Monday March 18, 2013, 9:51 am

I am BEYOND FURIOUS about the media's lack of respect for women's rights.

Please visit the site to sign the petition.

Monday March 18, 2013, 9:53 am
n/s

Monday March 18, 2013, 9:59 am
CNN is the new FOX News! They are horrible. I used to watch them all the time, but, have switched to MSNBC! CNNFOX is nothing but a right wing mouth piece!

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:11 am
I, too, used to watch CNN but something has happened to them along the way...."the poor boys"???? Caught on tape and we're supposed to feel sorry for them but not the girl? Jeez o pete

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:18 am
I HATE Candy that $%%$&%& ! I saw some of the coverage and apparently the guys' tears triggered more compassion than for the girl, eventhough she was drunk beyond consciousness.
Thanks Carole, also had the email and already signed previously.

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:20 am
Signed, noted & shared!

Thank you for sharing!

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:20 am
A statement like "needed sexual attention" (a quote!) should make anyone's hair rise in outrage !

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:20 am
Absolutely signed!

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:29 am


Thank you for signing the petition! and tweeted.

Poor dear boys. Have they learned that it's okay to do anything they want?

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:33 am
Not Acceptable! Noted and petition SO signed, thanks.

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:49 am
Signed , thanks for posting , I had heard they were very biased in coverage of the Steubenville case .
Shame on CNN .

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:01 am

I have said before and I do believe that we lack fact based, non opinion based news coverage. Drunk or not, football "heroes" or not, these young men committed an heinous crime. To offer them pity, is the same as saying, "she asked for it". No woman, young or old ever has asked to be the victim of a violent crime.

We have a distorted idea of this, if the boys are drunk they are just young men sewing those wild oats. Should the victim, a women be drunk - than she was just begging for an assault.

I used to watch CNN to catch some of Anderson Cooper's investigations, though those too have become lame.
Turn off the TV, find some fact based sites for reading about the news. Do any of us need the likes of this gang to think for us? I think not.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:03 am
Signed. Thanks for forwarding Just Carole. I will send it on.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:10 am
Signed, thank you.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:13 am
Thank you for signing the petition! Thanks Carole.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:16 am
Thank you, Carole for this. Definitely signed.!!! I too, used to watch CNN for coverage, and if it's not 3 minutes of coverage, it's 10 minutes of commercials. I used to enjoy watching the early show on CNN, but now I watch local news in the morning.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:21 am
signed, thank you Carole

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:23 am
I signed with this comment; The boys actions was the crime & deserved to be called on it, it was a tragedy for this poor girl & these boys deserved their lives to be ruined by their evil action on this innocent girl. Thanks Carole.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:24 am
Signed a couple of hours ago!!! Shame! These rapers should be hanged!!!
Shared and noted, thank you!

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:25 am
By the way, not only for this, but I never watch CNN, only the BBC!

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:29 am
Thanks Carole. I signed this petition this morning.

That Candy makes-my-skin-crawly is disgusting, so are the lot of them.
Like Maggie said, they've become the new Fox News... (entertainment!)

One *cannot* give consent while unconcious.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:32 am
Petition signed.

"Disgusting reportage of the Steubenville rape case verdict. Apologize immediately!"

I saw the video earlier this AM. Watch the video here:

http://www.alternet.org/cnn-grieves-guilty-verdict-ruined-promising-lives-steubenville-rapists?akid=10194.176640.e13Tfq&rd=1&src=newsletter810752&t=11

The boys were tried in a juvenile court. Only two boys were given verdicts.

What about the other boys that were involved and present during the rape? What did they get?

These are not "boys"... They are members of a football team where violence is a common place occurrence during a football game. These "boys" should have been tried in an adult court and given an adult sentence. The other boys should have been arrested and had their day in court.

They had access to alcohol but where did the alcohol come from and who brought, bought those alcoholic beverages in? Those who brought the alcoholic drinks in should also have been arrested.

This whole case was just plain bad... from the start of the investigation (cover-up) to the end. It smelled, badly.

Ty, "C".
.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:41 am
Signed and shared!

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:41 am

As much news as I read, it's surprising (even to me) that I am utterly dismayed and shocked by the behavior of those (supposedly trusted) news sources who continue to demonstrate a disregard for the rights of women.

It really saddens me. I wonder sometimes if women will ever progress if they must be portrayed through the eyes of misogynous men (and misguided/opportunistic women who betray their own sex) controlling what people know via the media.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:44 am
S & N, I couldn't believe what I was hearing on CNN. This girl was the victim, and most likely drugged. If she were only drunk she wouldn't have been unconscious the ENTIRE time. The boys CHOSE to rape her. She was incapable of consent, and a minor besides. The parents all those houses have some responsibility too. Who provided all the booze, they are also guilty. There should be charges against them for Contributing to the Delinquency of Minors. The really sad thing is that we have Rightwingers out there treating Rape like it is a joke, without any consideration of what the kids are learning from their behavior.

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:48 am
Signed and Noted.

Monday March 18, 2013, 12:00 pm
Signed.

Monday March 18, 2013, 12:00 pm

Well said, Jimbo.

SINCE WHEN is drunkenness an excuse to RAPE???

Why don't we just give a free pass to alcoholics . . . and teach that to their sons and daughters?

(AT LEAST, 1,000 steps backwards toward achieving a humane society.)

Monday March 18, 2013, 12:16 pm
Thank you for posting this, Carole! I was delighted yesterday when I learned that two of the boys had been found guilty and that many more will be investigated. There exists irrefutable evidence in the form of photos and video footage of the assaults. And those who believe the girl "asked" for it because she was intoxicated need a reality check. It's not OK to take advantage of people because they're unable to defend themselves. If that were true, all the comatose, paralyzed and helpless women in this country would be "asking" for it! And so would babies, toddlers and children! Did it ever occur to any of the judgmental geniuses at CNN that someone might have "slipped" something into this young woman's drink? It happens all the time. Haven't we learned anything by the recent events in India? Let's not allow our country to open the door to thinking that such behavior is excusable --because it's not --EVER! These "jocks" with more brawn than brain cells were showing off and thought they were going to get away with their crime because they are ever-so popular and beloved by their schools, their coaches, and their peers. Look at what such devotion to the football team did for Penn State --and especially to the many victims who have been scarred for life. Let's nip this fallacious reasoning in the bud.

Gladly signed and noted! Shame on you, CNN!

Monday March 18, 2013, 12:29 pm
Signed

Monday March 18, 2013, 12:30 pm
 
ANOTHER action (from Credo):
 
CNN's Steubenville rape trial coverage was offensive and unacceptable.
 
 

Monday March 18, 2013, 12:56 pm
Well Jim Phillips you said it right! If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck and swims like a duck.................WTF? The whole darn thing was handled so badly as far as the girl's side is concerned. Makes me sick to even think that things like this can happen still in this day and age in a "civilized" country. Poor boys my ass! I just want to vomit. I must express my sympathy for the girl. Being drunk does not mean you have a sign around your neck that says rape me. What a major cover up. Boys will be boys? Bull shit! I just can't express my anger enough!! To have it on national TV to top it all of..........GRRRRRR! Makes my blood boil!! Should make everyone's blood boil too!

Ever so glad to sign this one and noted! Thanks for sharing C!

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:00 pm
CNN has turned so disgusting for awhile now, tuned them out some time back. Have to agree with Angie, Crowley gives me a pain a pill can't reach in the nether land. Thanks JC

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:00 pm

Patricia???

BLESS YER EVAH LOVIN' HEART!

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:00 pm
Thank You, Carole for posting this!
My comment on the petition, "This is a twisted sense of sympathy! These 'boys' committed RAPE, which is criminal, devastating for the victim, cruel, and represents an abusive personality!"
To everyone who signs and have commented, BRAVO! You all deserve more than a 'star' - apparently, there are many 'out there' who have some very skewed ideas about who deserves compassion, sympathy and support.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:03 pm

You got that right, Sue.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:13 pm
Noted/signed

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:13 pm

Credo Action signed as well....Thanks! Your signature has been submitted.and tweeted.

To add insult to injury Sux news has now released the name of the 17 year old girl that was raped.

Remind me again how there is NO war on women? Because this sure looks like a war with vengeance.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:16 pm
Credo petition signed in Just Carole's box above.

