Parents Beware
American Criminal Law has taken a huge step.29 total reviews
Comment from Julie Helms
I think you have an excellent analysis (and conclusion) for this situation. The problem is incredibly complex and, I believe, a result of the breakdown of culture in general. The legal system is trying to resolve the situation by putting a band-aid on a wound that is hemorrhaging. It won't solve anything because it isn't addressing the issue at heart and, as you point out, it creates a disturbing precedent.
People will find fault in these situations with a million different things: insufficient gun laws, violent movies/songs/video games, social media, not respecting your child's pronouns, whatever the flavor of the day is.
I see it in my business: really bad parenting. But why is that? Because they were raised in the already-fraying culture and are, not surprisingly, doing a poor job raising their kids in an even worse culture in free fall.
The solution won't be found in a prison sentence or banning TikTok or outlawing guns. These are all bandaids with consequences of their own.
I think history shows the natural progression will be total collapse. And then maybe rising from the ashes will be a better way.
And this is why I shouldn't write about this stuff at 4 in the morning. Totally morose, sorry!
A few punctuation suggestions:
Ethan remaining at school,enabled him to commit the crime.
(I wouldn't use a comma here)
What does this mean to the future conduct of trials in child shooting and violence matters.?
(No period)
Thank you for this extremely thought-provoking article!
Julie
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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I think you have an excellent analysis (and conclusion) for this situation. The problem is incredibly complex and, I believe, a result of the breakdown of culture in general. The legal system is trying to resolve the situation by putting a band-aid on a wound that is hemorrhaging. It won't solve anything because it isn't addressing the issue at heart and, as you point out, it creates a disturbing precedent.
People will find fault in these situations with a million different things: insufficient gun laws, violent movies/songs/video games, social media, not respecting your child's pronouns, whatever the flavor of the day is.
I see it in my business: really bad parenting. But why is that? Because they were raised in the already-fraying culture and are, not surprisingly, doing a poor job raising their kids in an even worse culture in free fall.
The solution won't be found in a prison sentence or banning TikTok or outlawing guns. These are all bandaids with consequences of their own.
I think history shows the natural progression will be total collapse. And then maybe rising from the ashes will be a better way.
And this is why I shouldn't write about this stuff at 4 in the morning. Totally morose, sorry!
A few punctuation suggestions:
Ethan remaining at school,enabled him to commit the crime.
(I wouldn't use a comma here)
What does this mean to the future conduct of trials in child shooting and violence matters.?
(No period)
Thank you for this extremely thought-provoking article!
Julie
Comment Written 05-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Julie,
Thanks for your review and comprehensive comments. I read them with interest. Perhaps only time will hold the answer. Your suggestions as to punctuation changes are much appreciated.
Take care and despite everything, have a wonderful day.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Wow. I had no idea. I have been following the case in Norfolk Virginia where the mother has been deemed responsible for her first grader shooting his teacher. She lied numerous times to authorities. They were trying to work with her but she kept lying. Parents used to keep their children in line. Children were taught consequences. Not so much anymore. Sad times, indeed. Gretchen
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Wow. I had no idea. I have been following the case in Norfolk Virginia where the mother has been deemed responsible for her first grader shooting his teacher. She lied numerous times to authorities. They were trying to work with her but she kept lying. Parents used to keep their children in line. Children were taught consequences. Not so much anymore. Sad times, indeed. Gretchen
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Gretchen,
Sad times for sure. I am ever hopeful that things will turn around and things will go back to the "consequence" days. But I have always been a bit of an optimist.
In any event, take care and have a wonderful day.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
Comment from gramalot8
That whole scenario is so sad.It is a sad world we live in. Shootings, etc are happening everyday everywhere! And so many by juveniles. Should parents be responsible?
This is my opinion on this matter:
Ultimately, I would hope each individual case would be judged around all the circumstances surrounding that case... not have it just be a done deal against the parents on every occasion. Yes... respectfully the parents are responsible for their minor children... but let's face it... some kids will do as they please... even so to speak "pull the wool over their parents eyes"...
It's a complicated situation and I wish there were simple answers. Is this law the answer? I'm not sure if it is.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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That whole scenario is so sad.It is a sad world we live in. Shootings, etc are happening everyday everywhere! And so many by juveniles. Should parents be responsible?
This is my opinion on this matter:
Ultimately, I would hope each individual case would be judged around all the circumstances surrounding that case... not have it just be a done deal against the parents on every occasion. Yes... respectfully the parents are responsible for their minor children... but let's face it... some kids will do as they please... even so to speak "pull the wool over their parents eyes"...
It's a complicated situation and I wish there were simple answers. Is this law the answer? I'm not sure if it is.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Thanks for your review and comments. I am not sure that the findings in the case provide the answer, but there will undoubtedly be further cases and legislation that will set change to further prosecutions.
