Brock Turner, a Stanford University athlete with Olympic aspirations, was convicted in March of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman at a fraternity party. Turner was caught in the act, and chased down by two witnesses.
Though facing up to 14 years in prison, Turner received a six-month sentence [1]. Even this slap on the wrist was viewed as excessive by his father. Dan Turner had opined, in a letter to the court, that jail time would be “a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action” [2].
While it is difficult to overstate the sheer stupidity of this remark, the remark itself is extremely revealing. Clearly, here is a father who taught his son nothing about ethics or morality, since he himself cannot grasp the violation that occurred. Evidently, women are merely to be viewed as sexual conquests…a convenience – like party favors – particularly if they are unconscious during the assault.
Why should a Stanford man, the cream of the crop (at least in his own eyes), be deprived of sex on demand by a little thing like consent? A technicality, really. The girl should have been grateful for 20 minutes of his attention.
What are 20 minutes out of a woman’s life anyway? All she has to do is open her legs. How much can that matter? It’s not as if she has value, let alone rights.
“He will never be his happy go lucky self with that easy going personality and welcoming smile,” the elder Turner concluded. One cannot help but wonder whether the rape victim will ever be her happy go lucky self again either.
And whether the Turner women view things quite the same way.
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[1] A petition bearing 1 million signatures has been submitted to the California state legislature, seeking to impeach Judge Aaron Persky.
[2] Washington Post, “‘A steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action’: Dad defends Stanford sex offender” by Michael E. Miller, 6/6/16, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/%E2%80%98a-steep-price-to-pay-for-20-minutes-of-action-dad-defends-stanford-sex-offender/ar-BBtUZpE?ocid=ansmsnnews11.
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Reblogged this on Cyber Support Group.
So sad. 😦
Reading this, Anna, I was reminded that God is a righteous judge. He knows the hearts of men and everything they now can hide before other people will be revealed one day. Then no man’s excuse, like this one above, will matter anymore.
With love ❤
Susanne
I believe that’s true, Susanne. Your insights are always welcome.
Love,
A. ❤
What can we say Anna I think it is interesting that it has now gone socially viral because of the leniency. His life will be worse than he thinks because of this ’20 minutes of rape’. He would have been better to take the punishment to fit the crime in jail. No one really gets away with it, I believe in God’s justice and as David says he would rather fall into the hands of a Living God than men. I wonder who paid the judge off? to get this sentence. It is shocking and makes even those who haven’t been abused angry. See even the people want justice how much more so God? Thanks for posting this Anna, much food for thought …. jacqui xx
Like you, I believe in God’s justice. The scales will be balanced, whether in this world or the next. Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui.
Love,
A. ❤
Hi Anna.
The above is absolutely mind boggling.
What a world…
That poor girl. I too was shocked by the dad’s comments, what an idiot – more proof that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I can’t believe the kid had the nerve to file an appeal – as if a six month sentence was too harsh.
I used to worry about my daughters when they were away at college, glad they’ve graduated.
You’re clearly a good father, Bill. Unfortunately, good fathers are in short supply these days. From the letter she wrote, the victim sounds like a remarkable young woman. I think she will go far.
Unfortunately,this young lady isn’t likely to find justice in the court system because this society of ours has discarded the precepts on which it was founded. These types of decisions are what we can expect to see more and more of as our society moves farther away from God and replaces Him with its own “religion”.
This decision,made by a corrupt officer of the judicial system, only serves to reinforce the scriptures that remind us of a great falling away that would envelop the world.
This judge has obviously fallen away from truth,righteous judgement,and compassion for the abused. It goes without saying that he should be removed from office. Where I differ with public opinion is that removal from office should be just the first step.
I’m thinking a couple of years locked up with vermin such as this rapist might actually serve to open his eyes to the horror this person inflicted on the young lady. Might be good if dear old dad joined the judge in the pokey as well.
You will notice that I have not referred to this rapist as a man. Real men would never consider such a despicable act. He is a product of his raising,which tells me much about the parental skills of dad.
My apologies Anna if this comes across as unloving or un Christian. I am just fed up with the ways that we trample under foot the heritage left to us by those who came before us.
I share your anger. Yes, justice is rare in this world of ours. The victim, however, wrote an amazing letter about her ordeal. Here is part of it. You can find the full text at http://www.people.com/article/stanford-sexual-assault-victim-powerful-letter.
“And finally, to girls everywhere, I am with you. On nights when you feel alone, I am with you. When people doubt you or dismiss you, I am with you. I fought everyday for you. So never stop fighting, I believe you. As the author Anne Lamott once wrote, ‘Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.’ Although I can’t save every boat, I hope that by speaking today, you absorbed a small amount of light, a small knowing that you can’t be silenced, a small satisfaction that justice was served, a small assurance that we are getting somewhere, and a big, big knowing that you are important, unquestionably, you are untouchable, you are beautiful, you are to be valued, respected, undeniably, every minute of every day, you are powerful and nobody can take that away from you. To girls everywhere, I am with you.”
That says it all.
Did they bother to get a Psychiatrist opinion on what kind of pervert this guy is and what kind of damage his 20min has and will cause this poor women the rest of her life?
I thought we were beyond re victimizing the victim?
Excellent point.
To read even things like this make ones blood boil to say you frankly….the act in itself and then the lewd comment makes it more repulsive. I do believe in karma but that should not make a society an unsafe and uncivilised in first place. Thank you for bringing this in notice.
Thank you for understanding. I was concerned the piece might be too raw for readers.