I put this in the D&D because I want to know what your opinions on punishment should be. Should the kid go to juvenile hall? Should the parents be held responsible? Opinions please... http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071031/ts_nm/california_wildfires_dc_1 Youngster confesses to starting California fire Wed Oct 31, 2:53 AM ET LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A boy playing with matches has confessed to starting a wildfire that destroyed 63 structures near Los Angeles, officials said on Tuesday. The unidentified youngster, believed to be a preteen, was questioned by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigators on October 22, a day after the Buckweed fire started rampaging across 38,000 acres in the Santa Clarita area, 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. The boy "admitted that he had been playing with matches," said sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore. It was initially believed that downed power lines had started the fire. The boy was sent home after confessing, and the District Attorney's office will consider whether to press charges. The Buckweed fire was one of about two-dozen conflagrations that ravaged southern California last week, destroying 2,300 buildings, according to the California Office of Emergency Services. The fires have been responsible for 12 deaths and 78 injuries. Arson is being blamed for a blaze that has destroyed 15 homes in Orange County, south of Los Angeles, and a reward of $250,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever started the fire.
Wow, this is such a twist. It would be a lot easier if it were an adult. I don't know how they're gonna punish him, but he definitely has to be punished. If he's above 9-10 I think the kid should know. I bet if this was in Texas he'd be toast.
I'm wondering whether or not the parents might be in civil court for the next century; I would jail the kid instead of them. But then re-write California law to make parents explicitly responsible, maybe don't sell matches or lighters to kids: hell, maybe make it illegal in Cali to have matches/lighters in public. (This would dovetail nicely into some sort of public smoking ban.) Or, give the Dad and kid a day in jail every week for a year, have them stay in the same cell and give Pops a belt and paddle. Then tape it, and show the footage to California schoolchildren.
Having fresh air come back (as fresh as it is in SoCal) a couple of days ago makes you appreciate it. I can't imagine why anyone would do something this stupid except because people of authority told you not to. I'd say the news should plaster his face like the Star Wars kid, but it's likely more idiots would do it for that reason. Hope they catch or confirm that OC arsonist soon.
well duh, he lives in California...or more like TERRORISTFORNIA!!!! LMAOLAOLAOALOFLFOALAODDLAOBBQLAOLDODLDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I could write for the 1/2 hour news hour! here's a picture of the boy..
Ouch, at least he stood up and admitted it. His parents should punish him, if it goes to court, nothing permanent.... DD
I don't think we know enough yet. There's quite a difference between 12 and 8. There's a difference between doing it intentionally and doing it accidentally. There's a difference if he was in his backyard or out in the boonies unsupervised.
The "punishment" really should be one that makes this kid into a much much better human being as he becomes an adult. First, learning about responsibility...touring the burned areas, speaking to some of the affected, etc. Understanding that he can't take back what he did, but he can give back to his community. Community service, charity work, etc. And helping prevent further incidents of arson. As he gets older, learning to participate in talks to other kids about arson, how it can effect your and others life, why to take fire seriously, etc. The kids "punishment" should be having to do this. The parent "punishment" should be having to help and support their kid in doing this. pretty simple.
Gross! You're one of those "if there's grass on the field, it's time to play ball!" people, aren't you. But seriously, what kind of parents name a kid "Buckweed"?