"Tell CNN: Suspend Candy Crowley and discipline staff responsible for your dangerously flawed and apologist coverage of the Steubenville rape verdict."

Ty, "C".
.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:20 pm
I signed the Credo one this morning. RSN has a couple of stories on about this if interested. You'll need to check, not in the headline.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:26 pm
They've said her name? How horrific! Bad enough those pictures all over the place. Poor girl.

Signed the credo as well.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:27 pm
signed

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:34 pm
Jim, thanks for the link. I am even MORE disgusted at the complete disregard for the real victim of this CRIME!

The first rapist to speak apologized, yet seems to me, insincere about the act he committed, "...pictures should never have been taken," what because that was the 'bad' part, or because that is what provided a permanent record of the callous, criminal he is?

The other rapist showed how devastated HE is, and I am sure he had "no intention" of raping a girl while on his way to the 'party'. Do we know if his tears are only for himself? No. I can only hope that he seriously decides to show his regret and sincerity by becoming an advocate for change in the attitudes shown here.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:36 pm
 
And another action . . . this time, from Susan V. (part of our Care2 network):

Fox News, Apologize For Revealing Steubenville Victim's Name
 
 

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:37 pm
OH! And the Defense Attorney..... that they will have to register as 'Sex Offenders' "for the rest of their lives". Isn't that what they ARE?!!

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:39 pm
Thanks for posting the Fox petition too.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:52 pm
all signed, but certainly there are more to come. Love how CREDO phrased theirs! That old right wing witch should retire.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:53 pm

Kit, You signed on March 18, 2013. - and tweeted
Your signature has been delivered to:
Fox News

Yes, Sue by any legal description they are indeed sex offenders.

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:56 pm
Noted and signed. Shared on FB. Circulating. Thanks Carole

Monday March 18, 2013, 1:57 pm
Saw it in the UK. I also was very surprised at the way this story was handled . I kept thinking when are they gong to talk about the young women, when are they going to start talking about her trauma to this young girls mind and body. To cap it all I read today that the grls Mother have forgiven the culprits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is ahe mad or what????????????

These spoilt arrogant brats should no mercy , so they should expect any.
Signed and share thank you Carol

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:01 pm
Signed both Credo's and Susan's petition(s). Thanks, Carole.

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:02 pm
Care2 petition signed.

"Faux News: Apologize for revealing the Steubenville rape victim's name. A written note to the victim and an on the air apology will be necessary. DO it immediately."

Ty, Susan for the petition & "C" for hot link.
.

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:13 pm
Signed

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:16 pm
Thanks for the fwd Carole, Signed with pleasure, I did read about this case earlier and the way the "boys" we portrayed and the ugly condemnation of victim.

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:21 pm
 
Steubenville Rape Trial: Blogger Who Exposed Case Speaks Out After Ohio Teens Found Guilty
 
 

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:31 pm
 
Huh?  (Sorry about that.)

Steubenville Rape Trial: Blogger Who Exposed Case Speaks Out After Ohio Teens Found Guilty
 
 

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:34 pm
Signed and noted, Candy Crowley is not doing her job.
CNN is not worth listening to and we do not need news media to present their opinions.
We form our own, facts only. stop the bias.
The whole story is sordid and CNN has no right forming a biased opinion to present to the public.

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:34 pm
thank you for posting this, noted and signed of course, I can't believe these "news" channels. If you aren't American, sign anyway and find a fake postal code.

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:36 pm
Done.!!

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:47 pm
Just found out that FOX news outed the victem and told her name.
They took the very low road indeed.
CNN and Fox are to be shamed. They are not decent news organizations!

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:50 pm
Poor coverage indeed. Shame on these 2 fleas. They raped and left this girl in a daze to pick the pieces and they basically got off with very little punishment if you call 1-2 years in Juvenile detention suffecient punishment...how is this appropriate justice???''Commit the crime and do no time'' as goes it with rapists and animal abusers alike. In my opinion regardless if it's a 1st offense or 3rd,all rapist mongrels should be castrated.This should be the law and no less!!!

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:52 pm
And this poor girl's name should not have been broadcast. This woman should be fired.

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:56 pm
According to Huffington post, the girl's name was also released by CNN amd MSNBC.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/18/fox-news-steubenville-rape-victim_n_2901635.html?ir=Media

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:56 pm

Yes, , it's shameful. (Reminiscent of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlett Letter."

What is most disgusting is that we are still being controlled by those same standards, besides more than a century of what we assumed was progress, since its original writing, in 1850.

Since most right-wing Republicans are no longer alive after even Hawthorne's awakening . . . then, WHY are so many continuing in the suppressive past of ignorants and suppressives?

Monday March 18, 2013, 2:58 pm
Appalling! Others comments are so right on!

Monday March 18, 2013, 3:13 pm
I'm stunned.....they actually were SYMPATHETIC to those boys? The ones weeping CROCODILE tears?

Monday March 18, 2013, 3:28 pm
Noted with fury, signed with comment below, twittered and google shared. Thanks Carol.

I am appalled at the lack of compassion you have displayed in your coverage of this tragedy. A young girl's life has been forever altered because of these guilty young men yet all you can focus on is what is happening to their lives? I am ashamed for you. And you should be too!

Monday March 18, 2013, 3:29 pm
Thanks. Signed all 3 petitions mentioned and signed another at https://www.change.org/petitions/cnn-apologize-for-your-disgusting-coverage-of-the-steubenville-rapists#

Never watch CNN anymore and now have more reason not to. Disgusting!

Monday March 18, 2013, 3:29 pm

Yes, Sue . . .

It is ABSOLUTELY unbelievable.

(And this is the media world we now live in.)

Monday March 18, 2013, 3:36 pm
Yes, Carole, I agree - I, too, am outraged by CNN's coverage, which I was reading about in the New Yorker & in an LATimes blog before I saw your & Nancy M's message about this post.

Not a thought for the victim! Not a mention for this girl & her ordeal! But worry & anguish for these 'poor boys' & their brilliant future down the drain! ...As though they were victims of a miscarriage of justice! C'mon!

But according to this article (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/in-steubenville-rape-trial-social-media-calls-out-injustice-cnn.html) a lot of people have been shocked & outraged by the CNN reporters' mix-upped values & are speaking out on social media. I applaud the right points made here by Times columnist Robin Abcarian.

Excerpt:
" “An incredibly emotional day,” said Harlow.

Yes, ladies, it was.

But not for the reasons you focused on.

It was incredibly emotional because justice has been denied for so long and so often to young female rape victims who have been told explicitly or otherwise that they are to blame for being raped: You shouldn’t have worn that, shouldn’t have drunk that, shouldn’t have been out so late.

Bless Judge Lipps for his description of the evidence as “profane” and “ugly,” for his warning about alcohol as “a particular danger” and for his clear-eyed verdict.

And bless social media for proving the guilt of these young narcissists, who probably would never have been charged, let alone convicted had they not memorialized their bad behavior on Instagram and YouTube. An unconscious victim is so often a perfect victim.

As for CNN’s insensitive take on the verdicts, which has inspired a social media backlash, empathy belongs to the victim, who had no idea what had befallen her until photos and videos began circulating on the Internet. Imagine the nightmare of knowing you’d been raped while unconscious. Talk about lasting effects.

Mays, 17, and Richmond, 16, wept in court as the judge pronounced them guilty of the six-hour episode that took place last August.

Mays was also found guilty of distributing a nude image of the victim. “No pictures should have been taken, let alone sent around,” he said.

Richmond sobbed, saying, “My life is over. No one is going to want me now.”

Did he mean no college football team will recruit him? Boo hoo.

When Richmond approached the victim and her family to apologize, his defense attorney embraced and comforted him like a mother would a toddler who had scraped his knee: There, there, it’s all right. Shush.

But it was not all right, and the attorney should have let the young man stand alone, in his pain, to apologize for the horrific way he treated a helpless young woman.

The young men, lucky to have been tried as juveniles, will spend time in detention. They will have to register as sex offenders. “That will haunt them for the rest of their lives,” said CNN legal expert Paul Callan.

But this is not the end of the case.

Ohio Atty. Gen. Mike DeWine announced he will convene a grand jury to investigate who disseminated the photos and videos of the young woman in distress. There could be more criminal charges to come, including obstruction of justice, failure to report a felony and failure to report child abuse. He noted that 16 people refused to talk to investigators about the crime.

