Geez - What is Going On These Days!

A sad reflection of the state of affairs. From CNN.

---

Brooklyn girl, 9, admits killing playmate
Plunged knife into friend's chest in dispute over toy

NEW YORK (AP) -- A 9-year-old girl pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter Friday, admitting she fatally stabbed her 11-year-old playmate after a tug-of-war over a rubber ball went sour.

The girl, identified by the city only as Shanice K., admitted she stabbed Queen Washington once in the chest at a Memorial Day gathering in Brooklyn, the city said in a statement after the proceeding.

Judge Jane Pearl ordered that Shanice remain in a non-secure setting pending sentencing. She also ordered an investigation into the child's background.

"We are confident this is an appropriate resolution of this tragic matter," said Assistant Corporation Counsel Suzette Rivera. "The plea takes into account the great harm caused by the respondent and holds her accountable" for the slaying.

Shanice was accompanied by her mother and defense attorney Nicole Barnum in Brooklyn Family Court, the city said.

Shanice and the victim were described as close friends. The girls' mothers were best friends as well when Queen was invited to Shanice's home for a Memorial Day barbecue.

Police said the death occurred when Shanice's mother stepped out of her apartment to borrow something from a neighbor.

She returned to find that her daughter had plunged a steak knife into Queen's chest, police said. Queen stumbled into a hallway and collapsed.

Police, who could not recall a younger suspect being arrested for a killing in the city, said Shanice confessed shortly after the stabbing.

---

 

Let's see.....
violence on TV
violence in video games
violence on the streets
violence in music
both parents working
parents delegating teaching to others
no transference of values
no personal responsibility
me, me, me instead of you, us, them.

surprised?

Anybody have a soapbox I can borrow?

 

Clyde,
I've had this discussion with my parents and friends many times - the disintegration of family values in America (actually all over the world) is affecting our culture in an enourmous way.

One of the major problems is that both parents generally have to work to make ends meet, and no one is home to teach the kids anything.

The other main problem is that parents allow the children to sit in front of video games, the computer and the boob tube as electronic babysitters, instead of teaching the children or keeping them busy in other ways.

Basically, parents don't take the child rearing responsibility seriously anymore.

I don't need a soapbox, but I'll get you one next time we hang out
David

 

A very sad state of affairs but like Dave said financial responsibility due to high cost of living is leaving less time for parents to spend raising their kids. Our kids are being taught morals and ethical value of right and wrong from watching television shows and computer games, instead of by their parents.

 

I need to amend my statement a smidge.....
It's partly the incessant violence kids are exposed to.
Music, videos, games are not inherently bad (Ok, some are).
it's also that the kids aren't taught what's right, wrong, reality or fantasy.
If kids knew the difference between TV, Song, Games & Reality, life would
be better. But when our kids take directly from those media and apply it directly to everyday life, we have indiscretion and problems.

I kind of frown at the adult population in general on this one. The adults are the people who are in charge of both content (CEOs, Marketing, Directors: who are parents themselves) and dissemination (Parents, where's your common sense? Dulled from self-induced Prozac?). Adults are far to willing to relinquish control and responsibility.

Come-on, soda & candy machines in the schools? Metal detectors? What's wrong with this picture?

 

Very sad indeed. I concur with all comments above as well. Even before I became a Dad, I cringed at some song lyrics and video games. I firmly believe in careful, vigilant parenting which requires absolute supervision these days. No doubt this method is lacking these days. But, on the other hand, I am also angered by the irresponsibile behavior of top execs who allow the careless, mass distribution of such violent and sexual crap. I realize the money this stuff generates, but at what COST?

 

Guys I can't agree with you more, as a father of four young ones I am lucky enough to have my wife home to spend time and watch the kids. I feel bad for the dual-income household children being raised by nannies and baby sitters. I don't know if the parents realize what they are missing out on. They grow up fast and watching the grow up is amazing in itself. I understand the need for income but at what price? Just my .02

 

Yeah. Let's go back to the good ole days before TV and internet violence. Back then we had peace and brotherly love...well, unless you count little things like the Roman Empire, the Crusades, torture, rape, crucifixion, World War's I & II, and a few other things.

 

Yes, when is Mel Brooks going to release "History of the world, Part II" ?

 

This of course makes the assumption that the parents themselves are actually good role models and CAN teach their kids right from wrong.

Don't forget that a lot of TV and computer games coming out today are from the people that are today's and yesterday's parents... the same people we're saying need to teach family values to kids.

