This week at Good Letters, Tony Woodlief reflects on the silence of those who witnessed the crimes of Jerry Sandusky. Here’s an excerpt:

We all imagine we’d choose bravely: We’d lead a revolt against the slaver. We’d turn our backs on Hitler. We’d bash Jerry Sandusky’s head against the shower wall and call the police.

Except most of us wouldn’t, the proof for which can be found in the fact that most of us don’t. How many stories remain hidden because of the silence of witnesses?

How terrible would be the crying out of stones and walls, were their voices loosed?

Read the whole, wonderful, terrible thing.