Posted by JDHawg on July 22, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope they all get a stiff Sentence and not just a slap on the wrist.they deserve no less then what the other two punks got.

Posted by nativecharlestongirl on July 22, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope that they get in front of a judge that feels a stiff sentence would teach them a lesson.

There is nothing worse in life than cheaters, thieves and liars.

At least on of these boys could have anything he wanted at the snap of a finger from his family. He participated in this for FUN, which is sad and stupid all at the same time. Today they face the music and I just hope that the judge will see that they should be accountable for their actions which were forethought and could have been dangerous...

Posted by summerville_guy on July 22, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wando teenagers: "Owww! What just hit me in the face?"

Judge: "That was the book being thrown at you, bee-yotch!"

Posted by cugirl on July 22, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shame on anyone who wishes such terrible things on people because of the high school they attended...these young boys deserve some serious community service and a wake up call to the real world. But they deserve a chance to get an education and learn from a terrible mistake. Punish them yes, jail them no. This is how you make career criminals. I would support such a response (community service and education) in response to any situation similar to this, no matter what school they attended or who their parents are or what they have.

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thinking about you all and hope everything turns out for what will be best for you, your lives, and our community~ no jail time for these teens but rather a fair punishment in which you can learn, understand consequnces, and move forward!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/seans-b...

Posted by wpc3iop on July 22, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They all need to spend some time with "Big Bubba" but the chances are that they will get off light...the "good old boy" system will work its magic for the rich ones.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hang the vermin. They are nothing more than scum that should be locked away for as long as possible. It's just too bad that we can't take them down to the park and give them what they really deserve. They need to be hung from the neck until dead and have their bodies left on display as a warning to others. Historically, this has proven VERY effective time and time again. . .

Posted by JDHawg on July 22, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CUGIRL, how about either give a choice jail or military

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets see. Give armed robbers access to guns and the training to use them. Now there's a good idea. Besides, our military isn't there to straighten out societies criminals. We have a professional military, probably the best in history and we don't need to be using the military as a social experiment.

Posted by noname on July 22, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In truthfulness, it's not about the high school they attended, nor the community in which they live, it's about equality. Two former students that participated along with the 7 others were both sentenced to ten years each. Personally, I do believe that their sentence was a bit harsh. However, I do feel that the others should be punished as well.

Community service along with probation should not be an option!

Posted by cugirl on July 22, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Military service is not a bad thing for these boys. But we don't have a draft, so that's not going to happen.

And in case anyone hasn't been paying attention, the two previous boys who actually committed the armed robbery (along with a few other robberies) got the minimum sentenced allowed under the law. The judge said that if he could, he wouldn't have sent them to jail for 10 years. He felt that it was way too much time.

Second, these boys' crimes were less severe than the other two boys. Thirdly, they used a bb gun, not a real gun. These seven teens never even touched the weapon in the commission of the crimes. Finally, the incarceration rate in this country is far too high, we should be focusing on helping these boys become productive citizens like everyone posting on this Web site, not throwing them to the dogs. "Hanging people" is a medieval and barbaric suggestion that only someone with a limited understanding of the world would put forth.

Posted by akdillard on July 22, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree noname. They really should make an example out of these kids and give them a stiff sentence. If they are sentenced to probation only, that doesn't send out a good message to other teens. I support jail time, definitely not 10 years, but at least a year. Give them time to think about what they did and set an example for others!

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cugirl~ Bravo!!

Posted by summerville_guy on July 22, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cugirl,

These boys already got a chance for "us" to help them become productive citizens. It is called the public school system. I assume Wando is a good school, so the formula is simple:

1. Graduate from high school.

2. Figure out what you want to do with your life and take steps to make it happen.

3. Contribute to society.

Notice that nowhere in that formula do I mention committing a crime. You see, I am successful with a good job and a good life because I graduated high school, graduated college (twice), and got a job that contributes to society. But most importantly, I DID NOT BREAK THE LAW.

So I definitely disagree with you that "we should be helping these boys become productive citizens." No, we shouldn't. They had that chance, and they squandered it. Now, they have to pay their debt back to society with prison time, and then they can figure out how to become productive citizens once they get out.

Posted by Johnq2 on July 22, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OUCH!!

6 years each.

Hopefully these boys can recover from this and move on with a productive life. With support from their family and friends they at least have a chance to overcome their youthful mistakes.

Sounds like a fair sentence for a premeditated crime that they all new would have real consequences.

