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Clergyman’s probation:
What a holiday gift!
As I See It
By John Scanlon
If the Rev. James J. Behan didn’t believe in Santa Claus, he does now.
Behan — admitted pedophile, onetime teacher at Northeast Catholic High School, a 61-year-old player in the recent priest sex-abuse scandal in the Philadelphia archdiocese — recently got the gift of a lifetime.
His freedom.
This joyous present came on Dec. 9, though it wasn’t delivered by that jolly guy in the red suit. It was bestowed on Behan by a distressed woman in a judicial robe, Common Pleas Court Judge Pamela Dembe, who resisted the urge to possibly send Behan to state prison for 25 years and instead settled on 12 years of probation.
As she deliberated Behan’s fate in hand-wringing, even teary fashion at the clergyman’s sentencing hearing, Judge Dembe seemed conflicted while pondering the merits of Behan’s life to this point, especially while trying to decide whether he’d been naughty or nice.
Behan, by admitting 10 months ago to sexually abusing a Northeast Catholic teenager in the late 1970s, certainly had been naughty. Dembe chose to dwell on the times when he was nice.
This isn’t to bash Judge Dembe. She no doubt meant well, and her reliance on Kleenex rather than a stern courtroom persona clearly indicated that her heart was far heavier than her gavel.
It’s just that her decision was so disappointing. Dembe showed compassion. Sadly, she showed it to the wrong person.
Which means that 42-year-old Martin Donohoe has little to show for his years of turmoil. Donohoe is the victim in this case, a tormented soul some 27 years removed from his days as a sophomore at Northeast Catholic when Behan, then a teacher, targeted the teen in 1978 for sexual encounters that spanned about two years.
During an earlier preliminary hearing for Behan, Donohoe dredged up those memories in graphic, no doubt discomforting detail, with insight to the emotional fallout that followed.
It is very nice that Judge Dembe, while weighing justice in this matter, was torn between Martin Donohoe’s hell and Rev. Behan’s supposedly heavenly conduct in the 25 years since his victim broke free of his grasp. Dembe’s hang-up, as she described it, was whether Behan’s transgression should blemish those ensuing years as a model minister to his flock.
Some of them, congregants of a parish in North Carolina, where Behan headed upon leaving Philadelphia in 1980, made the Dec. 9 hearing to sing his praises. Their portrait of an unimpeachable pastor — forthright, compassionate and true — helped push Judge Dembe’s leaning toward leniency for Behan.
In the end, she decided that those years of redemption in North Carolina should not be cast aside because of Behan’s sins of years before. It was bold logic on the judge’s part. Personally, I’d rather she pushed aside the Kleenex and told Behan how angry she was that his degradation of Martin Donohoe highly tarnished any good work in the years that followed.
It’s not like Rev. Behan robbed a convenience store. Or had a coke habit. Or was flagged by security on a shoplifting charge.
It’s far more sinister than that. Behan subverted his religious stature, flaunting a collar that put anyone — especially a kid — at a distinct disadvantage in the credibility department because, after all, a man who invoked the word of God would never do such unspeakable things.
The judge’s demonstration of charity merely snubbed the courage of Donohoe to go public, to unearth the trauma and humiliation — a process that started when he reported the abuses to authorities in 2002, as an investigation of longtime abuse cases within the city’s archdiocese started to take root. Behan was removed from his duties at his North Carolina church.
Even during his sentencing, Judge Dembe expressed her sadness with the culture of abuse, urging supporters of the Catholic church to continue fighting it.
The judge could have done her part. However, in deciding that Behan did not meet the definition of a sexually violent predator under the state’s Megan’s Law, and bypassing a prison term for probation, she delivered a hollow message.
That’s not to say she should have thrown away the key on Behan. Probation would have been more meaningful if Judge Dembe had sentenced him to supervised ministerial work, perhaps in a shelter for victims of abuse, where he could restore lives and reflect on the pain of one that he took away.
During his hearing, Rev. Behan offered an apology to Martin Donohoe. And Donohoe, with grace, accepted it.
It only took 25 years. Too bad it takes the prospect of prison to seek forgiveness of sins. oo
John Scanlon is editor of the Northeast Times.
Watch where you dump
your Christmas tree
Every year in the week after New Year’s Day, Pennypack Park becomes the recipient of some unwanted gifts from members of the community. Those unwanted gifts are discarded Christmas trees.
Some people believe that just because the trees are a natural product it is acceptable to dump them in the park.
These same people think it is acceptable to dump their yard wastes and grass clippings in the park during the spring and summer months. IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!
IT IS ILLEGAL to dump any material of any kind in Pennypack Park or any park. Christmas trees will be picked up by the Department of Streets at curbside on the normal trash day.
