Re: Matt Deatherage (was Very Sad, but...)

[gfavelle@muug.mb.ca (Gord Favelle)]

In <1994Apr11.015845.3145@gallant.apple.com> David A Lyons <dlyons@apple.com> writes:

>I have known Matt for five years.  He's a good person.

>There is a difference between being guilty of having sex with a minor,
>and being a child molester.  Matt's position is that what happened was
>not against the minor's will at all; that it was all arranged; and
>that the minor knew a word to stop the activities at any time, and did
>not choose to use it.  Legally, however, a minor does not have the
>right to consent to sex.

Wait a minute, I think I've heard this argument before, oh yea, now I 
remember, let's blame the victim, ya, that's how it goes.  Come on, IF 
the allegations are true it would appear that is was more than JUST 
having sex with a minor!  Because the kid was scared and lied to his parents
it must be the kids fault right?

I'm sorry, but I don't buy this s**t.  Unless their is significant evidence 
to the contrary (and lying to his parents and not telling anyone doesn't 
constitute significant evidence to me) my tendency is to believe the 
kids.  I've worked with many pedophiles and sexual abusers who have been 
doctors, lawyers, etc. who many many people would testify they were 
"nice" guys, but this doesn't make them innocent of their crimes.

>I think it's significant to note the following, from various news
>reports:  (1) the minor did not go to police, one of the parents did,
>when they found out; (2) the minor lied to his parents about where he
>was going.

>A further statement of Matt's side of the story should be forthcoming
>in the next week or so.  I think it would only be fair to keep an open
>mind until more information is available.

I agree we shouldn't be judge and jury in this case before any trial, 
however, I also don't believe we should be defending his actions either!  
Also I think it is important that many of the falacies around child abuse 
and victimization should be dispelled at once as well.

>Dave Lyons, dlyons@apple.com
>Mr Tangent

>My opinions are my own, not Apple's.
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