Posted by sbs920 on July 22, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

6 is a little steep in my opinion. . .
I would hope a minumum security prison would be chosen.
They did participate in a crime, BB gun or any gun, it is still a crime to point "any" weapon and demand money then ask for forgiveness at a trial. I'm guessing they will do about 3 years of actual time. I'm sure their lawyers will ask for some type of appeals process, wait and see. . .

Posted by cpienciak on July 22, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Considering what the judge just sentenced them too I guess the court system has not learned from their mistakes. My nephew James Belli was sentenced to 8 years for burglary and ended up being murder by JAQUAN FERREL after only 4 months in prison. He was only 19 when he was killed. My prayers go out to the families and hope that their CHILDREN will come home ALIVE. Advice for the families watch out also for extortion from inmates. SCDC does not do their job.
THEY ARE JUST KIDS AND SHOULD NOT BE PUT INTO LEVEL 2 OR 3 PRISONS.

Posted by RedSnappa on July 22, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cugirl... your comment about the BB gun is asinine! ask anyone that has been held up at gunpoint if it mattered that it was a BB gun. I have talked to plenty of victims, and all of them said the worst part was looking down the barrel of the weapon. I can assure you that had I been in that store during the robbery, and was carrying my Sig (CWP) I would have killed that young man when he pulled his weapon, be it a .38 or a BB gun. I would not have waited to see if it was a toy. I can only hope that you are never a victim of an armed robbery.

6 years is a fair sentence.

Posted by MSC on July 22, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a Wando grad, I like this sentence. It is basically one-third of their life so far. I do hope they have to serve the entire time. Yes they are young and yes they made a mistake. These boys are also educated and know right from wrong. I am glad they are being sent to jail. Make an example out of them and send a message to others.

Posted by nativecharlestongirl on July 22, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These boys had great opportunity to make something of themselves. It says "UP TO SIX YEARS" so that means that they will mostly likely go to boot camp and then get out. I don't think that it would have been wise just to let them walk with probation. that says to other kids, "just don't be the one caught holding the gun". I say "the hand of one is the hand of all". If more people understood that then they would not even out themselves in a situation where trouble may be brewing!

Posted by Larz13 on July 22, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like if they complete the excellerated rehab program, that they could get supervised release in 10 months.

Posted by JDHawg on July 22, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope this serves as warning to others who think they can do a crime and get away with it.
I for one am happy with this verdict.

Posted by hobo on July 22, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They will not serve six years. I think the average time served for someone sentenced under the Youthful Offenders Act is around thirteen months. That is, provided they successfully complete the program and stay out of trouble. It was the appropriate sentence.

Hobo

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 22, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Meanwhile, Judge Young has given just probation sentences to women who killed while DUI.

Isn't Judge Young just wonderfully biased?

Posted by wpc3iop on July 22, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like they will all do the 10 month boot camp and then be on supervised release...not enough time in my opinion but maybe they will learn from this and stay out of trouble...if not they need to serve the entire 6 years, no ifs, ands, or buts!

Posted by jeff61 on July 22, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is SCgirl and CUgirl with there comments on the sentence?

Posted by mythoughtsonly on July 22, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know whether I'm more appalled with the sentence or many of the comments made here so far! These kids made a HUGE mistake, but this much prison time (for these and especially the two previously sentenced)is uncalled for. The boys sentenced today were in cars waiting for something they truly did not believe would be actually carried out. Boot camp is a good idea. Even 10 months is too long, however. I just pray that when they all finish their sentences, be it 10 months or 10 years, that they are able to become productive citizens as one reader suggested. Unfortunately, life behind bars usually creates more criminals than rehabilitates them.

Posted by cugirl on July 22, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this is tremendously fair. The bootcamp can help them straighten up their lives without the need for jail time (as little as 4 months if they comply with the program). The lawyers assured that there is almost no chance that they'll serve 6 years. Almost none. The law worked in everyone's favor here. There will be rehabilitation and no ruining of lives. Like I said before, punishment without jail time. I'm thankful this could be resolved in a manner that should be satisfactory to everyone, no thanks to the solicitor.

Posted by southbel on July 22, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These boys should have been from Gretna Green instead. That way they could have committed the EXACT same type of crime (robbing someone with a BB gun) at the same age and then just have received probation and/or have been sent to a group home. But, these Wando boys were sent to jail instead.

Pays to be poor, I guess.

Posted by jeff61 on July 22, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by mythoughtsonly on July 22, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately, life behind bars usually creates more criminals than rehabilitates them.

