Some videos go viral for all the wrong reasons

I'll attach an article or two to give you a little background...

Article 1

...but here's the lowdown...in a Sydney suburb, a 12 year old was stopped by cops for throwing rocks at vehicles and damaging buses in the process.  The mother of the kid started videoing thinking she'd make it "go viral" to show police abuse.  Actually, it's gone viral for other reasons...watch the video above...

Article 2 - that includes a video of the mother defending her son because, of course, he didn't do anything wrong.

Article 3

What a disgusting display of a lack of respect for authority. With this mentality, this mother will also accuse teachers of being in the wrong when her son is given detention, employers out to get her son when he is fired from a job, the probation officer being unfair when her son is recommended for a jail term, the judicial system being corrupt when her son is given a jail sentence, the prison system being abusive when her son is put into solitary confinement for spitting and throwing urine on staff............sadly, this all is likely to happen.

I hope she enjoys visiting her children in prison because that's where they will most likely end up.  Years ago, I was a caseworker at an institution for incarcerated youth.  I knew kids (and parents) exactly like this.

The kid was throwing rocks at cars and caused damage to buses. People have died from the actions of such pranks. When you are throwing rocks at cars that potentially cause damage and/or injury, you are committing a crime. On the video, threats of violence are made as well. For the safety of the youth, police, and other children around, handcuffs (unfortunately) appear to be a sensible use of force in this scenario.

This mother is an embarrassment to any other parents who are trying to raise their children with values and to learn to differentiate between right and wrong.  As for the kids, well, sadly, I'm thinking Australian taxpayers will sooner or later be paying for his accommodation, food, and healthcare in a prison.

Harsh?  Yes.  Judgemental?  Yes.  Do I hope one day there is a 60 Minutes special on this kid ten years from now focusing on how he turned his life around and is a positive force in society?  Absolutely. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts.....

 

 

It's my first time participating in this link-up, and I enjoy the "anything goes" element to it...so why not link-up something somewhat controversial to get this party started???



Thoughts #19 - Stepmoms

With my wedding day approaching (it's tomorrow), I am having a lot of thoughts and reflections. One extremely important part of my life with this monumental occasion is I officially become a stepmom (or stepmum). I can't help but reflect about the stepmoms I've had in my life and what kind of step-parental figure I want to be.

Short history: My parents are divorced. My mom is a wonderful, loving, caring, crazy, energetic, fantastic, fun woman. You can learn more about her here. My dad remarried (to Barbara) when I was 16 and sadly, was widowed when I was 30. He remarried again to Helen, and they are happily married today. 

I sent my dad this email:

"(t)hank you for picking women who have gone above and beyond to be wonderful step-mothers and female role models. My life is enriched for having both Barbara and Helen in it."

Barbara could sew a mean Halloween costume after spending the day fighting legal battles as a highly respected corporate attorney. 

Helen ran her own insurance agency but hosts a fantastic dinner party as well. 

Barbara could canoe a river; Helen can golf. 

Barbara took my dad fly-fishing; Helen got my dad to go to Italy.

Barbara would beat me at Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit; Helen can talk books and American Idol with me. 

Barbara wore signature red lipstick; Helen has signature red hair. 

Barbara battled brain cancer with a spirit and determination that inspired all around her; Helen is a survivor of breast cancer. 

Barbara fiercely loved and encouraged her children and step-children; Helen unconditionally loves and supports her children, step-children, and grand-children. 

They both love and value my dad.

Barbara and Helen exemplify strong, courageous, supportive, intelligent women, friends, family members, and stepmoms.  I hope I can continue their legacy and give as much to Neil's kids as they gave to me. 

Thoughts #17 - Children

A friend of mine posted this article on facebook: Let's Stop Giving Shit to Women Who Don't Want Kids. (go ahead; read it; there's some good stuff there)

Without even reading the article yet, this was my comment to her:  "I haven't read this yet, but I have strong feelings about this. It's not anyone's damn business why you don't have kids. It's amazing how often people think they need to give their opinion about this, even perfect strangers."  

You see, I am a *cough* 41 *cough* year old woman that does not have children.   I didn't exactly plan it that way.  I never was against the idea of having children.  I assumed I'd get around to it, but I didn't.  Examining my life, I'm glad I didn't.  About three years ago, I really looked long and hard at this part of my life.  I even had a period of mourning the fact that I missed out on this glorious role in life - parenthood.  I mean that.  This is one of those times that I'm not being sarcastic.  I realized the time had come and gone for me.  I was never truly in the right place and/or right relationship that bringing a child into the world as my responsibility was a good idea.  And, that's okay.  I'm really okay with it.  I never experienced that maternal yearning or biological clock ticking sensation.  That's okay too.  I do not feel that I'm a lesser person because of this fact.

But.........

You'd be surprised at how many people feel like they need to comment, advise, and give their opinion about this fact.  You'd be surprised at how many people, especially perfect strangers, feel the need to tell me what they think about my child-free life.  People telling me it can still happen (uhm, I'm not trying to make it happen).  People telling me to not give up (uhm, I'm not hoping or striving for anything to "give up" on).  People actually asking "why?" and "don't you like kids?" and other such remarkably personal questions.  What if the answer was that I can't have kids?  That physically, my body isn't able to produce.  What if I suffered emotional trauma because of this?  There are many women out there that experience fertility issues, so what if I was one of them?  I'm not, but my point is that this is a topic that is personal and such questions shouldn't be approached in such a nonchalant way that I've experienced. 

I'm lucky.  My family has always understood this about me.  I've never experienced any pressure from them to have children.  I've never felt like a disappointment because I didn't have children.  (I've felt like a disappointment for other reasons, but not this one).  Those closest to me "get it", so why do strangers or peripheral people in my life feel the need to ask questions?

Yes, I like kids.  I loved hanging with my nieces and nephew when they were younger.  The small amount of time that I've spent with my cousins' kids have been awesome.  My friends' kids?  Love 'em.  I am one of those people who genuinely respect and admire my friends and loved ones in their roles as parents.  It truly is amazing to me.  And guess what... my guy has kids, and I'm fortunate enough that he shares them with me.  Maybe my place is to be the best step-parental role model that I can possibly be.  That's the role I'm happy to tackle.  

See, I can hang with kids

Now, babies....they scare me! 

Oh, and one more reason that I'm happy to be child-free?  No creepy elf on a shelf!!! 

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