There is no need to drag those trees into the park. They serve no purpose of any kind. They do not provide shelter of any kind for animals. They do nothing except litter the park and smother the plants in the park.
Despite what some people believe or what they heard from a friend or neighbor, they should never dump those trees in the park and are subject to a littering fine if witnessed by a park ranger or police officer.
Richard Ratko
Friends of Pennypack Park
Here’s a last-minute
gift idea
Millions of Americans — thousands of Philadelphians — have seen Fahrenheit 9/11 in the movie theaters. The movie is available on DVD.
I strongly recommend that people buy it and watch it again, at home, for a second, third and fourth time.
Bill Kranz
Lawndale/Crescentville
Can’t drive safely?
Get somebody
to do it for you!
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of drunken-driving fatalities has decreased by 39 percent since 1982. And designated drivers have played a role in that progress, according to a recent survey that showed more than 72 percent of American adults have either been a designated driver or been driven home by one.
Penn Distributors and Anheuser-Busch want to say "thank you" to the 146 million American adults who make it standard practice to use designated drivers. Not only have they helped save lives, they’ve shown they care about their friends, family and our community.
Before the holiday celebration begins, we encourage adults to log onto www.designateddriver.com to learn more about the importance of designated driver programs and send an electronic "thank you" to their designated driver.
Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers like Penn Distributors are working hard to be part of the solution to drunken driving. Just like air bags, anti-lock brakes and seat belts, the designated driver should be a standard feature in our vehicles when we go out with friends and family this holiday season, because responsibility matters.
Matthew J. Funchion
President/CEO, Penn Distributor
The real enemy
is the secular world
This is in response to the letter from Heather Evans-Smith (The retailers that stole Hanukkah, Dec. 8 edition).
Dear Heather, I fully agree with you about the problem of chain stores not selling things for Hanukkah. Although I am not of the Jewish faith, I am a Christian, and that means that I believe in the same God. And because of this, I can say that it is unfair that this country is doing its best to stop any worship of the God of Israel!
I personally have STOPPED buying things from Wal-Mart, Target and a few other stores because of this, and the way they are stopping Christmas in general. Why should I (or you) spend your hard-earned money and give to people who are trying their best to stop the worship of God?
If enough Christians and Jews would stop fighting themselves long enough to look around, they would all see that the real enemy is the secular world, not the Jews vs. Christians.
So, I would like to suggest that this year (and every year) we all (Jews and Christians) start looking to God. If not, we may find ourselves in Babylon.
It is such a shame that people want to take the Christ out of Christmas. The retailers want the money that they make, and the people seem to want the benefits of Christmas, but so many want to take the Christ out of Christmas.
Has everyone forgotten that the only reason for the "holiday" is Christ? Has everyone forgotten that the only reason we can even do what we do is because our forefathers, who honored Jesus Christ, fought for this freedom and gave their lives for it? If anyone does not believe this, please let them read the debates on the American Constitution. It is plainly stated in more than one place that they believed in Jesus Christ and the Bible. The freedom they fought for was to worship Jesus Christ, and it seems that Jesus Christ is the only one that this country wants to censor. Wake up people! Jesus Christ is the God of the universe and He IS COMING BACK! When He does, it would pay for you to be on the right side of the fence.
Philip A. Caristo
Bustleton
Don’t you dare
take away my faith
Now that the Christmas season is upon us, it’s time for those dreaded "Happy Holidays" remarks to be tossed about as well as the documentaries about Christ on the Discovery Channel.
I do enjoy the documentaries, and it is interesting to learn more about Christ the man, his life and times, etc., however, I cannot help but detect in these programs the scientific views and explaining away of Christ the son of God.
It would seem that everything Christ was said to have accomplished really didn’t happen at all. Isn’t it any wonder Christmas is so secular these days?
I don’t believe in Christ the son of God because my church tells me that’s what I’m supposed to believe. I believe in Christ the son of God because a man named Jesus, the son of a carpenter, obviously accomplished something so momentous that today, 2,000 years later, the world is still affected by those accomplishments, hence, the religion called Christianity. It’s called faith, people, and no one has the right to take that away from me. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Esther Skitek
Tacony
Put Christ back
in Christmas
It’s Christmas time again. A time we get together with family and friends to exchange gifts. Most importantly, it’s a time to reflect on the birth of Christ. Did I just say Christ and Christmas? Oh no! I must be politically incorrect!
Sadly, the media have played a great part in trying to take Christ out of the name of the season. Yet, without Christ there would be no Christmas season. Sadly, the media have rubbed off on so many people. Compare the number of Santa decorations with the number of Nativity scenes. Most would see Santa. Sad. Most tree stands and store signs say X-mas, not Christmas. Even the Today Show referred to Christmas as X-mas! Politically, it’s wrong to say Christmas, but in society we can boldly make the name of Christ a cuss word. Christmas has been commercialized and the theme shifted to Santa and toys. It’s not the Holiday Season or X-mas, it’s Christmas!