Unfortunately it appears life in Mt. Pleasant created these Criminals

Posted by cugirl on July 22, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who are interested. As reported by TV Channel 2, they have been given the option of SHOCK Incarceration Camp. Here's the information strait from the Department of Corrections...http://www.doc.sc.gov/programs/shock.jsp.

Posted by Lovely_One on July 22, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

southbel,

I agree with your statement to a degree. I typed up an elaborate post about the sentences handed down to the Gadsden Green boys and these sentences and said basically the same thing. Unfortunately, my PC went down and it never made it to the post. At any rate what I said was the two sentences (Wando and GG) only act as an example of how unfair the legal system can be. I don't understand how these two sets of kids can commit the same crime and have their sentences be so far off from each other. 2 of the Wando boys get 10 years each and none of the GG boys even come close to going to prison.

And then you have the possibility of boot camp for the rest of the Wando crew. It is good that they are being given the chance to be rehabilitated, but why aren't the GG boys given the same opportunity? They are just put back into situations where they will come back and continue a life of crime because all they received was a tap on the back of the hand. We have a truly warped system here.

Posted by cpienciak on July 22, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They'll all be lucky if they come out ALIVE!!!!!
Sure they won't do the full 6 years but they will be lucky to survive.

Posted by nativecharlestongirl on July 22, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If they go to the SHOCK program it will be 90 days in boot camp and then they are out on probation... That is if they complete with flying colors the program... They won't serve close to 6 years although I think that it should be at least a year or so of real jail time. Some sort of actual deterrent

Posted by southbel on July 22, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gadsden Green - not Gretna Green...LOL oops

Posted by theballsiam on July 22, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They probably won't even go to a big boy prison. They're doing a "boot camp" which murderers and other dangerous criminals do not have the chance to do. I guarantee that none of them will die before they are released back to society, unless one of them kills themselves.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is not the first time some of these guys were in trouble.

In a previous article, one of the defense attorneys stated that they really didn't think this was going to happen until they heard "the Eagle has landed" over their radios (or whatever it was they had) ...and that was their code it was done. So --- he attorney says --- they drove off in different directions, not knowing what to do. To me, that seems like part of the plan.. take off in different directions in case the law or someone is trying to follow them.. They sure ended up at the same location..... to split up the proceeds.

AND... everyone keeps forgetting.. they did again.. within weeks... and did it before...
they knew.. let's stop kidding ourselves.
you give them that light sentence and that just sends that message... do the crime - but before 18, and you'll be fine.

Get your "jollies" out early.. nevermind those you tormented.

Please. They repeatedly broke laws. And for the looks of some of their myspaces pages.. had a great time while awaiting sentencing.
I hope they at least have to serve 1/2 of the 6 years in jail.

Also - no mention of the other repeat offender's sentence.. Sean Deaton?

Posted by RTC on July 22, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not sure where this boot camp is located, but if it is the one where my nephew was sent many years ago, it will either change their lives around, or they are not going to make it in life period.
My nephew is 32 yrs. old now, and thanks to one of these boot camps he changed from an obnoxious punk into a responsible, law abiding citizen.
He was on his way to becoming a career criminal, and thanks to this rigorous boot camp he became a very productive member of society for which I am very grateful.
I hope that these young men are changed in the manner in which my nephew was, and grow up to be decent men of which their parents can be proud.

Posted by Siri on July 22, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Those of you who believe that jail creates career criminals must have been in the "john" when the fairy sprinkled common sense dust about. Common sense would say that when you break the law, YOU!!! CHOSE!!! your career!

Being around criminals doesn't make you a criminal, anymore than watching my kids ice skate makes me Michelle Kwan!

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mythoughtsonly.....

i am just as appalled by your comments.
you really believe they were just waiting in cars..not truly understanding what was going on?
They met and planned it.. they met afterwards and split the money..
As mentioned when it first happened.. this was a mini CRIME spree..

Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 22, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"..learn from a terrible mistake."- cugirl

Why is committing a crime a mistake instead of a choice?

They are scum and a "boot camp" is an easy way out for them. No, they didn't hold a gun or anyother weapon, but they participated none the less. They didn't get the book thrown at them, just a balled-up page out of the book.

Posted by cugirl on July 22, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ou,
NONE of these boys were involved in the previous or subsequent illegal activities that you are referring to except for Sean Deaton, Michael Anthony, and Sean Shevlino (all who got stiff sentences for their actions). The other boys plead guilty to the ONE CRIME in which they took part.