And he added something that needed to be said to a nation that all too often is willing to ignore the grotesque behavior of entitled young sports stars and blame victims for the crimes that befall them: “It’s happening in your neighborhood, happening in your town, your village, your city.” "

Monday March 18, 2013, 3:50 pm
Thanks for signing!
Thanks Carole!

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:00 pm
From what I've read (not on CNN!) I think the whole damn town should be walled up & burned out! The "adults" are the producers of these depraved & indifferent juveniles! The whole place stinks of corruption. I pity the future partners of these rapists. I've read a Grand Jury is to be convened to determine other charges on by-standers & possibly more rapists...Where in the hell were the parents? Why didn't other Girls call 9-1-1????? :(

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:00 pm
What an unsavoury patriarchal view they take... absolutely signed, thanks Carole!

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:01 pm
Done

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:01 pm
I was stunned It's one thing to be Fox News but a Fox News Barbie doll. For what a few more dollars and few more ratings? Thanks Just Carole signed Also thanks Nancy for forward

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:03 pm
signed, thanks. The depravity and arrogance of these boys, who never felt the least remorse until they were convicted, is utterly revolting.

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:08 pm
Signed with a scathing comment and shared on FB. Only MSNBC in this house. Thanks Carole.

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:45 pm

Bless all of you caring people! (I just awoke from a nap to find your compassionate comments.)

Yes, we must embrace the victims of this world's self-manufactured, and corrupt, reality. We, too, unless we act, could join their company.

Thanks for realizing that.

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:53 pm
Thanks Carole for posting this and giving me the opportunity to sign the petitions presented on here. It seems one step forward and two backwards. I'm tired as a woman living through the eyes of males and asking for this society to be respectful to us all. Just because we were born with vaginas does not mean we are a plaything for the males every whim.

Drunk is no excuse and I will also add as some placed upon here, where were the parents? Are there no adults watching anything anymore? Whoever got the alcohol needs to be held accountable, and the home that this happened in should be held accountable, and that whole school and community needs a good education how to treat those around them be they male, female or animals. Young women where are you in all of this? Do you not protect each other anymore? If you do not understand sisterhood you best start learning and stop the cat fighting crap I see on the TV these last few years. Disgusting all of it.

I stopped watching CNN except for their Heroes Award Show and have had to write to them too often for their lack of good judgement. They are a joke of their former selves and that even needed improvement. As for Fox why is it still on and considered "reality".....it needs to go onto the Comedy Channel roster. It would be funny if what they do doesn't cause such serious issues for so many people who buy into their crap. The little that they have offered that is in the commendable column is far outweighed in their despicable side.

My comment on the petition was:
What is wrong with those on CNN! Sure it's unfortunate what is now an outcome for those boys but THEY had a choice. It was NOT to do what they did. The 16 year old had NO choice. How about her life? Might I also remind CNN that at 16 she is still considered a CHILD. Perhaps if a person doesn't want to face a life of ill consequence then they should consider how their action towards others will impact on all of them.

Monday March 18, 2013, 4:54 pm
SIGNED all of the petitions noted above and most certainly expressed my view on this subject!!!
Thank you Carole and green stars to all!..

Monday March 18, 2013, 5:07 pm

[Just an aside . . . ]

There are many times I thank whatever higher being there is for leading me to this site, and the many good people who congregate here.

Bless your loving hearts.

Monday March 18, 2013, 5:29 pm

It's sad, but very important, that it takes the impact of a local tragedy to make us realize that this incident is a universal reality/tragedy.

Each report of this type of injustice impacts the victim (and the community) with the same effect, no matter their region.

It goes beyond world peace -- it has to be justice for ALL (sexes, religions and races).

We are a community of ONE world, all connected.

Monday March 18, 2013, 5:32 pm
I also want to praise Alexandria Goddard, the Blogger, that brought this to more people's eyes, for I'm sure without her intervention this crime would of gone unaccounted for and certainly un-noticed except by the victim who must live with this for the rest of her life.

This is what we all must do as Human Beings, is CARE about one another, whether it is our family, friends, or not even someone we know. It is people like Alexandria Goddard and Scott Prouty who are Standing Tall in showing us all where our Moral Compass needs to be headed. Average Americans that are doing the right thing because in their Hearts they KNOW it is the correct thing to do. This society in Winner takes all at all cost is costing us, it is costing us all in many ways. In order to turn this around we all need to be taking a Stand in all areas that injustice is presented. If we do not do so then we also become part of the problem.

It isn't just the famous that needs to take a Stand like Bernie Sanders, but it is each and everyone of us when we see things taking place that are not of the highest and best. That includes how we conduct ourselves on C2, so it is important that we all look deeply within ourselves to take stock and reflect.

Monday March 18, 2013, 5:35 pm
typo above....or even someone we do not know........(we speak out for the injustice upon them)

Monday March 18, 2013, 5:43 pm

Thank you so much, Sheryl.

Each of us, as particles of the whole, must bear in mind that we are integral to the entire being in order for it to exist.

Monday March 18, 2013, 5:46 pm
Been there, done that; told them that they acted like jackasses!

Monday March 18, 2013, 6:03 pm
Finding out, now, that the girl's name has been broadcast, I wonder if there can be criminal charges brought against those that did that.
This is soooo sad, for the girl, for the culture, that we can still think in such imbecilic ways.

Monday March 18, 2013, 6:07 pm
Thanks Carole. Noted & Signed

Monday March 18, 2013, 6:14 pm
Signed and shared!

Monday March 18, 2013, 6:18 pm
Signed all 3 petitions with shock and disgust! Thank you very much, Carole.

Monday March 18, 2013, 6:58 pm
n & s

Monday March 18, 2013, 7:16 pm
SignOn.org Petition:Shame on CNN: Apologize for Steubenville coverage.
Don't see this one on the thread .

Monday March 18, 2013, 7:58 pm
SignOn petition signed.

""Tell CNN: Suspend Candy Crowley, Poppy Harlow, Paul Callan and discipline staff responsible for your dangerously flawed and apologist coverage of the Steubenville rape verdict."

Ty, Angelika.
.

Monday March 18, 2013, 8:06 pm
New petition signed that Angelika presented.
Teens Arrested for Making Death Threats Towards Rape Victim

This continues to become sadder all the time. The victim being victimized all over again. But when we have CNN doing what they do, how can we expect these teenagers to get the correct message. See on TV that grown adults, paid Commentators, so called Professionals, and women at that side with the boys and how awful it is for them, the rapist, not the one who was raped!

Monday March 18, 2013, 8:17 pm
ty Just and Angelika! signed both

Monday March 18, 2013, 8:47 pm
signed all, TU Carol

Monday March 18, 2013, 9:23 pm

SignOn petition- signed and tweeted.

Thanks for signing! Now, pass it on

Monday March 18, 2013, 9:34 pm
Noted and signed.

Monday March 18, 2013, 9:55 pm
Thanks Carole - noted and signed. I was disgusted by the coverage I saw on this case.

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:02 pm
Noted, and signed, I also signed the Credo petition as well...I don't understand what happened to CNN...Thanks Carole...

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:45 pm
Signed, shared on facebook and twitters.
I am SO mad,,, I just got off facebook,, was going to get off the pc. BUT now I am going to go back to facebook, find CNN page and really let them have it. I will leave a link for the petition while I am there.
S-C-R-E-A-M-I-N-G

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:47 pm
signed,noted,shared thyis article/petition as well as the others here,ty

Monday March 18, 2013, 10:57 pm
The ONLY ones siding with CNN on facebook are the punk ass young males. What does that tell you about the attitude these young punks have :(
Somebody left this link if anybody would like to also comment there. Thank you Carole
http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/03/18/the_steubenville_rapists_are_anti_social_criminals_not_promising_young_men.html

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:10 pm
Signed both petitions, thank you Carole and Angelika.

It's appalling that a so-called 'reputable' news source could do this, and I am also angry and disgusted.

I'd stop watching CNN, but I never watch them in the first place!

Monday March 18, 2013, 11:52 pm
I have commented and submitted to CNN.
In a world that is primarily male dominated I am not surprised by CNN's biased point of view.

Thank you Carol for sharing

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 12:56 am
Signed the other petition as well...

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 1:44 am
...NOW I've signed all the petitions above...

