Quote:
Originally Posted by ApK
I don't know the whole story, and I consider it a virtue that I have no interest in finding out, since I don't especially care about these people. I have issues far closer to me that take precedence.
Maybe pdurrant knows more, but here's what I do know based only on that one post and life experience:
1. Over 50 years ago, they were sentenced to one year. Not 20, not life. So apparently our justice system thought that was sufficient punishment for whatever happened.
2. I've seen cases of "child abuse" that amounted to once spanking or restraining a child a bit too hard for some observer's liking. An act that may indeed amount to a "mistake" on someone's part.
3. Given #2, and not knowing any details, I also allow for the possibility of a spectrum of circumstances between "One accidental overreaction 50 years ago followed by a miscarriage of justice" and "incorrigible monsters who should be locked away from decent people forever," some of which allows for change, regret, forgiveness, redemption, rehabilitation, all those things that "cancel culture" takes it upon itself to toss out.
Lastly, just consider this my rant against cancel culture. I totally get pdurrant being uncomfortable with these folks and choosing not to read them. Similarly, my wife won't watch any Tom Cruise movies, and I have a hard time watching Mel Gibson.
I did not miss the import of his "Damn authors for being flawed people!" I get it.
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There’s so much to refute here that I may run out of steam, however, my single point still stands. Don’t refer to child abuse as a “mistake.” Ever.
You admit the possibility that Paul’s judgment was based on knowing more of the facts, but dismiss it as irrelevant. In fact, I think it is, but you seem not to. And turning your own arguments against you, the odds of a spanking or a slap in anger being labeled as child abuse in 1970, much less resulting in a jail sentence, would have been essentially non-existent. Moreover, the realities of the American court system meant that a first offense where there was wiggle room or murkiness would most likely have resulted in a suspended sentence. A one-year sentence, in fact, smells like a plea deal, indicating a serious matter and incontrovertible proof. Just sayin’. I think my speculations are more on the mark.
As for cancel culture, it absolutely does not “toss out” the possibility of “change, regret, forgiveness, redemption, rehabilitation.” That’s up to the person. People choose not to read books, they’re not casting the author into permanent darkness.