Posted by Siri on July 22, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the_mouth_of_the_south for most of the last century, even through the Vietnam war, judges routinely gave people the choice of jail or the military. I have read/heard it in numerous articles and televised reports. ALL of the men interviewed said it changed their lives for the better.

I think judges should be allowed to do that again. Does anyone know when and/or why that practice was stopped? If you think boot camp is the way to turn these dumbazzes into men, then send them to Parris Island in July or August no less.

Posted by cugirl on July 22, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes...a mistake. Mistakes and choices are not mutually exclusive things. You can choose to do something, which ultimately ends up being a mistake.

The dictionary describes a mistake as: an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc.

Got that?? An error in judgment, i.e. an error in choice. Meaning a mistake can be a choice.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it's not just a mistake. It's a crime. You can't be so flippant about this. If you do so, it's going to send the wrong message to the rest of the community. "oh these boys were not all bad..." Bad choice? Bad mistake? Now maybe some will think first before doing the same?
As far as not all invovled in the rest of the crime spree? Maybe not.. but I bet ya they knew about it before and after being involved in the one they pleaded guilty to.
I tell my son to be careful and know who it is he decides to be friends with.. because sitting in the car as your friend robs a gas station... you'd be just as guilty.

Posted by Lovely_One on July 22, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Mistake" is just another way of sugarcoating "felony"! It gives it a softer feel and raises more sympathy for the accused.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

exactly Lovely_One...

I am not getting the attitude here. They know right from wrong.

Posted by ForPnC on July 22, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They need a few more years.

Posted by Floger76 on July 22, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RTC - I'm glad this program helped your nephew. I hope it works for these young men. I don't think it is getting much support around here. We have truly become a throw away society.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 22, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I'm sure the victums feel better knowing that it was just a misunderstanding of right and wrong.

Crime is never a mistake. Its a choice. You either make a choice to committ a crime or not to committ a crime. I refuse to cheapen the seriousness of criminal behavior by hidding it behind the mask of a "mistake". These are not some poor kids who have lost their way. They are a bunch of idiots who thought, "Hey, lets go rob a store and get some money." They made a choice to bypass every chance to have a good and honorable life and decided that being criminals was a better way to go. Burning dinner is a mistake; making a wrong turn is a mistake; committing armed robbery and/or conspiracy to committ armed robbery (i.e. the lookouts) is never a mistake. Got it?!

Posted by Lovely_One on July 22, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ou, it's all a play on words and a play on the public's sympathy. I, myself, would never say "the rapist made "an error in judgment" when he violated the woman." That would be absurd.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly. A lot of these boys had lots of opportunities...and a great, state of the art school. But reading one's comments from last December and you feel they have a sense of entitlement. So.. I may change my view and feel boot camp.. longer than 10 months. just may be appropriate.

Posted by RTC on July 22, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cugirl, I'm glad you brought up Sean Deaton, as so many people don't know of whom I speak when I refer to him.
Do you by chance know what, if anything, was done to him?
I know of some boys that have had contact with him, and if they can be believed he is continuing to cause trouble and is getting into fights.
BTW- I am not condoning any of these boys actions....they broke the law, plain and simple. I do wonder why the boys from Gadsden Green got off so easily.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I too would like to know what type of sentence Sean Deaton received - as it appears he was involved in both the Food Lion robbery and the Car Theft (or items stolen from the car?). By his own admission he was/is considered a habitual offender. We don't hear his name mentioned at all in any of the news outlets. Wonder why?

Posted by RTC on July 22, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ou, my son got a phone call late one night from a boy that was downtown. He said that Sean Deaton was down there with brass knuckles threatening to beat up some people. He wanted my son to come down and help. Thank goodness he had the sense to tell the boy to call the police, and to stay away from this mess. I have no idea what became of all that, but I have heard nothing but bad news about that boy.
Seems to me, from all that's being told, he is one of the worst of the bunch.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, they just said on the news that after their arrest (and plead of guilty) while out awaiting sentencing, a few of them were at a party where there was underage drinking.

So.. yeah.. let's parole them.

RTC - your son seems smart. Don't get involved in that mess.

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

4 weeks @ Kirkland, 4 months SHOCK/bootcamp and then they will be home!

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

correction SCgal.. they be out underage drinking, until someone thinks it may be funny if they.... .eh, you get the point.
not enough punishment in my opinion. I don't favor parole for them, not with what some of them did between the plead and the sentencing.