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 2:01 am
A tragedy for the boys, really? I can't believe that,I'm so angry. Sgned, OF COURSE

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 2:34 am
Both petitions signed,I only saw Anderson Cooper's 360 coverage of this rape in "Stupidville" and I think his coverage was on point.The earlier coverage was not.Thanks for posting this "C" and to Angelica for posting the second petition.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 3:33 am
Forgot to thank you, Carole, for the link to DN! coverage of the woman blogger -Alexandria Goddard - who exposed the whole sordid affair & thanks to whom the criminal case against these pigs wasable to be set in motion -- very important testimony!
She was really incredibly clever: "Before many of the partygoers could delete incriminating social media posts, the blogger Alexandria Goddard made copies and publicized them on her website, Prinniefied.com.
Also on this DN! show, First Amendment lawyer Marc Randazza, who represented Goddard when she was unsuccessfully sued for defamation. "I’m convinced that if Ms. Goddard hadn’t started blogging about this and Anonymous hadn’t taken up the standard, that this case would have been swept under the rug."

Imagine: she was sued for defamation!! (charges since dropped) While some Steubenville locals have praised her for holding sexual perpetrators accountable, many criticized her for bringing negative public attention to the football team! Some more who've got their values upside down...


And thanks to Dandelion, too, for sharing the info on death threats directed at the rape victim... it turns out that it is two girls who have separately threatened her.Girls! Where is their woman's fiber? How can girls defend the jocks?

It's true what Dandelion says: with coverage like that of CNN, with sympathy & empathy going out to the perpetrators, how can attitudes ever evolve??

On one of the petitions I signed, I said that the two CNN journalists had taken us back 60 years to pre-feminism times, when 'she was asking for it" was still the common attitude towards rape victims.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 3:48 am
All signed & shared.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 3:55 am
Shame on the originators of this campaign to somehow "elevate" the "victim" in this case. The boys clearly deserve consequences for sticking their fingers in her vagina while she was passed out. I was among those who cheered the guilty verdict. And that Mays character was definitely was out of control in his publicizing and humiliating behavior. However , "Jane Doe" is no innocent victim. They were ALL minors! They were ALL drunk. They should ALL be punished. Including her, for acting with the same reckless disregard for decency the boys did! Just because she was too drunk to remember anything doesn't make her special. All of us, men and women, are responsible for our conduct. The owners of the house should especially be prosecuted if it is determined they had any idea that underage drinking was occurring there.This campaign's effort to sanitize the victim is as disgusting as what they accuse the CNN reporters of!

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 4:01 am
Unbelievable, signed thanks Carole

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 4:52 am
ty

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 4:55 am
Here is another petition to sign:
https://www.change.org/petitions/cnn-apologize-for-your-disgusting-coverage-of-the-steubenville-rapists?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20507&alert_id=VdxcTOOnjc_lPRzQECkxN#invite

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 5:26 am
Signed and shared!

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 6:17 am
...and North Americans criticize the abuse of women in undeveloped countries. This shows we need to check our attitudes right here at home. Signed, of course. Thanks Carole.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 6:22 am
Diana G. While I agree, the girl should not of been drinking at her age and used better judgement for her actions, if anything, I think she has been "punished" enough if that is what you seek in your statement. How much more is it you want her to go through, she has already been raped and publically humiliated for her underage drinking? If she had died would that have been enough for you? One of the boys was laughing on the video that she was dead, she may of been, he didn't know she wasn't at the time. They are fortunate they are not facing murder charges or at the very least manslaughter.

Certainly there is a lot of blame to lay around here, bad choices, but to say she should receive punishment along with the boys is way out there. Even if she was the town whore, if she was not aware of what was happening to her having drank too much or been drugged without her knowledge and did not consent then it is wrong. No one here stated she was an angel but she is still a human being and afforded that respect by the mere fact she is. In fact if anything the teenagers should of made sure she was ok, as people do die all the time from too much alcohol and if she had been given a drug a combination of the mixture.

She needs medical treatment for her physical and emotional self, all the teenagers need to understand by their failure to stop this act either by cheering it on, turning their back, or adding to it with the taking of photos is also wrong. The adults in the Community all need to get their heads out of their butts and start acting like it, someone had to buy the underage teens their alcohol, anyone with a home or apartment needs to be in control of their own personal environment. If you can't be home due to work have a neighbor or friend pay attention to it for you, pay if you must, people do when they hire on babysitters when children are young. Teenagers are STILL children and if anything need that watchful eye just as much.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 7:34 am
Three cheers for Dandelion. You said it perfectly.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 9:17 am
Signed, Noted & Shared Thanks!
Thank you for Sharing this....

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 9:41 am
Once again for all new and previous visitors- there are 5 ( FIVE) PETITIONS OUT THERE ! Sign them all please!

Change.org
UltraViolet
CREDO
SignOn
Susan V.(Care2)
 

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 9:47 am

Thanks, Angie!

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 9:49 am
signed plus some shared by Angelika

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 10:15 am
Change petition signed.
TY, Arild for petition link.

All 5 petitions signed. See Angelika's box above for the hot links to sign.
TY, Angelika.
.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 10:43 am
 
For those of you who are still members of Change.org (I'm not), here's a hotlink to the petition Judy B. and Arild mentioned:
 
https://www.change.org/petitions/cnn-apologize-for-your-disgusting-coverage-of-the-steubenville-rapists#
 
 

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 10:43 am
Absolutely sickening that CNN is treating these villainous bastards like the victims. Should we now be as forgiving and accepting of murders and terrorists, too? I guess as long as they are athletes we should... Guess we would have felt sad for the 9/11 terrorists if they all were sports figures... This apologist culture for the evils that athletes engage in and violence some of them regularly commit against others must end...

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 10:58 am

Well said, Amitav!

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 11:00 am
Amitav- star sent! - is raising some excellent points there, thank you!
Perhaps you might like to visit my most recent post on this issue:
Patriarchy Dominates Media's Steubenville Coverage
http://www.care2.com/news/member/153110506/3550018

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 11:23 am
Thanks, Just Carole and Angelika! I have noted your Patriarchy post, as well, Angelika -- frighteningly true. It reminds me of some of the arguments I used to have in high school and university with friends that I never thought would be so accepting of rape, but were. The inability to see beyond ourselves seems to be getting ever worse now that empathy is being considered a bad thing, and the immoral, self-aggrandizing, self-satisfaction-seeking culture of Ayn Rand has co-opted so many people's minds...

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 11:55 am
One of the reasons I've stayed on MSNBC instead of CNN. But I wouldn't expect it from Candy Crowley...

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 12:42 pm
Signed & Noted. Thanks Jus

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 12:56 pm
..exactly, Amitav -make that TOO many people's mind,- sadly starting in Congress!

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 1:19 pm
Disgusted with the boys-will-be-boys, sports-jock mentality. Signed!

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 2:35 pm
Signed and noted.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 4:20 pm
Spammer flagged.

.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 4:35 pm
signed, thank you Carole

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 4:57 pm
Spammer reported!

My Seestah l hear you and have signed, will continue to sign & posted to Twitter for more awareness and signatures to this outrageous news!
Fox News needs to be ashamed for leaking her name! Unconscionable to say the least.
Please everyone, do not support Fox and post to FB as I have to Twitter . I hope Fox is forced to shut down!

My heart aches for this innocent girl... so much to say and honestly, the photo in the Fox petition shows one 'boy' smiling! If only I could do what I want to do to him , but I can't ...
I do believe in Karma !
Empathy is NEVER a bad thingm never gets 'old' and most assuridly is ALIVE & WELL.
Thank you Carole for all your heartfelt input. Will have more to say ...

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 5:00 pm

Thank you, dear Rosemary (my Seestah)!

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 6:57 pm
great comments everyone!
Diana--wow--not sure whats up with you..each to their own opinion of course but no one is trying to 'elevate' anyone here. CNN was sympathizing with RAPISTS. with NO EMPATHY at all for aVICTIM. i dont care if she was a drunk whore every day of the year, NO ONE DESERVES WHAT HAPPENED TO HER. That no one did a damn thing and these 'journalists' feel bad for kids that violate another human being is plain wrong and is quite disgusting.

