People can be, and often are, honestly mistaken, but it is important that possible abuse be reported to the authorities, because there are times when only they can protect a child from harm. It seems clear that whoever telephoned the report about the senator was mistaken, although the senator continues to believe that his political enemies deliberately filed a false report. We hope that isn't so, but if it is, we hope they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Keep in mind that the issue is, and always should be, the welfare of children. There is a credo in this country that it is better to let 10 guilty men go free than to put one innocent man in jail and, for the most part, it is a credo to which we subscribe.
Children are powerless to protect themselves from abusive fathers and mothers.
Say what you will about the role of government in our lives, but when it comes to children, do not be too quick to judge what government should or shouldn't do.