peculiar travel suggestions

My fellow Penn Staters and I have been through a lot these past few months. I’m not here to soapbox or say that our football program is beyond mistakes. Nor am I here to say that the victims of abuse deserve less pity, spotlight, or support.

But I just have to say this.

Coach Joe Paterno died this morning due to complications from lung cancer. The penn state community, still healing from the actions of an evil man, took to Facebook to spend time “together,” share photos, stories, quotations, and emotions. While I personally experienced the support of fellow allumni and friends, I also had to see the hate of other people in the form of bullying comments and hurtful words.

Please. The Internet should not be a place to say “I disagree with you, so therefore you are a ‘hipocrite,’ ‘moron,’ ‘asshole’ or ‘heartless son of a bitch.’” (all things I saw written about penn staters on Facebook today) It’s hurtful. It hurt me. I am so shocked by this behavior.

Someone died. Your personal opinion of him is irrelevant. I believe it’s also misinformed, but I’m not here to argue right now. I’m sad because I lost someone I’ve never had the honor to meet. I’m entitled to feel the way I do.

Please use the opportunity to publish online as a vehicle for something better than bullying. People who disagree with you have feelings too.