In any event, take care and have a wonderful day.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
Comment from jmdg1954
Excellent piece of writing in making us aware of this potentially new trend. I'll remain neutral for the moment.
Where does it end? This could open up the door against parents or guardians. Are parents now to lock the liquor and beer? There are so many issues and questions that can be raised.
Again, your post was well written and presented.
John
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Excellent piece of writing in making us aware of this potentially new trend. I'll remain neutral for the moment.
Where does it end? This could open up the door against parents or guardians. Are parents now to lock the liquor and beer? There are so many issues and questions that can be raised.
Again, your post was well written and presented.
John
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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John,
Thanks so much for your review and comments. You are correct to ask the question- Where does it all end.
Take care and have a great day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
Comment from Ric Myworld
The scariest part of all these shootings is the total disregard for human life that seems to have overtaken our society. And from what I've seen, the aggressors keep getting younger. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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The scariest part of all these shootings is the total disregard for human life that seems to have overtaken our society. And from what I've seen, the aggressors keep getting younger. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Thanks for your review and comments. Yes, it is pretty scary.
Take care and despite the crazy world we live in, have a wonderful day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
Comment from Mark Jackson
Not what I expected to be reading on this site, but thank you. I cannot speak on your fact checking but that assumed this could and should be published. My personal thought is there seems to be a logical error in the sentencing. If the child is sentenced as an Adult how can the parents be held responsible? In my opinion guns should be stored securely. In the UK many people now store their guns in gun clubs. In their own homes they must be locked in a cabinet which has to be fixed in place. Thanks for sharing, enlightening work.
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Not what I expected to be reading on this site, but thank you. I cannot speak on your fact checking but that assumed this could and should be published. My personal thought is there seems to be a logical error in the sentencing. If the child is sentenced as an Adult how can the parents be held responsible? In my opinion guns should be stored securely. In the UK many people now store their guns in gun clubs. In their own homes they must be locked in a cabinet which has to be fixed in place. Thanks for sharing, enlightening work.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Mark,
Thanks for your review and comments. I like your point about the sentencing.
Take care and have a wonderful day. Keep writing.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
Comment from Frank Malley
Writer Barry Penfold discusses the social and legal impacts of the court decision that penalized, with prison sentences, the parents of a youth who shot 10 people, 4 of whom died. These convictions set a precedent for future trials, seems it seems probable that there will be more young men who will loose their moral compass and shoot numbers of innocent people. This is an important consequence, but it limns the question as to whether a parent can identify a troubled adolescent who is a real threat, and be certain that this individual cannot get his hands on a gun.
Penfold does a thorough job in this essay. His sentence design needs some work, as does his use of commas. Reading essays by acclaimed writers might sharpen his ear and enlarge his sense of excellent sentences.
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Writer Barry Penfold discusses the social and legal impacts of the court decision that penalized, with prison sentences, the parents of a youth who shot 10 people, 4 of whom died. These convictions set a precedent for future trials, seems it seems probable that there will be more young men who will loose their moral compass and shoot numbers of innocent people. This is an important consequence, but it limns the question as to whether a parent can identify a troubled adolescent who is a real threat, and be certain that this individual cannot get his hands on a gun.
Penfold does a thorough job in this essay. His sentence design needs some work, as does his use of commas. Reading essays by acclaimed writers might sharpen his ear and enlarge his sense of excellent sentences.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Thanks Frank, for your review and comments. I will also take your suggestions as to further learning seriously. There is always something more to learn.
You have a great day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
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All the best, Barry. Frank
Comment from Wendy G
I think the parents should have been charged with neglecting their parental duties and for not securing their guns, and more, complete foolishness in their actions. But I am not sure if they are guilty of "involuntary manslaughter" and I don't know whether this will improve the US's crazy obsession with guns and their ownership, nor will it reduce crimes which occur because mentally ill people have easy access to weapons. Very rigid gun controls should be in place as the bare minimum, and personal weapons should be extremely restricted in terms of power. What suburban citizen needs a powerful machine gun style weapon?! It's a vexed situation. The other question is - how far does parental responsibility extend? will they be charged if their kids commit lesser crimes. Maybe more training for parents in how to raise children, how to set boundaries etc etc. Thank you for a very thought-provoking article.
Wendy
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2024
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I think the parents should have been charged with neglecting their parental duties and for not securing their guns, and more, complete foolishness in their actions. But I am not sure if they are guilty of "involuntary manslaughter" and I don't know whether this will improve the US's crazy obsession with guns and their ownership, nor will it reduce crimes which occur because mentally ill people have easy access to weapons. Very rigid gun controls should be in place as the bare minimum, and personal weapons should be extremely restricted in terms of power. What suburban citizen needs a powerful machine gun style weapon?! It's a vexed situation. The other question is - how far does parental responsibility extend? will they be charged if their kids commit lesser crimes. Maybe more training for parents in how to raise children, how to set boundaries etc etc. Thank you for a very thought-provoking article.