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wasn't the info out there that Deaton the master mind who then cut a deal after ratting them all out- walking scott free? Can't verify it but thought that was what was reported...........

Posted by mtpstackin on July 22, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

man these are good kids i know them.. but i dont know if they can handle themselves on the yard i hope they do good and stay off the card table or i dont think ill see them again its a whole nother world in there these sentence for sean and mike and these 6 were way to hard i think they should have 2 years yoa probation 6 months house arrest 1. and a chance to clear there records.

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And what's the process in SC for expungement and thier future options there?

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope. You're being too easy on them.

Posted by mtpstackin on July 22, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all yall have fought before shut yo mouth that is part of growin yea sean is a trouble maker but yall mind your own quit judge for ye get judge try help those who are lost and dont say nothing bout somin ya dont know ya heard

Posted by mtpstackin on July 22, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no, your just ignorant, ou

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i know more than you think i do mp. i know a few of the criminals myself. A part of growing? Are you kidding me? Since when is commiting a felony a part of growing? lol.
and as for ignornant? I think you should read your own posts.

Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 22, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just happy nobody is suggesting we hang them in a park and leave their corpses to rot for 3 days to serve as an example to others. Oh wait, Mouth of the South did!

Mouth of the Devil, what do you suggest I tell my toddler when we go for a nice stroll in the park, and the flies are flying around the dead rotting corpses of somebody's children?
Hmmmmmm

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hang the vermin. They are nothing more than scum that should be locked away for as long as possible. It's just too bad that we can't take them down to the park and give them what they really deserve. They need to be hung from the neck until dead and have their bodies left on display as a warning to others. Historically, this has proven VERY effective time and time again. . .

MOUTH. Um, yes, I do believe those were the dark ages.
Why don't we burn some witches while we're at it?

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too bad Mike Anthony didn't even have a gun, was only a look out and that aggressive, tough, fair recommendation put him away for 10 yrs- total injustice and unfair deal he was dealt!

In the end, everyone sees what that was all about afterall, IMO!

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

farfallaspeaks -
you'll find overzealouts on both sides of this issue. It's one that hits home. Some of us have children their age, some of our children were classmates.. some of those posting are classmates albeit, friends of some of these boys - so of course they want to go easy.

I, for one, at the beginning of today would've liked to have seen actual jail time. Be it 1 year and then probation. But more reflection today - I'm thinking the boot camp - but wish it would be a bit longer. I think this is too easy. Sends the wrong message.

Posted by Siri on July 22, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by mtpstackin on July 22, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all yall have fought before shut yo mouth that is part of growin yea sean is a trouble maker but yall mind your own quit judge for ye get judge try help those who are lost and dont say nothing bout somin ya dont know ya heard

WTF is that supposed to be?

Have you ever heard of punctuation?

Posted by studley on July 22, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am an honorably discharged veteran of the USAF, I served in Viet Nam and Thailand during the mid 60s.

I resent anyone who says give them the military or give them jail. You make is sound as if serving your country honorably is a form of punishment. I am proud of my service to my country and I will not stand for military service being denigrated.

For those of you who think the military should be an option, please state YOUR military service.

I bet it is VP Cheneyish - not 1 day.

Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 22, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did someone really write that?
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 22, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

studley,
Joining the military should be a choice, not a punishment.
I completely agree!

Punishment in my opinion is cleaning the highways or the all that trash in the ghettos. Why do poor people litter???

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

studley -
First and foremost, thank you for your service.
I have my father and brother who both did service (one marine, one army).

I'm not sure if someone suggested the military as a form of punishment. I know they are suggesting boot camp.
But, I do think the military service - not used as a punishment, but maybe give them some appreciation of the gift they are given - which is their freedom and the right to earn respect, instead of demand it - which the military gives, couldn't be anything but good for them.

Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 22, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Studley,
Also, sending criminals to other countries is dangerous.
We shouldn't put guns in the hands of criminals.

Posted by studley on July 22, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OU:

Re-read some of the post. Several poster suggested the military not the in jail boot camp.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

studley.. ok, gotcha.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's too bad that there are liberal judges like this in this state that lets criminals off so lightly.
Executing criminals like this is the best option. Not only does it send a message to other would be criminals, but criminals who are executed have a really low recidivism rate!

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This group of thugs are human sewage and don't deserve to breath the same air as the rest of us.