Christmas isn’t an offending name. Christ came to save the lost; Christmas reminds people of this very fact. The people who are trying to take Christ out of Christmas don’t want to realize that Christ came for a purpose, and that is to save the lost. Take a moment to imagine if Christ never was born in Bethlehem. There would be no Christmas. Dec. 25 would just be like any other day.
So, this Christmas, refer to the holiday as it should be: Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Gregory T. Schmidt
Castor Gardens
Thanks for helping
to keep us warm
Our family would like to thank the person who went to Duel Temp Oil Co. and paid for 100 gallons of heating oil to be delivered to our home, without us knowing. It was delivered on Saturday Dec. 10. Our family has been going through some rough times with my husband having lung cancer. Times have been difficult especially at this time of year, and whoever this person is that took it upon themselves to help us out in this time of need, we would like to really thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
It’s good to know there are such good-hearted people out there who care about someone in need at this time of year. Again, thank you! God bless you! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
The Hardin Family
’Tis the season to
take care of your pets
The holidays are a wonderful time to share with family and friends, but don’t forget your pets! With the busy holiday season, your companion animal may be inadvertently ignored or exposed to holiday dangers around the house.
Alcoholic beverages, candy, chocolate, and lighted candles present hazards. Do not give your pet bones, because fragments can splinter off. Tinsel, glass ornaments, candles, spray-on snow, ribbons, plastic or foil wrapping, rubber bands, etc., can also be dangerous. Cover up electric cords, and never let your pet chew on them. Another food-related hazard is the plastic six-pack beverage holders, because kittens especially can become entangled in them. Cut them into small pieces before disposal. This will also protect wildlife at landfills (especially birds).
Never tie ribbons around pet’s necks or limbs. Toxic plants include Christmas rose, dieffenbachia, holly, berries, mistletoe, philodendron and poinsettias. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, change in pupil size, paralysis and/or convulsions.
All pets should be "indoor" pets. Dogs should only be let outside on cold days for as long as they need to go. Cats should never run free. When outside, pets should always be leashed or in a secure fence/enclosure. Clean snow and ice from your pet to prevent frostbite.
If you plan to adopt, contact your local rescue group or shelter. Our group — Mobilization for Animals PA — has many wonderful cats and kittens for adoption. Many rescued animals have been spayed/neutered, and vaccinated. Rescue organizations will help match your family’s needs to the needs of your new four-legged family member.
However, surprising your family with a new pet on Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa is not a good idea. Wait until the hustle and bustle of the holiday is over. Instead, give a gift basket filled with gifts like a dog bowl, a cat collar, a scratching post, or an exercise wheel for a hamster or gerbil. Include a "pet gift certificate."
Adopting a non-human "child" is like adopting a human child. It requires a lifetime commitment of love and care.
For more information, visit www.mobilizationforanimals.org or call us at 610-747-0436.
Barbara Riebman
Mobilization for Animals PA
One murderer down,
one to go
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has agreed to hear three issues raised by Wesley Cook, all concerning bias in his 1981 trial for the murder of police officer Daniel Faulkner. Included as part of the appeal is the opportunity to reinstate the death penalty rightly assigned 24 years ago when Cook was found guilty for the coldest of murders. What are the odds the reinstatement will happen?
In 2001, a federal judge, William Yohn, established his 15 minutes of fame when he removed the death penalty. He found nothing wrong with the trial or verdict and did not order a new trial — he just removed the richly deserved death penalty. Not so clever a means to change the sentence to life, which has a parole option.
Is there ever a time when enough will be enough? Wesley Cook, part-time cab driver, full-time low-life scum, kills an on-duty police officer and becomes a celebrity to like-minded low-life and of course, the French. If one was a cynic, one could look at this as the ultimate race card. If one bought into Cook’s claim of bias, than O.J. really is not guilty.
Difficult to believe that the People’s Republic of California could take almost as long, but they finally gave Stanley "Tookie" Williams the just ending he earned, while the Faulkner family, including Danny’s widow, and his friends and fellow officers face the lies and theatrics of the Cook element over and over while he escapes the justice deserved.
My fear is the sentence becomes life, and then time served is applied and Wesley Cook joins the rest of the trash on Philadelphia streets. It should be everyone’s fear. Our city is dirty enough.
Ray Dolan
Morrell Park
• • •
Congratulations to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for having the guts to put someone where they should be — down below where his soul will burn forever.
