Good for you, Duane!! You are truly a courageous individual. Please don't interpret this post as trying to intrude in to your business or tell you what to do, but might I respectfully suggest that you not give up your case with one cowardly senator. Write to someone else. Maybe the other senator. Maybe a Representative. Maybe a media troubleshooter. Do all in your power to get your story out on the table. Remember, the squeaky wheel theory!! What about Dr. Phil? Or Oprah? I'm serious!! It will take someone with your backbone to push this ugly story into the public eye and FORCE someone, somewhere to take action. This whole mess is absolutely disgusting.
One of Tommy's victims DID press charges and somehow Tommy was able to smooth talk his way out of being prosecuted.
For most of us, the statute of limitations has run out. There is a bill pending in the Illinois Senate that would open a window for criminal charges to be filed. I contacted our state senator, Gary Forby, and he didn't even have the courtesy to answer my email. He is a worthless coward. Believe me, if the statute ever opens up, I will be the first to press charges.
I reported what happened to me because I have since been told that nearly the entire Shelton family, including Tommy's wife Carol, knew the abuse was going on and did nothing to stop it. In fact, after our statements were made, both Tommy and Carol sent out blistering letters complaining about how bad they have been treated. No denying the charges, but no apologies or remorse, either.
As far as Glenn Dryden goes, he delights in sticking his nose into things that cause controversy. He isn't interested in a resolution, he just wants to mail out letters and spread gossip. He has done it for years and I don't anticipate any change in that.
Duane, I know that this is a decision that only you can make, but I certainly endorse everything that Snoopy has said here; particularly about the 'squeaky wheel'.
There has to be people out there who care enough to investigate and support you. Investigative journalism is a specialty area as I understand it, but there are people who are interested in helping get to the nuts and bolts of these cases. Dr Phil sounds like a good person who would be particularly interested in this too.
'LateLine' blew apart allegations of sexual abuse just a few days before the Pope arrived in Australia. Many people didn't like it, but those 'victims/survivors' got their message across. Of course the Catholic Church came up with an idea about 'how they would handle it in house', but it got people that have the ability to investigate, on the job.
I was furious when I heard and saw Cardinal Pell say that he hoped it would all be over and done with before 'World Youth Day' (a week after this was first aired), but he didn't do himself or the Catholic Church any favours by such statements. What it did do, was raise the ire of many people, who demanded justice. It also brought forward 'legal eagles' who provided some useful advice to victims about where to go to get help - and that was not to the Church, but to the appropriate legal authorities.
Take care Duane. I admire your courage and perseverance.