Posted by Siri on July 22, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

studley I meant no disrespect to you, any service member{past or present,} the military or my country. It is my understanding that when a judge gave someone the choice of jail or the military, the judge was in fact giving that person a second chance at being a useful and productive member of society. The judge was in fact giving that person a chance to make things right and do something to be PROUD of and not be ashamed of themselves. We all know or should know that serving your country is of the highest honors and I THANK YOU for yours.

Posted by studley on July 22, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mouth: Get serious! This was a sequence of serious offenses but not capital offenses. Teach them a hard lesson and hope, for their sakes, that they learned it well.

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The MOS how sad too bad--> 30 days @ Kirland, 3 months boot camp, and back home seems to be what the judge has spoken!

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am serious. The reason the crime problem is as bad as it is today is because we coddle human trash like these punks. They need a killin!!! We need to make examples out of this kind of scum.
After we started hangin pirates here in Charleston (and leaving their bodies hanging for a few days) a miraculous thing occured. Charleston suddenly stopped having problems with pirates. I wonder why that was???

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

again.. way too light.
but you may just be right and that will be too bad for the rest of us. time will tell.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Liberals in general are a plague on our country. They are worse than traitors and don't have the common sense God gave a turnip!

Posted by SCgal on July 22, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL pirates and what year is it MOS? Hello, can you state your full name, date of birth, where do you live, who is the US President?

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SCgal:
Execution for heinous crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery and other crimes is EXTREMELY effective in stopping crime. As soon as the criminal is executed he/she is no longer capable of committing crimes, and it has a chilling effect on those who are capable of following in their footsteps.
Even God Himself has ordained that it is OK and even desirable to execute criminals. It is irresponsible to allow those who commit serious felonies the ability to re-offend.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you happen to be curious as to where the Bible teaches this, a good place to start would be Romans chapter 13.

Posted by Floger76 on July 22, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ou said - Well, they just said on the news that after their arrest (and plead of guilty) while out awaiting sentencing, a few of them were at a party where there was underage drinking.

So being there, if they were not drinking, makes them guilty of what??? If I am in the car, and you are speeding, do I also get a ticket?

Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 22, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mouth of Lucipher,
How about we also execute the people who go over the speed limit? They are threatening my life and that of my family.
If we just gathered them all up and executed them all, we wouldn't ever have anyone speeding in their cars again!!!

Also, let us also execute the tourists who come in our town and park Illegaly.

Posted by RTC on July 22, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am far from being a liberal, but as a mother I do feel compassion for these boys' families. They did not raise their children to commit a crime.
Sh*t happens, right?
You can be the best parents possible, and your child can still fall in with the wrong group, and do exactly what they have been taught not to do. I just love these people that say, "My child would never do something like that." It is much more appropriate to say,"I hope to God my child never does anything like that."
Many people end up eating their own words.
MOS, are you a parent? If so, would you like to see your child's body rotting while swinging from a tree?

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

floger76.. no that makes them guilty of bad judgement again. some parole restricts being around illegal activity, and while being a party where there is underage drinking doesn't seem that bad, I'd want my kid (if on probation - knock on wood right now).. to show better judgement and not be in that atmosphere where he knows he's facing sentencing, etc. etc. etc.

Posted by ou on July 22, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RTC, I completely agree with what you are saying about being a parent. But I can't tell you how many times I've caught some kids doing things they shouldn't and have them call their parents. One time it was a group of four.. out of the four 1 parent stood up to his child and reprimanded him. The others got after me for holding their kid there, etc.. I told those 3 - next time I'd call the police.. but as we see from the light sentences.. that does nothing.
Parents making excuses for their kids - when they know what they did is wrong, is the worst... for the kid and for us.

Anyway... just my opinion.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RTC:
I'm sure David Berkowitz (Son of Sam), Adolph Hitler and other serial killers mothers felt the same way (oh, stuff happens, it wasn't their fault, they didn't really mean it, yada, yada, yada. . .)
That's a bunch of baloney. I have NO sympathy for felons.
And yes, I have three teenage boys (I raised them right, they have respect for the law and would never commit a felony), but that's not the point. This is why people who are related to the accused are never allowed on juries, otherwise justice would be perverted (like it was today).

Posted by Floger76 on July 22, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MOS - Very poor interpretation of Romans 13. By you suggesting that the "Higher Powers" of Romans 13 means the government, then that means that everyone in Germany in the 30' and 40's should have subjected themselves to Hitler. Don't think so.....

Posted by justafan on July 22, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mouth_of_the_south,

Once again you prove "it is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt".

