Accountability only way to fight problem
by Nick Nance, reporter

    Recently, I read something blaming the youth of America for our current problems. I find this absolutely ridiculous and pity the misinformed people who actually believe this.

   This week’s issue of Newsweek has a story about 80 Catholic priests who are being investigated for child molestation. It appears that the church has covered up the molestation for decades.

   When an organization attempts to conceal internal activities and does nothing to the guilty party, it is endorsing the action.

   As a result, it appears that the Catholic church endorses the molesting of young boys.

   Priests are supposed to be the pillars of our communities. They are among the people we are supposed to look upon with admiration and pride.

   These men are not part of the category described as the problem causers of our nation.

   However, no one will ever say that a child molester is not a problem.

   The problem is not religiously based either.

   Just because someone is not religious is no reason to deem him or her a bad person. Nor should someone automatically be deemed safe if he or she is religious or an official of a church.

   This group of men in the Boston area were long-time figures within a church, yet look at the horrific things they did. No generalization should ever pinpoint one group.

   As someone who is part of that younger generation, it is disheartening for me to hear these generalized opinions from older generations lump me into the problem category.

   I think the problem is not with the generations. I see the problem as the individuals and their environment.

   Problems like this are not going to stop as long as we continue to allow people to get away with such actions.

   Accountability is the answer for this and countless other issues.

   The first time these priests acted out their sexual fantasies with children, they should have been punished according to the law.

   Instead, their acts were covered up, and people were paid off.

   Accountability has been lacking for some time. The individual and the family must accept responsibility for their actions.

   Long ago, I dedicated myself to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

   We all need to make the same decision. Then perhaps children can grow up safely, and we can all trust again.