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Some subjects, frankly, are very uncomfortable to talk about. And yet, society needs to address them candidly, especially when it involves terrible, even unspeakable crimes against children.
Such is the case with the sexual predators who troll online for young victims.
As reported last Thursday and Friday on the Eyewitness News, hundreds of men in Utah, from all walks of life, do it. They use the Internet to groom victims, build trust, manipulate thinking, and eventually lure youngsters into sexual encounters:
"These people are clearly way out of bounds, way over the line, only care about themselves and destroying someone else's life is not a consideration, as long as they get what they want." (Chris Ahearn, Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force)
A couple of things stand out from Debbie Dujanovic's report.
First, the problem is far larger than most citizens are willing to acknowledge. Moms and dads need to understand how vulnerable all children, even their children, are. Don't ignore the possibility of involvement. Don't resort to blissful ignorance.
Second, the perpetrators are ruthless. Many are hopelessly addicted to destructive behavior that defies understanding. Yet, the penalties they face, if caught, and the help they receive, if sought, fall far short of what should be.
In KSL's view, this is a societal crisis that warrants full-scale attention.
