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To say kids deserved what they got is sick

Local resident gives her perspective on the trespassing incident at St. Anne's retreat.

To say kids deserved what they got is sick

To the editor:
I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, I would think that before they offered it publicly they would make sure that they were informed on the subject. (I’m speaking to several women who have written recent letters to the editor).

To be informed, you’d have to talk to all involved and get the whole story, not take half statements from the media as the way it really happened. The only ones who have done that are Scott Wyatt, Cache County attorney, and the Sheriff’s Department. That makes them the only ones qualified to make an honest judgement of this vase, which they did.

The thing that people need to understand is yes, these kids did break the law, they trespassed. And they are very sorry and are willing to take their punishment. They have learned great lessons from this experience. Good and bad.

But, because they broke the law, it didn’t give the adults up there the right to break it too. And to a greater extent we are comparing trespassing with no intent to vandalize, with aggravated assault. There is a big difference. (I speak for the second group of kids, as I don’t know any of the first.) In any case, abuse in any form (physical, verbal, mental) will not be tolerated. To say the kids deserved what they got is sick. No one deserves that!

You all can say over and over how you would react. But until it is your daughter being fondled or your son with a gun to his head, his life being threatened, you don’t know! I can guarantee your self righteous ideas will change really fast when it happens.

As for judging and blaming the parents without talking to any of us is wrong. Just because we love our kids and don’t want them harmed doesn’t mean we haven’t’ taught them right from wrong. We do know where they are, whom they’re with, etc. We, also, don’t condone their trespassing as you imply, No, they are not perfect. But neither are we. And, I have to tell you that I was very surprised to see that some of you listed your homes in Cache Valley. For as perfect as you think you are, I would have thought you would have been translated by now.

Let’s hope that this case taught this whole valley a few things. First, to respect the rights of others, both property and constitutional. Second, think before we act. Both youth and adults. Because all actions have consequences, no matter how we rationalize. Third, get the facts and be informed before we make judgements. Because I know there is not one perfect person out there.

Lonetta Brady
Richmond

Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives, FOLK COLL 32

Reproduction for publication, exhibition, web display or commercial use is only permissible with the consent of the USU Libraries Special Collections and Archives, phone (435) 797-2663.

Utah State University Folklore in the news collection, 1973-2012, FOLK COLL 32

http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv04849

St. Anne's Retreat

http://digital.lib.usu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p16944coll20/id/30

SCAFOLK032Bx003Fd07Item0021.pdf

To say kids deserved what they got is sick

To the editor:
I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, I would think that before they offered it publicly they would make sure that they were informed on the subject. (I’m speaking to several women who have written recent letters to the editor).

To be informed, you’d have to talk to all involved and get the whole story, not take half statements from the media as the way it really happened. The only ones who have done that are Scott Wyatt, Cache County attorney, and the Sheriff’s Department. That makes them the only ones qualified to make an honest judgement of this vase, which they did.

The thing that people need to understand is yes, these kids did break the law, they trespassed. And they are very sorry and are willing to take their punishment. They have learned great lessons from this experience. Good and bad.

But, because they broke the law, it didn’t give the adults up there the right to break it too. And to a greater extent we are comparing trespassing with no intent to vandalize, with aggravated assault. There is a big difference. (I speak for the second group of kids, as I don’t know any of the first.) In any case, abuse in any form (physical, verbal, mental) will not be tolerated. To say the kids deserved what they got is sick. No one deserves that!

You all can say over and over how you would react. But until it is your daughter being fondled or your son with a gun to his head, his life being threatened, you don’t know! I can guarantee your self righteous ideas will change really fast when it happens.

As for judging and blaming the parents without talking to any of us is wrong. Just because we love our kids and don’t want them harmed doesn’t mean we haven’t’ taught them right from wrong. We do know where they are, whom they’re with, etc. We, also, don’t condone their trespassing as you imply, No, they are not perfect. But neither are we. And, I have to tell you that I was very surprised to see that some of you listed your homes in Cache Valley. For as perfect as you think you are, I would have thought you would have been translated by now.

Let’s hope that this case taught this whole valley a few things. First, to respect the rights of others, both property and constitutional. Second, think before we act. Both youth and adults. Because all actions have consequences, no matter how we rationalize. Third, get the facts and be informed before we make judgements. Because I know there is not one perfect person out there.

Lonetta Brady
Richmond