Today, dozens of people have weighed in on my Facebook timeline as to whether or not the kids should have been charged. They've broken down to attacking each other and even to accusing the President to being a bad example for today's youth. I'm no fan of liberal politics, but verbally assaulting Obama over this is like railing against Truett Cathy because you got a bad Chick-fil-A sandwich (I, frankly, can't imagine ever getting a bad Chick-fil-A sandwich).
Look, if the law says people on the property after dark are trespassing...should the police ignore the law? If so, are they in violation of their oath to uphold the law. I'm in no way advocating or condemning the actions of the kids, but for those on Facebook saying, "go get the real criminals!" I submit that, per the law, the people in the park were breaking the law, ergo they were real criminals. I further submit that their behavior kept the police from going after any other criminals during the time that they were at, - what we all agree, regardless of what side you're on - was a time waster.
I must say, as an educator, I'm not as sure as many that no one was behaving dangerously, thus putting someone's child - or children - in danger. Aren't the police also sworn to protect the safety of the public? Over three hundred kids running around in the dark don't present a possible threat to themselves or others? My brother and I managed to get hurt running around with the lights on in the daytime. Not because we meant to, but because stuff just happens. Multiply that possibility by three hundredish.
If the kids want to play Manhunt in the park, I'm willing to bet the Prince George board would establish a night for that, but that would go against the idea of being a "rebel." Problem is, none of these kids know what rebellion really is because they don't really have anything to rebel against, save their own sense of boredom.
Again, I am in no way condemning the kids for their behavior. They're kids. Kids do stupid stuff; its in their nature. Who knows what might have motivated them? But, the police were following their orders to deal with a situation. Sorry if the actions seems Draconian, but the letter of the law was being upheld. See, I can no more condemn the police than the kids. And really, if it were your land, wouldn't you want the law enforced?
Hey, maybe the charges will be dropped, but that's not a police decision, is it? That'll be up to the PG Commonwealth's Attorney. One thing's certain, there'll be no lack of opinions about that decision when it comes time.
The wagon rolls on. Thanks for riding shotgun.
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