Just a little back ground on the murderers you are comparing these teens to:

Adolph Hitler(abusedby strict father)
"Alois was a strict father and savagely beat his son if he did not do as he was told".

David Berkowitz(given up for addoption)
"When she became pregnant he threatened to abandon her if she kept the baby, so when David Falco was born, she gave him up for adoption".

Thats all i'm going to say because i won't be baited into a battle of the minds with someone who is unarmed.

Posted by Floger76 on July 22, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Double WOW!!! Talk about a Mouth without a mind. Someone is a few teeth short of a smile.

Posted by RTC on July 22, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just finished reading " The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers". Very long, but very informative. I was shocked at how many countries do not put killers to death. Their life sentences are not even really for life.
MOS, of course serial killers parents may love their children, but many have not. Many serial killers are spawned out of the sickest, most abusive households one can imagine. I cannot even begin to describe how grotesque some of their stories really are.
I am just surprised that you appear to be a Christian, but you don't seem to believe in forgiveness nor mercy.
These boys deserve to be punished, but surely you don't really believe they should be put to death?
I admit to being a Christian, but I will also tell you that I am a hypocrite, as I do judge when it is not my right to do so.
That is why I am glad that there is forgiveness. Just think about that, okay?

Posted by Floger76 on July 22, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rather funny isn't it. Mouth references the book of Romans, regarding judgement and punishment. Romans was written by the Apostle Paul. When Paul was called Saul, he persecuted the Christians. That sounds a lot like the forgiveness that RTC was talking of. Hmmm

Posted by abitskeptical on July 22, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

farfallaspeaks ..were you listening in on a conversation I was having over this same topic this afternoon? :)

I almost fell over when I read your post as I used the EXACT same example of executing all speeders on their first offense.

Let's get them before they kill someone. What they are doing is against the law, dangerous & it scares me to death. Often I have been in fear of dieing & being maimed by speeders & other reckless drivers. If they happen to kill someone while speeding, we can execute all passengers in the speeding car as well.

On another note:
The Truth is sometimes harsh. But even a harsh Truth can be spoken in love. The Truth is powerful enough that it does not need to be spewed as vitriol.

Someone who feels the need to spew vitriol & call it a Christian truth will not/does not want to hear what others are saying. I suggest that all people of faith pray for the vitriol spewers.

Posted by Mouth_of_South_is_insane on July 22, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so we should hang everyone who commits a crime MOS? look, I hate crimnals too, but it's not like they hurt anyone. Jeez. You're not the Mouth of the South. That's offensive to me and any sane individual who lives in the South. Call yourself the mouth of something else.

Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 22, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I haven't read the whole bible, and I'll admit that.
But I was brought up Catholic, and the main teaching of Jesus that I was taught was to forgive, and love even your enemies. Turn the other cheek philosophy.
I don't know where the Catholics got that, but to me that is the core of Christianity.
You bible beaters are welcome to look it up and see where it came from.
That is the ONLY reason that I like Christianity.
It seems like that is the most difficult thing for a person to do, especially if he is a victim.

If Mouth of The South is not capable of forgiving children when they do something wrong, then he is a very evil spirited person. I'm not saying they shouldn't be punished.
In fact, I would punish them severely, but taking their life is just plain MURDER. Where do you draw the line?

I was being sarcastic about executing those who speed. I can't believe someone actually thought that was a good idea.
If you kill someone speeding, it's an accident, not first degree murder. You will already face manslaughter charges, and guilt that will last you the rest of your life.

Some of you have such little respect for life.
The person you suggest be executed has a father, and mother, and sisters and brothers and friends who love them.
Your ideas of punishment will make all of them victims as well. The cycle will of murder will just never end.

Posted by abitskeptical on July 22, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The agnostics & atheists can disregard this post.

MOS said "This group of thugs are human sewage and don't deserve to breath the same air as the rest of us."

And what makes you MOS, fallen piece of humanity that you are, DESERVING, of anything?

NONE of us DESERVE anything. It is only by God's grace & the blood of Christ that we have an ounce of worthiness.

"We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy."

Human sewage, as you call some of God's creation, is exactly the company that Jesus kept. I wonder why He did that?