Wendy
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2024
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Wendy,
Thanks for the review and your comments on the issues at hand. Effective gun control is a must. Unfortunately, this may be some way off. There needs to be a very open debate between the public, government and gun lobbies.
In any event, I will keep a keen interest in the feedback from this decision. Take care and have a wonderful day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
Comment from nomi338
What I really want to say is it is about time. I can relate a story about the impact of a parent demonstrating to their child the seriousness of their commitment. My son had been telling me that he had done his homework at school. His teacher called me and related that my son was lying to me. I laid down the law to my son, gave him detailed instructions on what was expected of him in the future. after that my son graduated from high school with honors. Parent who are serious have power, they should use it for the betterment of their children.
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2024
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What I really want to say is it is about time. I can relate a story about the impact of a parent demonstrating to their child the seriousness of their commitment. My son had been telling me that he had done his homework at school. His teacher called me and related that my son was lying to me. I laid down the law to my son, gave him detailed instructions on what was expected of him in the future. after that my son graduated from high school with honors. Parent who are serious have power, they should use it for the betterment of their children.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2024
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Thanks for your review and comments. Yes, I agree, the parents do have power, it is just how they approach the use of it. Thanks for your thoughts and I am glad your son benefited from your instruction.
Take care and have a wonderful day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
Comment from DonKip
Very interesting and concise overview of the sad situation - truly unfortunate to comprehend how the parents' wilful ignorance cost so many innocent lives. I really like how you laid bare where Ethan was let down by those who were supposed to be caring for him when he was actually crying for help.
As I live in Canada but regularly follow US news, I have taken a somewhat objective view of American mass shootings. Sorry to say that while I appreciate your hopeful optimism about what guilty verdicts for the Crumbleys means for the future, sadly we've all heard many times before "this will change things going forward" - Sandy Hook, CT (27 children), Uvalde TX (19 children), Parkland FL (17 kids), Orlando FL (49 people), etc. - and yet mass shootings continue to rise. Those who commit these heinous acts do not think logically and cannot comprehend the harm they inflict on others. And certainly parents of disturbed youth who don't intervene with help knowing their child is sick are not likely to even consider the legal implications they may face in the event of catastrophe. The gun culture is too ingrained in US citizens, perpetuated by lobbyists and second amendment extremists that have now infected the political landscape, that the "now things will change" wish will never come true - that is, until some major violence befalls the children of these power brokers in major numbers. To be clear, I am NOT suggesting or wishing this type of violence on anyone. But until they actually feel the pain that so many other parents have endured, they will continue to hide in their well-insulated (and well-funded) cocoons providing mere "thoughts and prayers" to victims' families instead of actions that actually address the problems.
I sure hope I'm wrong though Barry and you can write another great piece in a few years telling me so. Thanks!
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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2024
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Very interesting and concise overview of the sad situation - truly unfortunate to comprehend how the parents' wilful ignorance cost so many innocent lives. I really like how you laid bare where Ethan was let down by those who were supposed to be caring for him when he was actually crying for help.
As I live in Canada but regularly follow US news, I have taken a somewhat objective view of American mass shootings. Sorry to say that while I appreciate your hopeful optimism about what guilty verdicts for the Crumbleys means for the future, sadly we've all heard many times before "this will change things going forward" - Sandy Hook, CT (27 children), Uvalde TX (19 children), Parkland FL (17 kids), Orlando FL (49 people), etc. - and yet mass shootings continue to rise. Those who commit these heinous acts do not think logically and cannot comprehend the harm they inflict on others. And certainly parents of disturbed youth who don't intervene with help knowing their child is sick are not likely to even consider the legal implications they may face in the event of catastrophe. The gun culture is too ingrained in US citizens, perpetuated by lobbyists and second amendment extremists that have now infected the political landscape, that the "now things will change" wish will never come true - that is, until some major violence befalls the children of these power brokers in major numbers. To be clear, I am NOT suggesting or wishing this type of violence on anyone. But until they actually feel the pain that so many other parents have endured, they will continue to hide in their well-insulated (and well-funded) cocoons providing mere "thoughts and prayers" to victims' families instead of actions that actually address the problems.
I sure hope I'm wrong though Barry and you can write another great piece in a few years telling me so. Thanks!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2024
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Thanks for your review. Also, thanks for your strong opinions. A lot more debate on the issue of parent responsibilities. Even then, the gun lobby in America is very strong so it will be difficult to change the culture.
In any event, I am still hoping there will be some positive change. I will write an article if there is. Take care and have a great day.
Regards
Barry Penfold.