WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.Editorial: Take Action

Editorial: Take Action

Posted: Updated:
By Collin Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Friday, May 18 2012 7:20 PM EDT2012-05-18 23:20:53 GMT
    If you text and drive it's a matter of WHEN and not IF you will be involved in an accident. The odds are stacked against you when your eyes and hands are more focused on your cell phone than they are
    If you text and drive it's a matter of WHEN and not IF you will be involved in an accident.  The odds are stacked against you when your eyes and hands are more focused on your cell phone than they are the other motorists on the roadways.

  • Tuesday, May 15 2012 7:20 PM EDT2012-05-15 23:20:31 GMT
    On our editorial suggesting that the governor raise taxes to fund Medicaid, we received these comments: "If the budget is passed at this severely cut rate, the shortage of physicians, hospitals, and clinics
    On our editorial suggesting that the governor raise taxes to fund Medicaid, we received these comments:

  • Tuesday, May 1 2012 7:20 PM EDT2012-05-01 23:20:35 GMT
    If your commute includes I-85 in the mornings I'm sure you've noticed men alongside the roadways picking up trash and road debris and thought to yourself "who would want to do that?"
    If your commute includes I-85 in the mornings I'm sure you've noticed men alongside the roadways picking up trash and road debris and thought to yourself "who would want to do that?"

  • Friday, April 20 2012 7:20 PM EDT2012-04-20 23:20:42 GMT
    For the next sixty seconds I want you to give yourself permission to push pause on whatever you are doing and listen and reflect for a moment. I did this recently after reading an article titled "Top five

  • Wednesday, April 18 2012 7:27 PM EDT2012-04-18 23:27:31 GMT
    Representative Christopher John England (Tuscaloosa) has sponsored a bill in the Alabama legislature that would allow convicted felons of drug crimes to receive food stamps under certain circumstances.
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

The alleged appalling acts by a former Penn State assistant football coach and founder of a group home for troubled boys has the country reeling.  The wicked truth is that these acts against children are taking place every day and are often veiled in silence.  All too often the victim's are ashamed or afraid to speak out.

This case also spotlights another unfortunate occurrence that can happen in these situations – witnesses to these crimes against children not doing enough.  It amplifies the need for those who are aware or suspect something negative is happening to a child to speak out, take action and continue to take action until it is investigated fully by law enforcement.  A child's health and safety is just too important a matter to stop at first notification.

We all need to open our eyes wide when it comes to children and misconduct by adults.  Learn the signs of sexual abuse. Report it when you think you see it and tell others to do the same.

We must encourage our leaders and elected officials to continue to strengthen reporting requirements and stiffen sanctions for noncompliance when vile acts against children are witnessed or suspected.  Our laws must continue to impose stiff consequences if someone fails a child - as one failure is one too many. 

We appreciate and encourage your feedback.

Copyright 2011 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.