Fox actually released her name on the air. two peas in a pod these stations.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 7:57 pm
This case has made me heart sick from the beginning and it continues to get worse for this poor girl. Thank you Just Carole for this post, all for petitions and the great comments.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 8:06 pm
S&N

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 10:24 pm
Signed Carole

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 10:43 pm
@Dandelion G- My main point was not that the victim needed MORE punishment. No doubt this whole experience has been a horrific one for her. I've just never in my life heard the words "rape" and "rapists" used in this context, and honestly I disagree with them. I know what what the average person thinks of when they hear the word "rapist",and it is not a drunk 16/17 year old taking unfair sexual advantage of one their peers. This was not date rape. This was not a violent play for power. This was not a Central Park jogger assault. This was out and out teenaged foolishness that was the direct result of alcohol and lack of supervision. I feel every youth involved should have suffered consequences, but it should be jail time nor a lifetime label as a sexual offender. While the young men were indisputably out of line and out of control, we do the young lady no favors by treating her as a damsel in distress. If she was my daughter, I would whip her ass from dusk til dawn, and maybe be facing charges of my own against " a minor", but at least I'm an adult. I think our society is too impressionable and just because the word "rape"was used in a legal context, many are passionately throwing it around, knowing full well they'd never have used it to describe what happened 30 days ago. The boys were jerks and should be reprimanded. The girl was a hussy and should be reprimanded. Feminists who fought long and hard for our equality in society should not hide behind gender when it is convenient. In my (honestly not so humble) opinion, ALL the teens involved need help, direction, discipline and an opportunity for redemption. ALL of them. Thanks for your reply.

Tuesday March 19, 2013, 10:46 pm
Correction: I feel every youth involved should have suffered consequences, but it should NOT be jail time nor a lifetime label as a sexual offender.

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 12:22 am
Signed nand noted. That is a sad statement about journalists today. Furthermore, it shows clear Republican control over the station as a whole(CNN).

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 12:50 am
all done tyvm

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 1:37 am
Diana G - I don't know where you have lived your sheltered life or allowed you to be so out-of-touch with reality, but if you have never heard the word rape used in this context, then what exactly would qualify as RAPE to you?? What these rapists did was exactly rape, they said so themselves in their recorded bragging and knew it at the time. NOW they want to play innocent? A rapist is ANY man old enough to sexually assault any female that has not given consent. period. Should they have to be, what, 30 years old? If they are old enough to gang rape someone, they are old enough to take responsibility for what they've done. I'd hate to see what kind of "men" these guys would turn out to be if they had gotten away with it. Hell, they already talk about how 'dead' she was, they just might like to find out what that would feel like. The fact that boys and men have gotten away with acting like Neanderthals is because people like YOU think it's ok, try to cover it up, encourage 'guys' to be tough, rough, rude, raunchy and have NO Respect for anyone that can't "beat them up". Those that can't beat up the other guys, well they rape girls or use knives, guns or any other form of violence to make their point. Yes, some girls even do it! Point is, violence breeds violence, except for the ones that have to REAL STRENGTH to stand up to or stop it. Since you call rape "foolishness", I don't think you have ever been or been close to someone who has lived through rape. If it were you (or your own child) I would hope you'd see it differently and KNOW what a demeaning, painful, life shattering, inexcusable CRIME rape is. I wouldn't wish it on ANYONE.

As for the girl - if you would actually do what you claimed (if it were your daughter) you'd do, I pray you NEVER have a daughter or son (cuz it could happen to him too). AND I would hope you were arrested and had to serve time for abuse. You, or anyone, cannot know what this girl has possibly already been through in her life to make her act like she has no worth or value. That's what she's doing, you must know. Yes, she needs help, but she did not harm, rape, kill or participate in destroying someone's life, she got drunk... and it has also been suggested that there was more than booze to knock her out. Was that her fault too?

It disgusts me that people (probably because they are just like those they protect), are so quick to put blame on the victim, the poor, the sick, the elderly, the weak the lame and those who have fallen on hard times, instead of standing up against those who live the "charmed" life of being "perfect".

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 5:11 am
All around tragedy for all. Rape is a crime period and is physical, mental, and emotional abuse. No justification for it. The victim suffers, and these two convicted guys also suffer for it. Having 'registered sex offender' status for life will maybe make other youth think twice. Is one or two years in juv. detent. long enough? Don't know since don't know what that entails. As far as booze, an adult society advertises in slick commercials how sexy and cool it is to 'DRINK OUR BEER' and everything else, with the little obligatory disclaimer 'drink responsibly' accompanying it. To some dumb, impressionable youth, it's like giving a loaded handgun to a chimpanzee. Is it responsible to have such ads marketed? Just one more thing to look at.

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 6:10 am
Totally unbelievable!!!!!!!

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 7:44 am

Even more EXCELLENT comments . . . My thanks to all we are contributing (and green stars where available).

Where agreement to sexual acts (consensual agreement) is absent, it is -- plain and simply -- RAPE! (For heaven's sake, even in marriage, an American wife can charge her husband with rape.)

"No" (or the incapability of saying so) still means just that . . . NO!

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 8:55 am
Signed and shared.

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 9:54 am
When a society uses and abuses the victim that society is criminal itself. Feeling sorry for the perpetrators is like saying cancer's a good thing.

More then an apology is required. Some common sense, honest reporting is what's needed. America's Shame keeps growing! America's main stream media performs like a bully. Instead of picking the victim up and supporting their quest "We" have resorted to kicking the "Victim" when down and making the victim the fall guy.

Those young men, had they been raised right, should have protected, NOT violated, that young girl. America's Shame just keeps on growing and the large networks are one of the major culprits reducing US down to a nation without "HONOR"..

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 9:55 am
Good post Carole.. Stars to you.

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 10:05 am
signed and noted

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 2:34 pm
shame on cnn and a women reportong WTF

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 3:27 pm
Gladly signed The whole coverage made me furious such bias from the CNN team
They need to apologize to the girl and the public for the shoddy biased reporting

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 5:23 pm
Sue D.- Hi, Sue,
I can really feel the passion in your response, so I will not take your insults nor the fact that you completely misconstrued my comments, personally. You said: "The fact that boys and men have gotten away with acting like Neanderthals is because people like YOU think it's ok, try to cover it up, encoura ge 'guys' to be tough, rough, rude, raunchy and have NO Respect for anyone that can't "beat them up"....Uhhh, I never suggested such a thing. I think that even if you did properly interpret my comments, we would have differing opinions, but it would be nice to debate the truth of what we say and not some made up assertion.
By the way, I am a proud mother of two sons and a daughter and I completely stand by my comments. While I have had a few occasions to spank each of my children, fortunately, I have not been faced with any of them participating in this type of behavior. Should they come across this post, let me make it plain again: If any of them find themselves on either side of this "foolish" scenario, I will whip their ass from dawn to dusk...and serve my time without so much as a grumble. Take care...

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 7:00 pm

For the youth if this (and every) country:

Strive to be SPECIAL.

Young lady: You ARE beautiful; and although you may not realize that at this time, respecting that your sacred gifts must only be shared with the precious few who value them, will be the strength that sustains you in your future.

Young man: If you should see such a woman falling, it is a credit to your dignity and recognition of righteousness that will stand beside her, and in turn, lift her.

THESE are the credos of good hearts. They don't need to be recognized, except in their own consciences; but they MUST be followed in order for good will to prevail.

ANYONE, who would have you capitalize on a momentary flaw of another human, in order to justify your own self-serving betrayal of their humanity, is an enemy of ALL goodness that comes with the inherent rights of human dignity (including your own).

Rise up -- and, in turn, and by example, elevate the rights of others!

There is not ONE thing special that is realized by self-justified wrong thinking, nor majority judgment, that rationalizes bad behavior as acceptable, when such is siezed due to circumstances of the weak, and then, selfishly, used by others for self-gratification, while full-well knowing it will harm another sentient being.

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 7:11 pm

Typo intervention: [First line] . . . should read "youth OF this (and every)..."

(Sometimes, my vehemence oversides my syntax.)

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 7:17 pm

And another one: (overrides, not oversides)

(Can ya tell that I am really deeply disturbed by the messages sent about the state of our young people's minds, as well as the cognizance/interpretations of the adults perceiving their unacceptable and destructive behavior?)

Wednesday March 20, 2013, 10:14 pm
Absolutely disgusting..So disappointing that in this day and age stuff like this can be spewed anywhere let alone a news report..
Thanks Carole for posting this..It makes you sick doesn't it..It certainly does me..

