Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
When people choose to talk about the perpetrator in this case, they are not saying they don't care about the victim. Intelligent people can have a discussion about the severity and appropriateness of punishment for someone who has committed a crime.
When I read the information that is out there, it is not entirely clear what this kid has done in the intervening period to atone for his actions. And I don't know what would be enough to make me think he has changed either. It's clear the victim's mother has not forgiven him.
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This kid went before a magistrate in a juvenile court and was likely held in a youth detention center. Let me assure you that this was likely the worst experience of his life. And deserved.
What tells you he has changed? He hasn't reoffended. Which is really the point. Or would you rather he apologize and continue to offend? This is where things break down for me. I take someone's actions over their words.
Whether or not the victim's mother or the victim have forgiven him or not is between them. He has been punished by the State of Ohio for his reprehensible behavior as a 14 year old.
Should he apologize to the victim? I'd certainly recommend it. But it may not be as simple as that. There may be civil liability he'd be exposing himself to now that this has turned into a media circus.
but who wants that? Certainly not our culture of outrage porn.