Two of last week’s major stories glaringly tell us many Americans still don’t get it. The worst of these two stories is finally workings its way to resolution — Penn State’s Joe Paterno was fired for not doing the most he could have when he heard that one of his coaches was seen allegedly raping a young boy in the university’s showers.

Details of the other story, that of a major presidential candidate, are coming to light. He continues to deny the allegations, changing his version of the story and getting cheers when he answers a question about it at last week’s debate. The moderator was booed for having the audacity to broach the question.

Closer to home we have our own leaders wrestling with whether or not to continue to help fund the Crime Victim’s Crisis Center. They have already relinquished responsibility for the Crisis Response Team.

I understand that the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners have to make cuts where they can, but I think they ought to start with their own fees, and I think they should seriously consider cost sharing with Albert Lea where they overlap.

CVCC and CRT have relied on volunteers to advocate for the victims and for donations to offset expenses. Rose Olmsted who has devoted decades to these organizations was summarily fired after the state shutdown ended. Although I can only speak for myself I believe we volunteers have given up many, many hours of our own time to assist victims not only because we wanted to help these victims but because we felt the county supported our efforts.

Where each of the organizations had abut 40 volunteers you only need to look at the equivalent organization in Austin which has only a handful of volunteers. I believe the difference between our communities has been the leadership of Rose Olmsted and the support she has received from the county.

Although the CRT is no longer under the auspices of the county, CVCC needs our support. Please speak with the commissioners and urge them to continue their support of CVCC. Domestic and sexual assault cannot be tolerated.

 

Patti Kimble

Emmons