October 12, 2006
Thursday

Concerning the underage drinking: I don't know the truth about that one instance, so I am not judging your son, the police, or that situation in particular.

In general, I am OK with most of our police force, AND the way they handle things. After one of my older sons was caught minor consuming [more than once], I must say, I'm grateful for the way it's dealt with.

I also have to say, IS SHE KIDDING? A heavy fine, hours and hours of community service, and going to court is NOTHING compared to what some of us parents would have happen to our repeat offenders. I asked the poice why we couldn't leave him in jail for a day or two to teach him a lesson, and was told it would be considered child abandoment. I would like to know why spending a couple of cold, lonely days in a stainless steel, bright, loud, scary place is so unacceptable, considering the consequences of becoming a habitual offender. I told the police officers I'd rather him stay there overnight now, than end up in prison later with a 'girlfriend named Bubba'.

My son told me he couldn't believe when he walked into court, that the atmosphere was more like a party than a serious legal situation. I went with him when he was still 17, and everyone was laughing, talking, text messaging, and saying "Hey" to each other, with the parents being more worried than the kids. They did quiet down when the judge entered, but I noticed that few of them sat up straight, and few of them were dressed in a respectfully 'nice' way [does anyone out there watch TV? Do you not notice how the lawyers dress the clients to show repect for the court? Do you not see the attorneys wearing suits??].

I'm not saying you should all take a shower and dress in your Sunday best [like we did as kids when going to the doctor, plane trip, or court], but COME ON! If you think you are being treated too harshly, how about showing some respect, some manners, some remorse, and offering an apology? That judge is not blind. He can read body language, and considering YOU BROKE THE LAW, AND SOME PEOPLE KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE DRUNK, you are getting off easy. It is a known fact that the human brain is not fully developed until near the age of 25, so what makes you think you are OK when drinking under 21?

My son is paying his "debts", and only time will tell if he'll continue drinking & if it will become a real problem for him. As for his 'troubles', he credits his manners to the good treatment he has recieved at the hands of the officers, judge, and the system in general. He said he has an apology to make to one person still. Thankfully, he understands that growing up is tough, and he'll need to learn how to behave as an adult is expected to behave to succeed in our society. Our job is to teach them that life isn't fair, and we reap what we sow. Telling him he got a raw deal doesn't help his attitude.

Karen Hollywood
Ketchikan, AK

Received October 12, 2006 - Published October 12, 2006

About: "Single mother of 5 boys, been there, done that, still struggling"

 

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