Your E-Mails: 'Brave of Roberts to Come Forward', CNN [Atlanta GA], March 12, 2007

Your E-Mails: 'Brave of Roberts to Come Forward'

CNN [Atlanta GA]
March 12, 2007

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/12/roberts.emails/

(CNN) -- It took CNN Headline News anchor Thomas Roberts nearly 20 years to publicly admit he was sexually abused as a teenager. CNN.com asked readers what they think of Roberts' admission and if it would affect his career.

Headline News anchor Thomas Roberts says it took him nearly 20 years to publicly admit he was sexually abused as a teenager.

Roberts is pictured here with Father Jeff Toohey, the Catholic priest who sexually abused him and eventually went to prison for the crime.

Below is a selection of their responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity:

Michele Bartlett of El Paso, Texas

Awesome! It takes incredible bravery to announce the abuse publicly. Roberts is putting himself on the line to help others who may be suffering from abuse. God Bless him for it.

Andrea Nix of Carrollton, Georgia

I think he is incredibly courageous. By coming out and sharing his story he will help others lift the veil of shame that molestation creates.

Greg Finnegan of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey

I have secrets in my past, too. I don't blab them all over the place. That's because they are "secrets."

Patrick Barnett of Battle Creek, Michigan

Although I cannot relate to the struggles you must have endured, I commend you for raw courage. Well done, Mr. Roberts.

Hugh Curran of Columbia, Missouri

I'm sorry this happened, but when is the media going to remember that there are stories happening outside the newsroom? Tell your young producers and reporters to repeat this mantra: "WE are not the story." It's time for reporters to take their personal lives out of the coverage.

Hunter Lewis of Charlotte, North Carolina

I think it's a bunch of bologna and someone just trying to get attention. A young man between the ages of 14 and 17 could defend himself and stop this from happening if he wanted to, if it happened.

Donna Stackaruk of Toronto, Ontario

I commend Thomas for telling his story. He is so brave for doing so. I strongly believe it will compel others to tell their stories as well. I truly admire Thomas!

Peter Gibbs of New Canaan, Connecticut

Another sad day for the church; they really should get a handle on this type of behavior. If a priest is accused and one of his fellow priests covers it up, he should be prosecuted for obstruction of justice. It's really the only way to create a deterrent to future behavior of this kind. In the town I was born in there was a similar situation, and it really undermined the trust some people had in the community for the church.

Jenn Perry of Atlanta, Georgia

It is brave of Roberts to come forward with his story now. Most of us who hurt for the victims wonder why the Roman Catholic Church effectively endorsed this crime by moving priests around to new parishes to find a fresh new crop of victims. So when will we see CNN storm the Vatican City and demand explanations, apologies and retributions?

Jim Wagner of Denver, Colorado

Who cares? It happened more than 20 years ago. Why do these people feel the need to tell the whole world their personal problems? Nobody cares anymore, except maybe the psychologists.

Alfredo Alamo of Tampa, Florida

I do not understand why he has to come public with that information. That is very private and personal information and should have remained that way. I do not believe that making it public helps him to cope better with the problem, and it looks like a publicity move.

Graeme Timmins of Plano, Texas

I wake up to Headline News nearly every day, and to hear that one of your very best anchors had such a terrible experience is sickening. Thomas has nothing to worry about professionally, and I applaud him for taking such a bold step. His story will hopefully help those who've had similar experiences speak out with confidence.

Don of St. Louis, Missouri

10 months for 10 counts of criminal sexual abuse. Does Mr. Roberts feel the criminal justice system has failed him? I do.

Paul Anthony Iglesias of Jupiter, Florida

I salute Thomas Robert's courage for coming forward with the facts in both the judicial and journalistic arenas. Strength and Honor!

Patrick Kane of Queensbury, New York

I have to question the validity of this story. So many "stars or celebrities" need something like this to boost their ratings -- sounds like Mr. Roberts is doing the same thing! I'm Catholic, and was an altar boy -- never, never was I ever molested or mistreated! I think most of these "admissions" are fabricated to "get rich quick" or get higher ratings!

Thomas Todd of Baldwin, Michigan

It's very hard for me to believe a 14-year-old would let this happen over such a long period. Why tell the story now?

Matthew Ingram of Mooresville, North Carolina

I read Thomas's story, and was deeply moved. I think it takes a large amount of courage to come forward and tell your story. I respect you tremendously for coming forward as your story may help someone else realize that it is OK to tell someone if they are being sexually abused. I can't imagine what you have been through, but I do know that you are someone I look up to for telling your story.

S. of Wellington, Florida

You are very courageous to have come forward, and no one will ever look down on you for anything you have ever done. It was not your fault. We love you.

W. Ulmer of New York, New York

While poignant, his story is clearly intended to further his career and to take advantage of the media attention that will follow. I question his sincerity in all of this.