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Letters The young women had courage to step forward
Congratulations to Judge LaDoris Cordell for doing her job in an even-handed and intelligent fashion. It was neither the accused's personality nor his ability as a teacher which were in question at the trial of Jeff Lamson, but the fact that he was an admitted child molester. Judge Cordell's refusal to consider extraneous facts when sentencing him was fair and just.
Congratulations also to the young women in the case and Jane Doe No. 2's parents, who had the courage to press charges. Letters on their behalf probably were not written because the outcome of the case appeared to be obvious.
As the parent of a former and current Homestead student (both young women), I was appalled that teachers and students would speak out publicly on behalf of Mr. Lamson, who had already confessed to his crimes. At best, Lamson's public support from teachers and former administrators demonstrates poor taste; at worst, it indicates an absence of moral judgment. As Judge Cordell so aptly phrased it, they "just don't get it."
A school is, above all, a place where students should feel safe in every sense of the word. For any faculty or student to support the perpetrator of so heinous a crime was an affront to the community. Instead of asking young people to speak on behalf of a confessed sexual offender, parents or some responsible adult should have pointed out the lessons which are the true legacy of this sordid case, for instance, people should think before they act. Failing that, everyone must take responsibility for his own actions and then suffer the consequences that ensue.
Elizabeth Archambeault
Sunnyvale
Don't blame victims
I write to you from the perspective of one who was sexually abused by several men as a child. Two of my abusers were "upstanding men in the community, leaders, and well-respected." If people in those towns knew today what those men did to me, there would be shock and disbelief as in the Lamson case. They would question whether I was telling the truth because it's so hard to believe that someone who is so good in so many things can have such a dark side to them, victimizing children and teens.
The young ladies abused by Jeff Lamson are not to blame in any way. It is very confusing to confront the truth that someone you trusted used you. This is especially true when it becomes a criminal matter. The shame, defilement, the betrayal--so much for a child or teenager to confront. It is always the responsibility of the adult to look out for the welfare of those they teach. They must be mature enough to satisfy their adult needs outside of their professional responsibilities. they must never gratify their needs for lust, power or affirmation by preying sexually on the vulnerable who admire them. This is the greatest abuse of power and authority.
Mr. Lamson and others who violate children will never know the price these ladies will pay because of their abuse. Abuse deeply damages the ability of the victim to trust other authority figures in the future. Their ability to experience intimacy, both emotional and sexual is greatly undermined by such abuse. Their husbands and counselors will hear the anger and see the tears. The damage done in a few moments causes years of suffering (and thousands of dollars).
Victims can experience deep healing. Healing has come for me through a supportive and kind husband, wonderful friends, counselors and pastors. The Lord has helped me, transforming and healing me in ways I could not do myself. We are not left hopeless in the hands of evil people who scar us. After we work through the pain, we can forgive, and be understanding and compassionate with others who have suffered.
W. Viola
Cupertino
High school's not a fun experience at Monta Vista
Monta Vista's "Stress-Free-Friday" was not the answer to the problem of stress at this school. I also question how the day could be deemed "Stress Free" when on that particular Friday my child, a freshman, had 3 tests...not what I would call a "stress free" day. The carnival-like atmosphere was only a band-aid for a much larger problem and not the answer; it seems more public relations.
Over the years, as the demographics of this community have changed, the levels of stress in the classroom have risen as the schools seek to comply with the demands of the group of parents who feel homework, homework, homework is the way to mold a successful child. I too want my child to be a success and to attend a good college, BUT I believe that to be a success in LIFE one must be a well-rounded person! The old saying, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," definitely applies.
Too much of anything is not good, and at Monta Vista, high school is no longer a fun experience.
C.A. Lafranconi
Cupertino
Lamson: 'This is real scary stuff'
As a parent of two young children, I am appalled at the support given to Jeff Lawson by his peers after he has admitted to molesting his young students. This is real scary stuff. I wonder if these supporters would be so adamant in backing Mr. Lawson if it had been their daughters he had molested?
J. Hornsey
Sunnyvale
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