Signed and noted..

Thursday March 21, 2013, 4:13 am
Thank you Carole!

Thursday March 21, 2013, 9:06 am
Interesting...."Diana G" joins Care2 on Mar. 19th to say the victim should be punished for under-age drinking. Do you suppose the fact that it's SPRING BREAK for many schools has anything to do with this new membership?

Thursday March 21, 2013, 11:06 am
Diane G. I'm almost speechless.....almost. It amazes me the lack of empathy for the one who has had the violence placed upon them.

You said: "My main point was not that the victim needed MORE punishment. No doubt this whole experience has been a horrific one for her."

But you said: "However , "Jane Doe" is no innocent victim. They were ALL minors! They were ALL drunk. They should ALL be punished. Including her, for acting with the same reckless disregard for decency the boys did!

Really?....a passed out person isn't innocent? If she can't say no, if she can't get away, if she can't ask for help, if she is incapable of knowing what is taking place, then to me she IS most certainly innocent. THEY were aware, all of the boys and the girls that were there that took part or didn't help her, but she wasn't aware. THEY didn't control their actions be it on alcohol or not, they KNEW they were wrong. The tapes have them using the word rape, they knew......they just CHOSE to not care.

WE, as a society have to CARE then because they didn't. I want also to have some adults accountable here, who supplied the alcohol, why wasn't these teenagers supervised?

And I disagree when you say it wasn't a violent play for power. It was about power, power to do what they wanted with a passed out human being and it was violent enough they way they dragged her around and had their way with her. The "teenage foolishness" as you call it, could of cost the girl her life, could of done permanent damage to her reproductive life, it has certainly scarred her for life in ways you'll not understand obviously, and this was a CRIME not foolishness. Foolish is ringing doorbells, tossing pumkins, wrapping toilet paper around mailboxes......this was a CRIME!

Again, they are darn lucky they hadn't killed her or she didn't die without someone caring that this passed out girl may of needed medical help.

And then you follow it up with "If she was my daughter, I would whip her ass from dusk til dawn, and maybe be facing charges of my own against " a minor", but at least I'm an adult."

Wow, really? But at least you are an adult?

An adult and a woman no less and this is coming out of your mind and heart! Wow, what do they have in the water you drink?

If she were my daughter, I'd be making sure she was getting medical attention and hugging her for at this time she needs someone on her side. Even if she was in the wrong by drinking and going to that party, now is not the time to add to her pain. I think she "gets it" that things did not go well for her and her choice to drink underage.

However, that still does not excuse the ones that did the CRIME! And it WAS most certainly a CRIME of force and power to do what they wanted to her when she was unable to defend or protect herself.

I mean with that logic you use then no one has had a crime placed upon them. If I forget to lock a window before leaving my home and someone breaks in and steals all my belongings I guess I deserved it. I shouldn't ask that the robber be punished because after all I had left my window unlocked and might of even gone out for a few drinks. So that gave the robber the "right" to rob me. What kind of thinking is that?

Would now my husband have the right to beat my arse from dawn to dusk for being so careless? Gee, he might be delighted to go have a drink with the robber, poor guy, his back might be sore from carrying all the TV's, jewelry, or whatever out of the house.

Honestly, I'm amazed.

The only point I'll begin to agree with you on is the fact that if the minor has been given a sexual offender label I would not mind in the future at some point to having that reviewed: IF the crime was on a similar of age teenager and not a child under 12, IF the victim wasn't physically maimed in her reproductive organs or other body places, IF no death occured or she didn't obtain AIDs from the crime. IF he was found to have gotten his life in order, made all of the amends he could concerning the crime, never had another issue with alcohol, drugs, or violence, nor gotten into any other crimes similar in nature, then a Review Board for these Minors could take all into consideration and remove that label. But I couldn't see to having that done until he had time to really prove himself, perhaps a review at the age of 30.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 11:20 am

In truth, I'm having the hardest time believing that Diane is actually a woman.

(But, maybe I just don't want to accept that another female could be so remotely disconnected to this outrageous abuse and further revictimization of another member of her own sex.)

Thursday March 21, 2013, 4:00 pm
I totally agree Just Carole. We couldn't believe how she handled this story. Outragious barely covers it in our opinion. Thanks for sharing and going to sign now.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 4:02 pm
Pam W. and Dandelion G- Allow me to try to dial back some of the hostility that is percolating in our exchange. Pam, you are correct that I joined this forum in response to the headline I saw. I had never hard of Care2 before, but I was moved to counter what I considered a misguided campaign. I think it's okay that we disagree on this issue. If I came across as attacking those with an opposing view, I apologize. I stand by my assertion that the young lady in this case is not innocent. I do resent the suggestion that I feel no empathy for her. I do. She definitely needs the love and hug and attention one of you mentioned. I guess it upsets me that others can't (refuse to) see that the young men are in the very same situation. They allowed bad judgment, alcohol and peer pressure to place them in a shameful and degrading circumstance, that hopefully is beneath the expectation of their community and family. The difference: they didn't pass out.
As for contracting AIDS or sustaining damage to her reproductive organs from two fingers--highly unlikely since it was their that fingers penetrated her vagina. I agree that any violation of her body was wrong, and perhaps it is "rape' in the eyes of the law, but it is not the same as if they had used their genitals to me. You are free to suggest that they are the same, but your fear of STIs, sterility and death doesn't quite seem like you are aware that there was no penis involved.
I accept that you choose to feel that the boys deserve no empathy, understanding or grace. I just ask that you understand that I'm saying they don't deserve more than the girl, just no less. I never suggested that the boys should be excused for ANYTHING. Nor did I suggest that the girl "deserved" anything. I simply feel that just because the boys actions were indefensible, it doesn't mean the girl is necessarily defensible. In my mind, she's not. Doesn't mean she's worthless or not lovable. Even when I discipline (spank, lecture, reprimand) my children, I do so in love.
Please respond to what I say specifically, not to some inflammatory contrived opinion and we can have a much more productive conversation. I really do come in peace, even while in disagreement.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 4:36 pm
signed

Thursday March 21, 2013, 4:51 pm
I'm not hostile, but I'm passionate. I said I agree with you on the sexual offender label for all minor sexual offenders IF certain critera was met, they still violated her body, they are sexual offenders. That what they did to her most likely didn't meet the criterea I laid out to carry "forever" sexual offender labels I would consider that at some future date when they grew up, shown remorse, could prove they were on the correct path that could be removed, that to me is empathy and grace shown towards them.

I find it unbelievable and amazing that you don't seem to understand the gravity of what was done to that girl, and I stand by my words it matters not if she is pious or the town whore, she was still violated, a crime was committed upon HER, not them, they COMMITTED a CRIME. Sorry if I can't be more empathetic towards the CRIMINALS in this situation.

Also do not tell me how to answer, how I should write or how to speak, I've been most polite in this thread. But I am not going to excuse or lessen the Crime that happened to this girl of which you seem to keep saying you have empathy towards yet write in your comments otherwise.

Remember they CHOSE to Commit the Crime........she was the victim. She didn't have a say in this. Just because she was there didn't mean she should of been taken advantage of and disrespected the way she was. No more if I walk down a dark street at night does it give the right for someone to knock me over the head and steal my purse.

Have you watched the video? Where he is laughing and saying she is dead? Disgusting and that you would defend this I find deplorable and amazing. This is not a boys will be boys, this is CRIMINAL actions. If anything I hope all learn from this and turn their lives around, that this will be a beginning of better behaviour on their parts. But these boys need to be held accountable and if you do the crime you do the time and pay the piper as they say. When we don't set the standard that this is unacceptable no matter what age one is at then we are in a sad sad place.

We teach our children "hands off" of another, that doesn't stop at a certain age, or when we are drunk, it is that we do not invade the space of another without their agreement. She was passed out, she did not agree. No one had a right to stick their fingers into her, kiss her, pull her hair, drag her around, or anything else that may of taken place.

We should be teaching our children that if someone is passed out they may need medical help. She could of gone into a diabetic coma, swallowed her vomit and choked to death, if some pill had been slipped into her drink it may of stopped her heart. She should of been taken home, to the hospital, someone should of been trying to bring her around, checking upon her NOT abusing her body and acting like she was less than the human being she was. Do you not understand that, she is Human?

