This is the fourth time I’ve written about the Duke lacrosse rape scandal (first, second, and third) – and hopefully it will be the last, at least as a specific subject. As of this writing, the DNA has failed to link the lacrosse team to the alleged rape, but the DA has said he intends to go for at least one indictment.
So – it’s actually not resolved, is it? Whichever way it turns out, though, the various aspects of the situation exposed some terrible societal problems that we really need to confront. There were issues enough for everybody, including Polimom, that need introspection and discussion.
I could write for days on this subject, and probably would have, had I not found this excellent article in the San Jose Mercury News.
Best case scenario, the incident will lead schools to take a hard look at the excesses of all students. In the last seven years, a total of 41 Duke lacrosse players, more than 30 percent of all the varsity players over that time, were cited for a laundry list of misdemeanors including assault, underage drinking, public urination and disturbing the peace. That seems like a high percentage, but apparently not high enough to attract the attention of the athletic director or anyone else. Now, however, they are paying attention.
Best case, it will make students think twice before doing something really stupid, although alcohol and midnight will continue to mix badly. Whether a rape occurred in this case or not, it will raise awareness of the heinous crime itself, maybe prevent some in the future.
That’s the best that can be hoped. Nothing else. Because nothing good happened at 610 N. Buchanan Blvd. on the night of March 13. Nothing that anyone on either side can possibly defend.
Nope. There is no possible outcome where everyone wins on this. I hope you’ll read the entire article; it says exactly what I’m thinking on many fronts. Most importantly, though, Bob Ford points out that we have a problem, folks, and regardless of the outcome next week with the grand jury, a crime was committed:
There will eventually be a trial of some sort, and there should be, because there was a crime committed. It was either the crime of rape or the crime of falsely accusing someone of a felony. One or the other, although this story will never end with a neat, undisputed conclusion.
When the dust settles, Polimom hopes that Americans will come away with more than “Ha! I was right!” – whatever right turns out to be. If we don’t learn some lessons here, we’re doomed to travel this road again and again.
Forever.