The order of these ramblings are in no particular order. But a lot of notable things are going on in this world- so here we go:
PSU - I should start off by saying I think everything PSU and NCAA did in response to evidence that many high ranking PSU officials (including Joe Paterno, obviously) knew that Sandusky was sexually abusing young men and even took actions to cover it up, was fair and appropriate. I think there is a group of victims that hasn't gotten the attention they deserve, and that is Joe's players and fans. Specifically his players. These young men played their hardest for Joe. They trusted and respected Joe. And he let them down; Joe wasn't the stand-up guy (at least in some regards) that they believed he was. As an athlete who had coaches that turned out to not be who I thought they were, as an athlete who was let down by MY role model on an occasion or two -- my heart goes out to these guys. I wasn't necessarily ANGRY at my coaches for their short comings or "demons" - but I was caught off guard and a bit deflated.
After a passionate discussion with a good friend of mine, I realized there are individuals who are chastising Joe's players. THAT is taking it a step too far. Admittedly, I was ignorant to this. Keep in mind that most of these guys started playing for PSU when they were "boys" - either legally or emotionally. Joe grew them into "men". This has to be a time of reflection and upset for them, whether they are angry, defensive or disappointed (and any other emotion they may be feeling).
Chick-fil-A - The debate everyone is getting sick of hearing about. A few key points I want to make, and since this is MY blog I feel the liberty to do so. And btw, I'll probably keep using social media to blast them as well ;)
This discussion was, in large part, begun by the Chick-fil-A leadership. They chose to take an aggressive, bigoted, controversial stance. I didn't go out of my way to learn the opinions of these people. But it was thrown in my face, so I get to cast judgement. Just like we do with politicians that put their policies and beliefs out into the world. I don't ASK my auto mechanics if they are racist. But surely if I found out they were, I would take my business elsewhere. My decision to not give Chick-fil-A my business is one way I'm supporting equal rights in this country. And I invite (and strongly encourage) you to do the same.
Additionally, I didn't know Jesus - but I'm SURE if he loved prostitutes and thieves, he would have been just fine with homosexuality. And if I argue about what's in the bible, I will lose every single time, but hasn't that been re-written about a million times? Why does anyone think it actually said homosexuality is wrong in its original version?
And while we're on the Christianity thing - I wish people would stop using it as a vehicle for hate and discrimination.
RELATED - boy scouts! REALLY? Was it necessary to come out against homosexuals? What kind of moral organization teaches discrimination and intolerance? To YOUNG KIDS? Gross.
The Rick Curl Swimming Scandal - Unfortunately I was not at all shocked about this, as I had heard similar stories about Rick through my swimming career. My heart goes out to the victim. I totally understand how she would have gotten wrapped up in a situation like this. She thought she and her coach were in love, and he took advantage of her and sexually abused her as a teen. He gained the trust of her and her parents.
I'm not sure if all sports would lend itself to a situation like this quite the way swimming does. It's very much an individual sport, and it is SO psychological. Countless hours are spent training, and you rely on your coach so heavily for so much - emotionally and physically.
I think now that this one individual has come forward, it will empower other young women (and men, possibly) to step forward and call out behaviors of their coaches that are not appropriate. It may be a phenomenon we see across many sports after the Sandusky scandal - with a country so willing to support the victims.
Upsetting aspects of this particular case are that again, adults knew about it, and did nothing. Also, USA Swimming allegedly was given evidence of the abuse and delayed action for a few months until the story broke in the press. I hope swift, decisive action is taken. And while I appreciate that in America you have the right to face your accuser, and that you are innocent until proven guilty (which in this case he pretty much signed a paper saying he was), it is important to protect the other young people he interacts with in the interim.
AIDS 2012 - the international conference recently held in DC. SUPER cool. I only attended one day (the last) but it was fun to see such a diverse, energetic crowd. I had been to several cardiology conferences before with my previous job. But HIV/AIDS is different. It was not only about the science and research, but it was about the HIV community, activism and outreach. I heard individuals living with the virus speak. I hear politicians (Nancy Pelosi and Bill Clinton). I heard a celebrity (Whoopi Goldberg). And I heard amazing physicians/researchers speak, who have dedicated their careers (and in some cases lives) to the cause. I saw the AIDS quilt. There was such a great, positive energy. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to experience it.
Lochte vs. Phelps - LOCHTE! Hello. I hope Phelps wins gold medals in everything but the events he swims against my Ryan.
OK - I think that's about it. Back to meeting strangers :)
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