Posted by abitskeptical on July 22, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

farfallaspeaks..I was KIDDING about the speeders, just as you were..i.e.-being facetious,using tongue & cheek..that sort of thing, to demonstrate the ridiculous end point of the slippery slope of things.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As far as human government goes, there should never be mercy on those who commit heinous crimes like rape, murder and armed robbery. Minor infractions like jay walking should have a proportionate punishment (such as a fine or probation), but armed robbery is NOT a misdemeanor and should be punished in the most severe fashion possible. As for grace and forgiveness, it only comes from God when He judges us after we are dead and ONLY if you have repented of your sins and believe with all of your heart and mind in the Jesus of the Bible, NOT the Jesus of your imagination.
If you haven't done that and been born again, then there is only damnation awaiting you at Gods Throne.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

abitskeptical:
John the Baptist referred to the Pharasees and Saducees as vipers and worse for their behavior (Jesus Himself even said this about John the Baptist "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist"). When I describe these criminals as human waste, I don't believe that I'm exagerating in the least.

Posted by mtpstackin on July 22, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

anybody who wishes prison on any man is sick. to all those with children they arent little angels themselves im sure

Posted by abitskeptical on July 22, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, the agnostics & atheists feel free to disregard this post.

The Pharisees and Sadducees were hypocrites...claiming to be holy & then twisting God's law for their own(political) purpose. They were called vipers to illustrate that they were poisonous & dangerous in their hypocricy, especially since they used their status as religious men to validate wrong doing.

Using God's law & twisting it such that it actually says something contrary to God's word & ascribes to God something that actually is evil, is a form of blasphemy..the ONLY unforgivable sin.

John the Baptist knew that the Pharisees & Saducees knew exactly what they were doing...consciously & with intent turning their backs on true holiness.

Posted by abitskeptical on July 22, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also MOS, note that the Pharisees & Sadducees were not considered criminals, but rather leaders in their social & religious circles...(I think this lends itself to all sorts of messages & lessons)

Please sight a reference where common criminals of that time were described or referred to as human waste & sewage.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

abitskeptical:
Common criminals were regularly called "sons of belial" (more literally "sons of satan"). If you read the account in Luke chapter 3, John the Baptist wasn't just speaking to the Pharasees and Saducees, he was speaking to the Publicans (tax collectors), soldiers, etc. (in other words, he was speaking to a diverse crowd), refering to them ALL as a generation of vipers (that wasn't a compliment, by the way).

Posted by abitskeptical on July 22, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John the Baptist was speaking to the false teachers & others who he knew had not come with a contrite heart & intention of penance. As indicted above, I am quite aware that designating them as vipers was not a compliment. Again, please note that he was not addressing common criminals, but rather pillars of the community.

By whom were common criminals called son's of Satan? Please site chapter & verse.

Posted by Mouth_of_South_is_insane on July 22, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MOS, I agree with you that there should be no mercy for rapists and murderers, but no mercy for armed robbers? Give me a break. If they shoot someone while robbing the place, then maybe. But for just threatening? You're crazy. I'm not saying they shouldn't be punished...they should go to jail. But we should have mercy eventually.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 22, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Armed robbery is just as serious as rape, murder and molesting a child. That is why they are called felonies.

abitskeptical:
John the Baptist WAS NOT just speaking to the false teachers, try reading the passage in the KJV. Do some research of your own. Look in a concordance and read all the passages that refer to "belial" (there are 16 by my count).

Posted by Mouth_of_South_is_insane on July 22, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Technically, yes, they are all felonies. But anyone out on the streets if they consider armed robbery as serious as murder...and see what their response will be.

I still think that armed robbers should go to jail for a long time. I just don't think we should use the death penalty on them. I believe they can be released from prison and go on to be normal people. Murders and rapists...that's a different story. I'm all for the death penalty on those people.

Posted by Mouth_of_South_is_insane on July 22, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, for someone who is so uber-religious, you don't seem to follow any sort of "WWJD" or Golden Rule belief...

Posted by jid1122 on July 23, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They'll be home before thanksgiving. 30 days evaluation. 90 days boot camp that will make them better men then mouth of the south (male/female) will ever be.

Posted by theballsiam on July 23, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

<M

Posted by theballsiam on July 23, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgive Mouth of the South, father, for he is one of our retarded brethren with no brain. He knows not what he says, or even how to wipe his own ass.

Posted by abitskeptical on July 23, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MOS-I have read that passage in many translations of the Bible & done plenty of research & study. Trying reading what I said, "false teachers and OTHERS".

You state that, according to God(which would include our Lord) it is just Okey dokey to refer to people as human sewage & waste.

When I ask you to provide examples to back up your assertion, you switch verbiage stating that common criminals were regularly referred to as sons of belial, then you will not provide a specific answer to my question "by whom & where".

Interesting.