A small army of people have asked me why I haven't had much to say about Charlie Rogers and yesterday's big news that she has been charged with filing a false report. I will respond briefly.
This whole story is fantastic tabloid fare, but ultimately it's not a matter with which we need to concern ourselves beyond hoping that justice is served and assistance is rendered. It became apparent to me early on that Ms. Rogers's alleged "hate crime" was likely a fraud. Therefore, the situation was not one of broad community concern, but rather something extraordinarily personal and private. I won't participate in activities that are likely to further embarrass a woman who apparently needs extensive mental health services. Yes, she shone the public spotlight on herself. We have the power to turn it away, not out of shame but because nothing good can come from throwing fuel on this fire.
I'm more interested in how Lincolnites react from this point forward. Perhaps that response will generate a blog post in the near future.
Comments
See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.
I appreciate LPD’s efforts to thoroughly investigate the case and bring in outside experts to analyze the evidence. If the report is false, I’m glad no one was arrested. It would have been awful to have an innocent person’s name and photo published in the paper and identified as the culprit.
I got a little fed up reading all the “I told you so’s” on twitter yesterday.
Most everyone I talked to, especially after the second day or so, seemed to think this might have been a hoax (that includes a couple organizers of the vigil).
I thought the police did a great job handling the whole thing, including not bringing up the possibility of a hoax.
Even if something like this seems fake I think it’s important that we not jump to conclusions and cast doubt upon the alleged victim or the event.
Something like 95% of all rapes, molestations and sexual assaults go unreported
When people start questioning stories it can set a nasty precedent and discourage actual victims from coming forward.
Exactly, Norm. The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach. I feel sad for Ms. Rogers because she is obviously in a bad place mentally, also hope this doesn’t deter people from coming forward with legitimate (thanks for ruining that work Rep. Akin) complaints.
I’m still concerned for her, but at this point I’m thinking that it’s a matter for the justice system and any health care provider that she seeks out. I’d only offer my encouragement for her and my respect for her privacy.
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