Carnal Knowledge

Eddie Long's win-win situation.

Slick Willy in full effect.

Remember how Eddie Long got up in front of his church and vowed that he would be vindicated not only in the court of Jesus, but also in the court of law?

Well, not so much.

He's changed his mind. He's opted for mediation instead--like most guilty parties do.

It's a crafty move on his part as meditation proceedings are not for public consumption. Thus, we'll never get to hear about the scandalous details of Long's sexual exploits with these young men, nor will we get to see the evidence that would've certainly proved that Long engaged in this pattern of behavior.  And neither will the parishioners of his church. (Do you understand now why he chose mediation when he had the opportunity to go to court instead?) So, he'll be able to go on feigning heterosexuality and castigating homosexuals without appearing to be the liar that he is. Because you know part and parcel with any settlement these boys receive will be a gag order (in every sense of the term). And most importantly, he'll get to continue collecting tithes and amassing enormous amounts of wealth.

I should say that, for the record, I don't think Long is guilty of rape.  I do believe that he's a predator, however.  I think that he grooms the young men in his charge, selecting those who seem the most vulnerable emotionally, paying special attention to them, showering them with gifts, gaining their trust and admiration. Then, when they hit the age of consent (sixteen years old in Georgia) and not a second before (Long knows better than to mess with them when it's crime to do so), he seduces them by threatening to take everything he's given them away if they don't acquiesce to his advances. (For extra added insurance, he also finds biblical excuses for his behavior.) Faced with being cut off from the good life, the boys do as he asks. Then, when they've grown too old and have therefore become unattractive to him, Long tosses them aside and goes back to his harem church to find his next conquest.  Well played, Eddie!

Technically speaking, no crime has been committed. These young men essentially want vengeance (and money) for being sexed then dumped. And Long simply doesn't want the truth to become a part of the public record. Thus, mediation.

Fortunately for Long, his congregation is superbly devoid of critical thought. It's easy to pull the wool over your eyes when you're a sheep.

In any event, Anderson Cooper, of CNN's AC360, covers the story in the video below.

Thanks for the head's up SGL Café.