Jed Wolf

During my years at a progressive boarding school in the bucolic Taconic Hills of New York State —originally named “Viewpoint School” with bitter irony—faculty members befriended, sexually abused and emotionally exploited students. The majority of neglected kids welcomed the attention alcohol, drugs, and manipulation, and everyone’s redemption somehow seemed connected to the expansive views.

Today, as the Sandusky trial unfolds, I think of my English teacher, Peter with his eccentric manner and inappropriate boundaries. “Perhaps they were Right!” he would say, though about what or whom, no one was ever sure.

So here’s a toast to everyone associated with the Barlow School. To all the “gifts” and “takes” we survivors carry. May we eventually rest in peace, and until then, may we sleep with fewer and fewer demons.

I’m managing, truly. No need for concern. I’m loved, in a healthy relationship, with a beautiful garden where my cats prowl contentedly. Yet something about today’s news about the arrest of molester and coach Jerry Sandusky compelled me to write this rather than start another opera, unfinished memoir or screenplay, or spend more money on therapy I can’t afford—just to share with the few who might understand.

The rest? The ones who look away or don’t care? Undeserving. Bitches.

Much love,

-jed