SEVEN TEENAGERS KILLED IN N. C.

[boothead]

Seven teenagers ranging from 13 to 18 were killed this A.M. about 12:30 after being chased by the Troutman Police. The driver was seen driving in an erratic way and a chase was started. The car ran off the roadway to the left and went into a slid ending up in a small stream-bed on it's top. All seven, 5 boys and 2 girls were killed instantly. The auto was stolen earlier in the night. Some of the victims have not been identified. The teenagers were all from the Statesville, N. C. area. Sorry but this is all I have.

[AppyPappy]

Crusader argued that the police "enticed" the kid to speed away. The kids got into the car KNOWING it was illegal (assuming they didn't borrow the car which I doubt they did). I somehow doubt they were innocent little babes who thought Grandma was magically going to appear behind the wheel at midnight.

If you want to argue that it is yet another mere coincidence that the kids ran from the cops at the same time the media saturates us with cop chases, I'll argue that if television doesn't influence behavior then why do corporations spend billions on advertising on it?

[Protagoras]

Crusader argued that the police "enticed" the kid to speed away.

Halt. Then post to him about it, not me.

I didn't even read the rest of your post yet. Now I will and see if any of it applies to me.

[Protagoras]

Ban TV, that will solve the "influence" problem.

[AppyPappy]

Halt. Then post to him about it, not me.

Yes, officer. Can I go now?

[Age of Reason]

when Judges throw out the option of service duty for young felons...I don't have a problem with it.

There is something seriously wrong with our country and with manhood when service in the armed forces is viewed as a punishment instead of a privilege.

[AppyPappy]

Ban TV, that will solve the "influence" problem.

Ah so you believe banning things fixes problems. I see.

[Protagoras]

Yes, officer. Can I go now?

You always have that option. You got my point. You have a comment on what I post, I'm happy to receive it.

[Protagoras]

Ah so you believe banning things fixes problems. I see.

After all this time, I know you know better than that. I guess I have to use the < /sarcasm> tag all the time, even with the old timers.

But it would be a fair question to ask if you do since you are trying to put the blame on society for the crimes of this young perpetrator who caused the deaths of so many of his fellows.

[CyberCowboy777]

I believe it is considered a privilege and a opportunity. It is not a hand out and continue trouble will land you in the Brig or jail.


A chance to straighten up your life. Those given the opportunity are not killers, but they are young trouble makers who just might make good on the promises of our nation if given some discipline and structure.

My father was given that opportunity - USN, 12 years - and that combined with meeting my Mom and then Jesus changed his life. He went from a 12 year old runaway with trouble following him to a upstanding citizen, vet, father, grandfather and successful businessman.

It is a good program that in no way diminishes the privilege of serving in the US Armed forces if used wisely.

My life is a success because of the opportunities my father was presented and took, none of which were given to him freely. That is the difference between a hand out and a hand up.

[AppyPappy]

put the blame on society

I've been around long enough to know a strawman when I see it.

[philetus]

I only asked YOU one question.
What should the parents have done?

[Kozak]

I used to HATE the old "Don't help a good boy go bad, lock your car take your keys " commercial. GOOD boys don't STEAL someone else's car.

[Protagoras]

I've been around long enough to know a strawman when I see it.

You didn't put responsibilty on the "media". (who ever they are)

A strawman is when you attribute something to someone which they didn't say in order to knock it down. I didn't do that, I repeated what you said. I used the word "society" instead of the "media". I think they are part and parcel of each other. I will happily revert to YOUR choice of words if you wish.

[AppyPappy]

I didn't put responsibility on the media. I said they were an "influence". Similar to advertising. A Gillete commercial does not cause you to buy a razor but it does influence your decision about a razor. It's the same way with running from the police. Cop chase videos and GTA are INFLUENCES which is why we are seeing so much more of it IMHO.

[Little Ray]

So every crook that is willing to run should be given a pass, right? 'Cause somebody might get hurt, eh?

Their fate was in their own hands. They chose poorly. I'm just glad they didn't take anybody with 'em this time. Evolution in action...

[Little Ray]

Car theft isn't felony?
Personally, I think car theft = horse theft; it should be a hangin' offense!

[Kozak]

Locally we had a recent accident with 3 19 year old boys, all intoxicated who crashed all died at the scene. They had 2 16 year old girls as passengers, both critically injured. when the police came to notify the mom her daughter was injured, she said " oh there must be a mistake, my daughter is in bed asleep, I saw her go to bed last night at about 11pm". The girl and her friend had snuck out to party with the boys. Even careful parents can be burned.

[Protagoras]

Cop chase videos and GTA are INFLUENCES which is why we are seeing so much more of it IMHO.

I don't dismiss the fact that people are influenced by their surroundings, but the context under which you addressed it in response to my post seems peculiar to me.

My post had to do with person who caused the deaths, and I sought to put the responsibility on him. The other people in the car and the police and the media and all the rest of the things that may or may not have contributed to it are relegated to minor roles in my mind. The real cause was the person who did it, no one else.

I don't blame TV or video games or the media for crimes people commit because it is a slippery slope to go down that road IMO. Which is not to say I don't think they matter, just that ultimately people are responsible for their own actions.

I also made a point about 13 yr olds not knowing what they are getting into many times. They are children, it is a tragedy.