Where is your compassion that she could of died in this, or been injured in this, and that if they do not learn from this action maybe the next time they get drunk they might become more embolden and do worse to the next girl. I am compassionate enough to say, maybe by them being held accountable we SAVE their lives from ending up in prison for the rest of their lives for doing worse in the future.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 5:04 pm
"They allowed bad judgment, alcohol and peer pressure to place them in a shameful and degrading circumstance, that hopefully is beneath the expectation of their community and family. The difference: they didn't pass out."
Obviously not, or they couldn't have abused the young woman. Had THEY been the ones to pass out, there would have been no assault upon anyone.

What these young men did was sexually assault a helpless young woman. It doesn't mean a thing that they didn't use their genitals. It was a sexual assault...period.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 5:25 pm
So sorry, Diana G if your comments were misconstrued by me or any of us here. You were correct though, when you said you could feel the passion in my response. I will NOT apologize for my lack of compassion for the rapists nor my absolute support of the REAL Victim here.

It seems obvious that you have not watched nor are informed of "the rest of the story" even though many links have been posted here. It is not so unreasonable that any of us don't believe you weren't attacking when you say, "Shame on the originators of this campaign to somehow "elevate" the "victim" in this case. Even now you continue, "I was moved to counter what I considered a misguided campaign." Maybe you are the misguided one as you minimize what happened to this girl. IF you had watched or read any of the other posts, videos, etc, you wouldn't continue to support these "rapists" AND their "accomplices."

A very long video of a supposed observer, (I am giving credit where I don't even believe he was not also a participant) - offers insight into EXACTLY how these 'Old enough to know better and obviously DO know what rape is guys', had to say while the girl was left in another room. Watch it, and watch the bragging. Watch him having to "adjust his crotch" as he talked and laughed about it. Listen to him mention something about her having some 'guy's yang in her butt' and all the other disgusting things said. There was, at least, one guy there who tried to spur the conscience of the group. He pointed out it was rape - he reasoned that could be their sister or their own daughter in the future. OF COURSE, they didn't care, laughing it off. Even the one who didn't agree with these others didn't have the courage to REALLY stand up to them by DOING something!!

You "resent the suggestion that I feel no empathy for her!" Well, your 'afterthought' that she deserves "love and a hug" is dismissed by continuing with "others can't (refuse to) see that the young men are in the very same situation." They are NOT in the same situation, if they genuinely were, this would not have happened because they would have been incapacitated ("dead" as they called her) too. They should be thankful, they are not "the raped" as she is. They at least, had a choice - and they will, as they should, live with the consequences, just as she will live with the consequences of HER foolish choice to drink.
Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUHWyzU71p8
Maybe you will get a "feel" for compassion.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 6:00 pm
Well said Sue and the hotlink to the video you left is below.
The Big Red Rape Video

Excerpts from the video:

They pee'd on her, that is how you know she is dead. Many time they said IF she wakes up. They keep laughing that she is dead, she is deader than OJ's wife, she's deader than JFK, she is deader than Caylee Anthony the 2 year old child that was found dead.....oh yes, ha ha ha, how funny. They raped her harder than........well watch Diane tell me all about the empathy for them when they laugh over murdered children, a former President and other women, in fact the girl they raped and pee'd on could of been dead too.

It isn't funny it's hilarious......concerning the fact she may be dead.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 8:37 pm
Okay, I admit I haven't watched all the videos associated with the case. Perhaps if I had, I would be incensed enough to support the charges being trumped up to rape and lose ALL compassion for the reckless boys and properly place it with the passed out girl. That won't happen. I'll excuse myself from the debate and allow it to continue the way all healthy debates should: with those only on one side of the issue talking. I definitely appreciate the insight I've gained in this exchange. If my daughter ever wakes up in this nightmare, I know she'll pray that wonderful folks like you will be there to make her feel like a heroine and curse her attackers. God is good like that. Grace and mercy. We ALL need it. Good night.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 9:22 pm

Diana,

(And I'm even more convinced you are NOT female.)

You are gladly excused from this discussion; and I thank you for bowing out before incensing any more truly sensitive people.

I am not a worshiper of any religion (and its hypocrites, like you, who turned me from it).

NO ONE made this young woman a heroine . . . but MANY women amongst us (statistics say 1 in 3, but I believe it's more like 1 in 2, because many do not speak out) have been violated -- and a great number as children by family members, without the use of alcohol and/or drugs -- and feel DEEPLY the life-long pain, and subsequent unwarranted shame, of those violations.

This is ground to be treaded on lightly. And, especially coming from a sister, is sinister and disrespectful in your adamant support of those who violate and disregard the human rights of women.

In all of your ridiculous rhetoric, you fail to mention that, of all the observers and participants, and monumental glorification of this humiliation on videotapes and pictures shared on social media, NO ONE even bothered to call 911 to assure her welfare.

That, alone, should have sent up a red flag to anyone of conscience that this spectacle was a horrific act of injustice, with many accomplices.

Shame on you . . . and on those who will perpetuate violence and diminishment of women.

Thursday March 21, 2013, 9:37 pm
Enjoy your victimization. Teach your daughters well.
And I am a woman. One who has made both wise and unwise decisions. I take credit for the wise ones and responsibility for the unwise ones, even those that resulted in others taking advantage of me. My taking responsibility doesn't remove theirs, but in the views on this page, blame is Black and White. One side guilty. One side innocent. Rather shallow thinking to me, but I may simply have more growing up to do. I look forward to it. This level of disagreement is quite uncomfortable. Good night for real...

Thursday March 21, 2013, 9:45 pm

Good riddance.

Visit the realm of sentient beings, once you become one.

I, for one, find your thinking to be backward. (But, I'm sure, there are some areas -- maybe where the majority of the populace live in caves and men still drag women by their hair, while wielding coarsely-manufactured clubs, where you would be a welcomed figure in their circle. PLEASE seek them out, and dwell among them.)

Thursday March 21, 2013, 10:42 pm

Sending a Green Star is a simple way to say "Thank you"

You cannot currently send a star to Just because you have done so within the last day.

Friday March 22, 2013, 7:29 am
Diane G. now Past Member said:

"Okay, I admit I haven't watched all the videos associated with the case. Perhaps if I had, I would be incensed enough to support the charges being trumped up to rape and lose ALL compassion for the reckless boys and properly place it with the passed out girl."

That is right Diane, maybe you should of watched the videos you may of learned something and thought about a few things before you came on here with your misplaced attitude. These are not trumped up charges, they were cruel and heartless to that young girl, and in the scene there was also a gun. Wonder if they used it to kill her or to shove it up her and pull the tigger in their out of control behaviour. Wow, your misplaced compassion astounds me.

You said: " I'll excuse myself from the debate and allow it to continue the way all healthy debates should: with those only on one side of the issue talking."

Why do you feel there should even be a side Diane, I mean truly, a woman was victimized and there should be a debate as to whether she was or wasn't. There is NO debate, she had a CRIME inflicted upon her. Why is that so hard for you to understand?

I only feel sorry for the young men in the sense that these young men, in their total lack of regard for another human being threw their own lives into the toilet. What a waste of their own life, that they thought so little of their own life and anothers. That life is precious, is to be respected, cherished, honored, their own and everyone else's. BUT THEY DID IT TO THEMSELVES. No one forced them to do what they did to that girl, on the other hand she didn't have a choice.

In case you didn't notice Diane, this website in called CARE. We seek justice for those who are facing an injustice be it human, animal, or the environment. There was nothing unjust done to those boys but there certainly was a big injustice done on the young girl who must now live with this for the rest of her life. That you fail to see this is truly a sad thing and it's attitudes such as your own that doesn't bring humanity into a more enlightened way of "being".

Friday March 22, 2013, 8:47 am
I agree with what you say Dandelion. The girl is clearly a victim.

But there is another guilty party in the mix, so to speak. That is underage drinking. The kids at the party including the girl were drinking. Who bought the alcohol for them?

In addition to conversation with teens of both genders about rape and date rape, we also need more conversation about alcohol (and drug use?).

Friday March 22, 2013, 9:20 am
Indeed and I clearly brought that out in my comments at several places, some adult provided the alcohol and there needs to be accountability there. Also we need, as adults, to be more aware of what is taking place within our own homes, that too is overlooked. Too many times people fail to see that the teenagers need as much supervision in a home as the toddler.

