Those who study the ways of child abuse, like the pyschologist Alice Miller, tell us that adults who abuse children were themselves usually abused as children. Abuse is a self-perpetuating noxious cycle. As you were mistreated, so will you pass that along.

So I wonder: were all these pedophile Catholic priests abused, then, when they were young?

And by whom?...

Is a long history playing itself out, that we're just beginning to grasp--and should be looking at even closer?

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About author Writer/spoken-word performer Barry Yourgrau is author of the NASTYbooks series for 10 year olds and up (HarperCollins). The latest, Writer/spoken-word performer Barry Yourgrau is author of the NASTYbooks series for 10 year olds and up (HarperCollins). The latest, Yet Another NASTYbook: MiniNasties is out May 1. Barry's older fans know him from earlier adult books, Wearing Dad's Head and The Sadness of Sex, and his appearances on NPR and MTV and clubs in LA and NY. On screen Barry starred in the film version of The Sadness of Sex (dir. Rupert Wainwright, with Peta Wilson). Other film include Fatman and Little Boy, and Terminal Justice. More info at www.yourgrau.com and www.nastybook.com