Charge Who?

RUSS BYNUM, Associated Press Writer, Wed Apr 2, WAYCROSS, Ga. – “A group of third-graders plotted to attack their teacher, bringing a broken steak knife, handcuffs, duct tape and other items for the job and assigning children tasks including covering the windows and cleaning up afterward, police said Tuesday.”

This article goes on to say that the kids are too young to be charged with anything (third graders would be about 8, right?). So how about we charge the parents with something? I would be willing to wager that these kids did not learn about how to plan and carry out this “attack” at AWANA, or in Sunday School. I’d be willing to wager they did not read about it in a James Patterson novel.

The reality is they have probably seen it on TV, or in the movies, or one of those incredibly bad video games. Now don’t get me wrong. Parents cannot and do not always have control of the mind of their kids. . .but eight year old kids shouldn’t even know how to begin such planning, much less carry it out. So charge the parents with “lack of attention,” or “failure to watch what your kid is taking to school,” or “unwillingness to listen and provide a solution when your kid is fuming over a perceived sleight from a teacher.”

Does that all sound to harsh? It probably is. But let’s face the fact that eight year old kids ought to be riding bikes, building sand castles, playing hide and seek with the neighbor’s kids. Shut that TV down and go outside. Too hot (or cold)? Play Monopoly.