Tookie Williams has never shown any remorse to anyone, and his killings were just a fun time for him and his friends. Now Gov. Rendell, let’s see if you have any guts and allow Maureen Faulkner to finally get some peace. Put this other dirtball, Mumia Abu-Jamal, down there with him. He has never shown any remorse either. He just keeps hanging on due to these clueless celebrities who want their names in the papers.
Rus Slawter
Bustleton
More good thoughts
on Gentleman Jim
Dear Michele Healey,
Your recent letter about Officer Jim Healey touched my heart (Officer’s widow is most appreciative).
I agree with you 100 percent that he was a wonderful man and a wonderful police officer.
I remember talking with Jim when I lived in Mayfair and was walking along Frankford Avenue, and we would talk about anything.
One day, I had seen him on Frankford Avenue and I had told him that my baby was born and it was a boy. He was so happy for me and my wife that we talked about it for minutes on end.
He was a friendly man with a big heart. We are really going to miss him around Mayfair.
He will always be remembered as a brother of Mayfair and a hero.
Steve Helvitson Sr.
Port Richmond
Let’s wrap Jimmy
in lots of praise
Many, many thanks go out to Jimmy Flanagan. Jimmy has decorated houses, windows and made more blankets for Christmas than anyone we know. Never once did he ever put a price on anything he’s done.
Our hats go off to Jimmy. You’re a good man with a heart of gold. We just wanted everyone to know how much we all appreciate you. You’re one of a kind. You’ve done an outstanding job with all your Christmas decorating.
Have a very Merry Christmas. We all love you!
Diane, Bunny, Joey, Jamie, Lynn, Sharon, Aunt Pat
Mom says thanks
to the food bank
I just wanted to take the time to write and give notice to the ladies at the Somerton Food Bank.
These ladies are amazing, especially Sharon Nelson. As we all know, times can get hard, especially at the holidays. I know this to be true, and this woman makes the hard times a little easier for many people. I have seven boys, and I go through some hard times, and it is these women that help me to see the light at the end of that tunnel.
All year long she helps me, but at the holidays she makes sure that I receive my Thanksgiving basket and a Christmas basket. Not only do they help me with that, they also put me on a list to get toys for my boys at Christmas.
What they do goes unnoticed all too much, so I am here to say to them all, "Thank you and God bless for all that you do."
I really don’t know what I would do at times if it were not for Sharon and the ladies at the Somerton Food Bank. They are truly angels. I hope it helps them to know that they put smiles on the face of my guys more than once, and we all would like to say "thank you" to them all.
Maureen McCloskey
Somerton
Bad journalists!
Bad, bad journalists!
What a shameful time to be a journalist today. A vote just took place in a country where a sadistic ruler made it impossible for anyone to have their say in anything. The citizens of Iraq voted for the first time in their lives to choose their own government. Saddam is clearly not the chosen president. The Iraqi people are grateful to America and our military for making this day possible. Yet, your continued biased attitude has prevented you from being a part of this historic day.
I know you will live to regret your total ignorance and lack of support for the Iraqi people and our troops. President Bush will have a great place in history. He is and has been a strong leader, determined to win the war against terror. His rewards in history will be great. Liberal media newspapers have shown a total disrespect and poor judgment on reporting of Iraq. You have put our soldiers in harm’s way, you have been a disgrace to the majority of Americans. Shame and guilt will follow you.
I hope it was worth it to cater to the Democrat Party, a party that truly represents all the evil in our country. They are the party who believes in late-term abortions but will be quick to defend the death penalty for a murderer. They would prefer the word God to be taken out of the English language.
They would prefer to give out condoms and free needles rather than promote abstinence and programs. They want to redefine what marriage is. They are cowards, and rather than fight the enemy, they prefer to cut and run. They are extremely weak on defense.
If they ever get power back, we will surely be attacked. They have no plan, no vision for America, other than to destroy it. They smear, complain whenever they don’t get what they want. They run on hate and anger, coming out daily to condemn our president. They seek out Republicans to bring down politically. They are a very bitter group of politicians.
They think that they are entitled to power, that power should be handed to them, rather than won in an election. They hate President Bush simply because he won.
It was a wonderful day for the Iraqi people and it passed by you, and because of your refusal for TRUTH, you are not a part of history.
Barbara O’Donnell
Somerton
It’s time to look
for the exit sign
It is encouraging to hear that President Bush finally admits that the administration has made mistakes in Iraq and that all of the opposition is not just coming from foreign infiltrators and al-Qaeda members, but from disgruntled Iraqis.
Unfortunately, when the actions of a foreign power, no matter how well-intentioned those actions may be, result in the deaths of somebody’s brother or sister, mother or father, or son or daughter, there will be resentment against that power — especially when that power was not asked to intervene.
We should definitely come up with some exit plan to extricate ourselves from this quagmire, because we do not have enough troops employed to control the situation.
Walter Desher
Lawndale
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