Joe Paterno haters go too far.

In general, I’ve kept my mouth shut about the backlash on Joe Paterno and his tarnished reputation in regard to the Sandusky scandal. The fact is, I don’t really know what happened. And that is not my point here.

I remember when I heard about the death of Saddam Hussein on the news. I recall feeling an ache for human kind. I admit I did not feel sorrow for his death, but neither did I celebrate it. My heart ached over the ugliness in the world. Despite the atrocities committed by Hussein, I never felt a smug delight about his passing as if the horrors of the world should be showered down upon him as I danced with joy. 

When reading articles about Paterno’s health, I was appalled by the comments I read. Comments of “good riddance,” “this is his reward,” “rot in hell” and comparisons to Hitler and Kim Jong-il made me shake my head in confusion and sadness. If the worst said about Paterno is true, it is absolutely tragic. Absolutely. It would mean that a man who did so much good for kids in need also horrifically failed kids in need. But even a failing of this magnitude, in my opinion, would not deserve elation over his death. It does not warrant the pleasure some seem to take in seeing the loss of a fellow human being.

I believe with all my being that it is dangerous ground to let so much hate into your heart. Even the most righteous of anger can be poisonous if one holds on to it too long. I would rather find peace in this moment, cherish my loved ones, and pray for the strength to face the difficult choices in life with honesty and dignity than wrap myself in hatred and scorn. It hurts my heart that so many others embrace the latter.