I Believe That Children Are Our Future, But ...

Kate Gosselin's Hair | Millionaire Mom Murder | Sexist Super Bowl Ads

I Believe That Children Are Our Future, But ...

Monday, November 23, 2009

filed under: news

It seems like more kids are killing kids nowadays, but is life without parole really the best solution?

Calvin Lowery: Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments for a case that will determine if defendants who committed a non-homicidal crime when they were under the age of 18 can be sentenced to life without parole (Graham v FL; Sullivan v. FL). This case follows the Supreme Court's recent decision that determined executing defendants who committed a crime when they were under the age of 18 was cruel and unusual punishment (Ropers v. Simmons). These cases exemplify an increasing issue in America, "What the hell is wrong with our youth and how do we address it?"

While these cases may not directly be impacted by the Supreme Court's upcoming opinion, they can serve as an example to the crimes being committed by today's youth.

For example, yesterday Alyssa Bustamante -- 15 years old -- was charged as an adult for the murder of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten. This young innocent girl (Elizabeth) was murdered because Bustamante "wanted to know what it felt like." Bustamante reportedly planned this crime out in cold blood. Planning that consisted of digging graves prior to the offense.

Additionally, a couple of weeks ago, momlogic readers expressed their dismay to the CNN article, "Teen Drowned 4-Year-Old to Hide Horrible Secret", where the 14-year-old defendant has been charged with special circumstances including: 1. murder, 2. child molestation, 3. kidnapping, and 4. preventing testimony. This case states that the 14-year-old drowned the 4-year-old in order to prevent the 4-year-old from notifying others that the 14-year-old was molesting the him.

Please do not forget about three minors in Florida who have been charged as adults for an attack on their "friend." This case involved three defendants who are now being charged as adults, after they doused the victim with rubbing alcohol and set him on fire.
Some parents take the law into their own hands, just today Jamar Pinkey Sr. was accused of killing his son, after allegedly forcing his son strip down out of his clothes, marching his son to a vacant lot and shooting his 15-year-old son to death, because his son may have sexually abused a toddler.

There are two approaches to address the concern: 1. try them as minors and they will be released at a predetermined age that can range from 21-25, depending on the state where the crime was committed, or 2. try them as adults where they can receive sentences that (for now) can include up to life in prison without chance for parole.

It appears that the first option is not effective -- we take minors out of the public sector, cage them up with other minors who apparently have committed crimes as well and say, for the next eight years, you have to do what you have to do to survive. Then we release them back into the community with their newly acquired social skills.

But, the alternative allows the state to look at a 13-year-old, say that you have committed a crime and you will never see the outside of a prison as long as you live.

The best approach may be to seriously attempt to reach these minors before they commit crimes that rise to his level. In almost every case, there were some warning signs. If that fails, those who have not committed heinous crimes should be placed in an environment where the sole purpose to prepare this minor to become a contributing member of society. Lastly, for those body burning, child molesting and the "I'll kill because I'm curious," murders we should ensure that the public is not exposed to undue risk, simply because someone was under the age of 18 when the crime was committed.

So I ask, "what the hell is wrong with our youth and how do we address it?"

Please tell me ...

Calvin Lowery has been married for ten years to momlogic's Keira Lowery, has four kids, is a U.S. Military Veteran (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and is currently a law student. He is all about informing people of their rights and ensuring that we all raise a responsible generation of future leaders.

filed under: news

| Bookmark | Permalink |

Email | Comments (6)

6 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

If we knew how to fix it, it wouldn’t be a problem to begin with. This kind of stuff blows my mind. Not just the kids doing it, just in general. Because you’re curious? That might be a reason to smoke, drink, break curfew, have sex….but murder? Give me a break.

- Kristin

Posted 11/23/09 03:00 PM

I believe the problem is that children are raised in a culture of death. From the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night they watch violent TV and listen to violent music and play violent games and watch violent movies. In school they are taught that we accidently evolved from slime and when we die there will be nothing to pay for our behavior. Children are taught in school that promiscuous sex is expected; go for the gusto and get whatever you want whenever you want with whomever you want, and if a girl gets pregnant just get rid of the baby, because its really only fetal tissue. When people get old we should get rid of them too. Send them off to a retirement home to die. Why should we expect children to be non-violent after all the violent indoctrination?

- Alan Melton

Posted 11/23/09 04:06 PM

Hello, I am deaf, currently on Depression and Anxiety discorders; anyway I saw the news about her, I was like “What?! 15 years old murdered 9 years old girl. How shame she is and wonders what make her decided to feel like suicidal and try to be like other such as movies, internet and show what is like to be one of them. It is not how it makes excuses for her to be saying “I have mental illness the way it made me murdered” It is not right, make sure it is clear, and was she raised by her mother? Just wondering. and why didn’t she get some help right away than wait until something really happened!

- Amanda Gean

Posted 11/23/09 10:58 PM

I believe violent video games and movies such as the SAW contribute to kids becoming desensitized to murder. I also think the liberal attitude towards whats right and wrong has blurred the lines of accountabilty. We as a country need to look past the age of these criminals and make an example out of them so other kids realize no matter what age you will pay for your crimes. Parents also need to step up and be in the kids business, know what they watch and what websites they visit.

- samantha

Posted 11/24/09 04:38 AM

I think part of the problem is that a lot of these kids grew up where their world is just all about “me, me, ME!!”. When they feel like they’re about to lose control or be “found out”; they are so wrapped up in themselves, that they don’t want to face the reality and holding themselves accountable. So therefore, they “get rid” of their “problem”. I think that part of the solution is that children need to grow up where they know that there are consequences for negative behavior, and not getting away with what they want based on their whims. Accountability and Consistency is key. And realizing that the world doesn’t revolve around them would help, too!

- CrazyPolynesian

Posted 11/24/09 07:39 AM

This is rediculous. You CAN NOT blame all of their behavior on outside influences! It rest on the shoulders of their parents. There are age restrictions on the violent vidoe games and movies, just pay attention to your children!

- Amber

Posted 11/27/09 04:08 PM