to do it - even if it meant pressing charges.

He could have been a hero, even if few noticed, but by staying silent at a point where he knew the law - and likely even knew the prosecutor he could have spoken to - he opted not to be. He is not a shy, reserved person. So, maybe he gets points for speaking of it now - but he could have been there nearly 20 years ago - as a lawyer married to a high powered news woman.

The standards for a leader are and should be higher than for others. There are people who instinctively act risking their lives to save others - where as firemen, police, soldiers, or occasionally anyone. Here, he would have risked little - but he didn't do it.

[drm604]

9. We shouldn't touch it.

It would be wrong both politically and, in my opinion at least, morally. Without being in his head we can never imagine how difficult this must have been for him. We can certainly praise him for coming forward, but he shouldn't be criticized for not doing it sooner.

[karynnj]

13. I disagree that he should be praised

He has been a powerful, successful man for at least 20 years. If that man is still working in the camps, he could have saved many boys - and for that he would deserve praise. But, even with this book, nothing suggests he even checked out if the man were still working there.

I am not saying he is evil - or even culpable. I am saying he is no hero. I'm not even sure how his speaking of this, but not going that further step would look to someone dealing with it.

[drm604]

14. But doesn't praise encourage others with similar issues to come forward?

If we praise such people as heroes for coming forward that might encourage others to do the same.

[karynnj]

15. I think you can praise the action of speaking about it - and every top

democrat in Massachusetts did. BUT, to go as far as call him a hero deems the word. Had he done so as a young lawyer, with his high powered supermodel TV news star wife prominently at his side, I would have called him a hero.

[Auntie Bush]

16. He found it difficult to discuss when he could have saved other children, but

he managed to say it when it enabled him to publicize his book and create profits. Knowing that the molester is still there throws a whole different light on his revealing that fact. Now I no longer have any sympathy or respect for him.

[Recursion]

5. Wrong answer

Please don't ever work with victims of abuse.

[Auntie Bush]

17. I understand it's difficult for molesten children report it...but

then he should have not mentioned it just to help sell his books.
That's what I object to.

[valerief]

10. Does a bear poop in the woods? Course. nt

[Roy Rolling]

6. right answer

It is too late to blame an abuse victim for not speaking out. Blaming the victim is not the answer, understanding his reluctance can be helpful. I'm not saying he deserves a medal, but blaming him for hiding his own shame is equally unproductive.

Now that it is in the open, he can begin his own healing process. Also, if Brown had disclosed it to a parent or medical professional and they failed to act, then that is someone who should have acted immediately.

So, settle down, Beavis! ;-)

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. 
[link:www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html|Click
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[Gormy Cuss]

12. Take your nonsense elsewhere.

You have no fucking clue.

[valerief]

11. I wonder if sexual abuse creates these Republican monsters. nt