I don't believe anyone defended her drinking, she indeed was underage drinking and I think she has paid highly for that choice whereas the others didn't confine it to drinking underage. The boys went forward and committed a much greater crime than an underage drinking. Making a poor choice or a bad judgement call is no excuse for others to victimize us more.

Friday March 22, 2013, 9:37 am
Fire football coach Reno Saccoccia immediately. Reported evidence shows that he knew about the rape perpetrated by Trent Mays and Ma'lik Richmond, yet did not report it -- in direct violation of Ohio law.

Please sign this Petition too.

The Steubenville District School Board

Friday March 22, 2013, 9:49 am

I find the entrance of Diana G. to be highly suspicious. (Who joins a site and -- instead of filling out their profile and taking a look around to get their bearings in order to navigate it -- proceeds immediately to a highly-sensitive news story to chastise the sympathizers of a victim?)

Yes, I think "Diana" was a troll.

However, the irritating experience was well worth it to see the mettle of my wonderful Care2 friends! Kudos to all!

Friday March 22, 2013, 11:19 am
Another petition stemming from the Steubenville rape case:

Fire Steubenville Football Coach Reno Saccoccia

http://org.credoaction.com/petitions/fire-steubenville-football-coach-reno-saccoccia?source=twitter-share-button&r=14177445&id=56411-6783160-dWia64x

Fire football coach Reno Saccoccia immediately. Reported evidence shows that he knew about the rape perpetrated by Trent Mays and Ma'lik Richmond, yet did not report it -- in direct violation of Ohio law.

The Ohio State Buckeyes football coach Jim Tressel was recently fired for covering up his players' getting free tattoos and selling OSU memorabilia. So how is it that Stuebenville coach Saccoccia helps cover up a RAPE by HIS players, and still has a job?

Why is this important?

The reported evidence is clear that Reno Saccoccia knew about the rape perpetrated by Trent Mays and Ma’lik Richmond, and he did nothing to contact authorities. Under Ohio law, coaches are mandated to report crimes involving their students, which he did not. The School Board should fire him immediately for breaking the law, and for his poor judgment.

The text messages of convicted rapist Trent Mays, of Steubenville infamy, included the following:

“I got Reno. He took care of it and shit ain’t gonna happen, even if they did take it to court. Like he was joking about it so I’m not worried.”

Reno is Steubenville head football coach Reno Soccaccia, local legend, Ohio Coaches Hall of Famer. Even the local football stadium is named in his honor.

But no amount of local fame should allow Soccaccia -- or his football players -- to operate above the law, which is exactly what he did by not reporting to authorities a crime involving one of his students.

The Steubenville District School Board must terminate Soccaccia’s employment and hire a football coach who will not only follow the law, but will take the lead in ending Steubenville’s rape culture, which has made it permissible for this tragedy to happen, and be followed-up by victim harassment.


I have signed this petition. Please sign too! Thank you!

Friday March 22, 2013, 11:25 am
Thank you Carole (and Nancy for the forward). I haven't even seen the CNN coverage, but the abuse of this girl is an inexcusable crime. I know i did some stupid things with alcohol in high school due to ignorance, lack of confidence, peers, etc, but that didn't give anyone the right to abuse me.

Friday March 22, 2013, 3:30 pm
Noted and signed all petitions mentioned throughout the comments on this page...Thank-you so much for posting this...Hopefully we will see some results...Man alive, what the hell is this world coming to... UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

Friday March 22, 2013, 4:18 pm
signed

Friday March 22, 2013, 6:42 pm
Don't listen to CNN. Signed

Friday March 22, 2013, 7:37 pm
green stars to Dandelion, Just Carole and Sue D since i already sent one today.

GREAT COMMENTS to you know who!

Friday March 22, 2013, 7:48 pm

Yeah, well sometimes it's very hard to ignore someone who keeps poking you in the face. (But I do not apologize for anything I said.) I'm sure anyone who has been following this story was glad to see "that person" exit.

Thank you.

Friday March 22, 2013, 7:52 pm
I doint have cable so didny see the CNN coverage and decided I should and just watched it.
I have to say that I was SHOCKED at the that first kids 'apology" He was NOT sorry for what he did, he was ONLY sorry the pictures were taken and posted. I will say that at least the 2nd kid showed genuine remorse.
it DOES NOT excuse what he did, but it shows he has a conscience.

I agree Diana trolled on in..Funny I never saw one b4 :)

Friday March 22, 2013, 8:02 pm
done....

Friday March 22, 2013, 8:35 pm
Noted and signed the petitions. Thank you Carole.

According to the Urban Dictionary, a troll is: "One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument."

That sounds like Diana G. (now, thankfully, Past Member). Or perhaps she or he is a relative or friend of one of the rapists or of one of the as yet unindicted co-conspirators.

Friday March 22, 2013, 9:16 pm

I actually grew up in Canton, Ohio (population approx. 72,000). (And, yup, home of the Football of Fame.) As such, I witnessed this type of sports "hero worship" and it's a double-edged sword.

Yes, being a blue collar town, even grown adults know the names of the first-string players of the few high schools and they are treated like princes, and given preferential treatment wherever they visit. The other side of the sword is the sad reality that, once high school is over, most of those athletes follow in their fathers' footsteps and, if they can, find work in factories, still reliving their "glory days" in a nearby pub.

I always disliked the small-town, gossipy atmosphere of Canton, Ohio (which I felt was a small town that I couldn't wait to abandon). I left there in my 20's for Los Angeles, where I lived for over 25 years, because I did not want my own daughter seeing such a narrow view of priorities and opportunities.

Steubenville has a population of approximately 18,000. The citizens are extremely unhappy that this global news is poisoning the image of their utopia.

Now, imagine being this girl, who everyone recognizes, and attempting to live anything resembling a "normal" life there.

Friday March 22, 2013, 9:25 pm

[Sorry, Canton . . . it should read "Football Hall of Fame."]

Friday March 22, 2013, 10:27 pm

What is even more disturbing (in light of recently revealed death threats, etc. to the victim and her family, all in an egregiously bullying attempt to muzzle truth) is that even the town of Steubenville has a choice to make -- one that can define the overall principles/morality of the majority of its residents:

They can STAND UP and recognize and denounce this obscene injustice, and demonstrate their awareness and cohesion that this is an abomination that will not be tolerated (in particular, from trusted role models in their beloved community)!

I hope they will sieze this opportunity to choose the obvious and most compassionate option.

Saturday March 23, 2013, 2:27 am
thx

Saturday March 23, 2013, 7:20 am

Diane (past member) said:
"but in the views on this page, blame is Black and White."

Yes, in this situation, that really IS the case. There is definitely a perpetrator and a victim here. Not only from a legal point of view, but from a moral perspective.

It seems to be our late commentor's position that had the girl herself not misbehaved or "sinned" the boys wouldn't have had the opportunity or inclination to abuse her. This assumes that a girl or woman is "asking for it" if she puts herself in a certain situation. I find this to be a common misconception in many societies. "What did she expect to happen when she acted so irresponsibly herself?"

It might even be viewed as a natural outcome of her indiscretion or misdeed...a kind of poetic or even religious justice. Perhaps a punishment from god for being a "hussy".

In the "old days" i would say that if a young woman were found in a helpless or compromising situation, men would likely come to her aid. She might be given a ride home or a place to safely recover. What change has there been in American society that this basic show of chivalry has become unlikely...or that what these boys did can somehow be justified BY ANYONE?

Sunday March 24, 2013, 12:12 pm
I'm shaking with rage, but I think I've managed to sign everything! Thank you to Carole - and to all of you for your goodness, integrity and guts.

Monday March 25, 2013, 3:48 pm
Signed, noted and shared on Fb. Sent a comment along with my signature. I'm sure the little black sedans will come calling soon. Fascist bast***s.

Wednesday March 27, 2013, 8:24 am
Deffinately signed !!!

Saturday April 13, 2013, 4:07 am
I read this article with a lot of interest because I am currently reading a very interesting book on Goodreads called THE 5-STAR BUSINESS NETWORKS by Vivek Sood which argues similar points in a much more forceful and coherent manner. Reading books improves a child’s attention span. Books with colorful pictures work even better than text-only books. I will encourage the journalist to talk to the author of the above book to get deeper insights into the material he is covering. THE 5-STAR BUSINESS NETWORKS