Sinead O’Connor has written a searing editorial in the washingtonpost.com criticizing the Pope for what has happened and what is being done with regards to the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic church. Regardless how you feel about this issue, it is a remarkably well written piece and deserves a reading for many reasons.
One of those reasons is an aside, but a worthwhile one. O’Connor was sent to a Magdalene laundry for 18 months when she was younger. I only had a vague idea what this was. Not only did I learn more about them in this wikipedia article, but that article itself was well worthwhile reading, especially in light of everything.
(Photo of Magdalene Laundry in England, early 20th century, from wikipedia)
Smart People I Know 
‘Regardless how you feel about this issue, it is a remarkably well written piece’ – how could you feel anything but disgust at a church that perpetrates abuse against the innocent and refused to take responsibility for it?
I never presume to know how people feel, even on things I think are obvious. I learn more that way.
Good idea!