10-26-2014, 07:07 AM
I do not believe that trial by public opinion is validated by our legal system. Although I have some senior moments, I'm pretty sure I remember a school lesson about innocent until proven guilty and benefit of the doubt. Lots of people have been victimized by persons who were either misinformed, misinterpreted what they learned, or were downright vindictive - and later they were exonerated. But the stigma casts a long shadow. Thus, often the finger-pointers raise more red flags than their victims (Oh, if so-and-so has such a h----on for him or her, he or she must have done something right.) Consider the accuser's credibility pending more conclusive information.