 

Vik,

I see you live in New York.....do you know about the crimes in brooklynn at all? I say this because living there for my first 9 years this would be "somewhat" surprising. Kids kill other kids for their shoes, chains, watches, etc. Parental values helps but when everyone in the neighborhood would rather pick up a gun than a book....things happen. A 6 yr old shot a teenager once for stealing his "icey".

It's brooklynn.....I remember a teen getting killed for having an ipod a few months back.

 

I haven't spent much time in Brooklyn, but my general impression was that Guliani's task force had cleaned up Brooklyn in the same manner (although perhaps to a lesser degree) than Manhattan. It saddens me to see such violence propogated senselessly, and at such a young age. Is death in Brooklyn (and other burroughs) truly this rampant?

 

Well I should correct myself first for saying that not all of brooklynn is filled with violence. These crimes usually occur in the low-level income areas where like other members said both parents are working, or worst one is and the other is not(unempolyed,sick, drug addict, etc.) and the children/teens tend to look at the television, music, peers for emotional support and "life lessons".
And with the history and lifestyle of brooklynn children/teens dont feel a sense of hope and improvement because the only people who make it there are either rappers,drug dealers, sports players, smart people who move away and dont come back.....well that's if they can or hope to become one of these factors.


Looking at the situation now I do feel sadness for what happens, but in reality it's expected. Alot of times people would say education is key and they should be learning to improve themselves, but its hard when crime happens most of the time, parents/grandparents either cant support you as you would like them to and you have to find way to put food on the table, any other negative aspects that happens while you reside in these areas.

To me its like what happens in your life is based upon where you live and how your community operates. Your chances for failure/success too.

*Edit* Well I'm not a relilable source for the death rate, but from the stories I hear from residents living on the good side they tell me someone dies every day if not every week. Mostly at night, when "stick-up kids" come out.

And on a good note, NY isnt the worst state in terms of violence. Nevada and Louisana is.....even though I have no clue why nevada is number 1.

 

Some of it is the courts as well.

Last week I was in court hoping to get a late yellow light ticket knocked down.

While I was waiting a young kid, maybe 17-19, stood in front of the judge and pleaded guilty. He had no attorney just all by his lonesome. I thought to myself man you are nuts kid.

Then I heard the charges. It seems he had an argument with his girlfriend, smashed through the window on her car which cut her face. Then he took a knife and held it to her throat. I'm thinking, man you are going away for a while.

Stupid me. The prosecutor wanted a $1000 fine and 6 months probation. The "judge" gave him a $500 fine, 1 year probation and a mandatory anger management course.

Sorry but I'm dumbfounded. You just know he's going to hurt her or someone else.

He also instructed him to stay away from her for 1 year.
Later on I was in line with him paying my fine, yeah I was successful $450 but no points, and there he was with the girlfriend.

Now I need the anger management course. The fine is about the same!!!

I guess that's the best we can do these days.

Bob S.

 

vic, this is why i do not read or watch news. to damn depressing.

 

damn, that sux!!!

 

I had a similar case...I was in town court for speeding, pleaded guilty, got hit with points and about $400 in fines/fees, but as I'm waiting for my case to be heard, some dude who's there for his 2nd time drunk driving pleads his case with a lawyer and wink, wink, nod, nod, the judge hits this guy with a fine of $125 and a 30 day suspension on his license. Shocking for me that they didn't hammer him.

 

A couple things in play here: a) they've actually done studies and found that kids of a certain age don't fully comprehend what it means to be dead and therefore taking a life does not have the same meaning as it might to an adult, and this not only goes for murders, but suicides as well and b) kids don't yet understand Newton's third law which states: "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" and the fact that actions have consequences.

The one that broke my heart was to hear about some 9 yr old kid who hung himself not so long ago because he got a lousy grade in math.

 

My observation is that's a combination of the ethic/economic background of the defendant as well as who they think they can soak for revenue.

I spoke with the PD as he was helping to arrange the "plea" deals. I said well that's nice but the cop isn't here so what happens. In California a few years back (probably different now) if the cop didn't show it was thrown out. He said "Then we'll just get him in here while you wait." I asked what if he can't be here today? "Then we'll simply reschedule". I asked him what if I didn't show?

Answer, warrant. I watched some poor sod appear for the 4th time and the cop wasn't there. They rescheduled.
Finally the PD said, "Hey I'm just telling you how it is".

Yeah.

North Bergen, most corrupt town in NJ.