With the conviction of Jerry Sandusky for his unimaginable crimes against young boys, we all join the boys as peripheral victims of his horrific actions.

Recent generations of children have been carefully warned against having any conversations with older people, whether they know each other or not. For those of us who just want to strike up a conversation with the kids who live in the neighborhood, who may attend the same church, or whom you meet in a public setting, an informal talk is next to impossible.

The kids are taught (maybe rightly so!) to be defensive and to shy away from any conversations -- however innocently these may be initiated.

Aren't we all the poorer for not having a chance to hear stories and valuable life lessons from sources outside the family?

Clair Weiss

Bellingham