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Trespass critics too quick to judge

Herald Journal Opinion piece defends parenting of trespassing teenagers.

Trespass critics too quick to judge

To the editor:
I have followed the articles on the incident at St. Anne’s with some interest. I have been disappointed with people who publicly voice their opinion on a situation of which they cannot know all the details

It is amazing to me that in a community as largely Christian as this one, so many seem anxious to pass judgement on these teen-agers’ families and methods of parenting.

As an “average citizen,” I do not know all that went on that night up Logan canyon. Although we hear and read much, it all must be taken as hearsay, and only those personally involved can possibly know everything.

At first, I was a little disgusted that the young adults involved were not being punished for their crimes. But then I read Scott Wyatt’s report stating that he did not press charges because the property owners did not wish to.

Well, he certainly should be in a position to know. And if the owners did not want to pursue it, that is certainly their choice.

As a parent, I understand that our society seems to be falling apart at times and young people often abuse privileges and assume they are their rights. What I don’t understand is why so many who have written letters to the editor assume that these teens were not taught better by their parents.

Haven’t any of them ever had a child go against their teachings and better judgment? Or have they perhaps been so quick to place blame that they forgot about their own children’s mistakes?

I have also read letters from adults who have admitted that over the years they, too, went up the nunnery, drawn by its lore. And they have turned out to be respectable citizens in their communities now that they are adults.

My point is, as kids are growing up they make stupid decisions and mistakes. That is how we learn and grow.

It doesn’t mean that these children were not taught better or that their parents condone their actions and behavior. It’s just possible that they may still grow to be decent people and, heaven forbid, leaders of our community, and perhaps this experience will have a lasting impression.

We do not know exactly what the guards’ actions were or what may have prompted their behavior, but I can understand that it must have been a frightening experience for all those involved, especially the parents of the youths.

After all, they are adults and understand the implications of how serious and tragic this could have been better than anyone. I hope that the truth will be presented and a fair decision reached, but until then, I, for one, am not going to point a finger at people who are trying to raise their children the best that they can and lame them for mistakes made not by them. They probably have enough to contend with right now.

Cindy Wheeler
Smithfield

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/32

SCAFOLK032Bx003Fd07Item0026.pdf

Trespass critics too quick to judge

To the editor:
I have followed the articles on the incident at St. Anne’s with some interest. I have been disappointed with people who publicly voice their opinion on a situation of which they cannot know all the details

It is amazing to me that in a community as largely Christian as this one, so many seem anxious to pass judgement on these teen-agers’ families and methods of parenting.

As an “average citizen,” I do not know all that went on that night up Logan canyon. Although we hear and read much, it all must be taken as hearsay, and only those personally involved can possibly know everything.

At first, I was a little disgusted that the young adults involved were not being punished for their crimes. But then I read Scott Wyatt’s report stating that he did not press charges because the property owners did not wish to.

Well, he certainly should be in a position to know. And if the owners did not want to pursue it, that is certainly their choice.

As a parent, I understand that our society seems to be falling apart at times and young people often abuse privileges and assume they are their rights. What I don’t understand is why so many who have written letters to the editor assume that these teens were not taught better by their parents.

Haven’t any of them ever had a child go against their teachings and better judgment? Or have they perhaps been so quick to place blame that they forgot about their own children’s mistakes?

I have also read letters from adults who have admitted that over the years they, too, went up the nunnery, drawn by its lore. And they have turned out to be respectable citizens in their communities now that they are adults.

My point is, as kids are growing up they make stupid decisions and mistakes. That is how we learn and grow.

It doesn’t mean that these children were not taught better or that their parents condone their actions and behavior. It’s just possible that they may still grow to be decent people and, heaven forbid, leaders of our community, and perhaps this experience will have a lasting impression.

We do not know exactly what the guards’ actions were or what may have prompted their behavior, but I can understand that it must have been a frightening experience for all those involved, especially the parents of the youths.

After all, they are adults and understand the implications of how serious and tragic this could have been better than anyone. I hope that the truth will be presented and a fair decision reached, but until then, I, for one, am not going to point a finger at people who are trying to raise their children the best that they can and lame them for mistakes made not by them. They probably have enough to contend with right now.

Cindy Wheeler
Smithfield