And that’s why I’m hard at work converting ploughshares into swords.
A teenager who allegedly planned a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Ohio was ordered by a judge to write a book report as part of his punishment.
WKYC reported that the Stark County Sheriff’s Office said that its deputies responded to a call in early September regarding a 13-year-old boy who was involved in “concerning conversations” on a social media platform that included numerous threats toward Temple Israel in the city of Canton.
The boy, who was not named due to his age, pleaded “true,” which is the juvenile equivalent of guilty, on Friday to misdemeanor charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct.
According to court documents, the boy “did create a detailed plan to complete a mass shooting at the Temple Israel on the Discord platform which was reported to law enforcement and required an immediate investigatory response and notification of public individuals and agencies including the school system in which caused significant public alarm within those agencies.”
A couple of positive things about this instance…IMO:
1. I think the book report on Carl Lutz’s book (if you haven’t read it, please do) is a great idea. It counters so much of what is taught in school. I’d like to see the Judge make this kid’s teachers read it too.
2. This could have very well been turned over to the Feds, who (if history is any consideration) would have ended up with the event actually taking place and the usual comment to the press from the FBI spokesperson that it was someone on their radar.
The downside of stopping an event like this before it happens is that the punishments are significantly less due to actual crimes committed or more accurately, not committed (and, of course, the emotional impact). It might seem like the Judge is taking a gamble by not requiring any time in Juvie Hall…and instead giving this kid probation. But, what’s 90 days hanging out with out delinquents going to accomplish?
Who was encouraging or influencing this “teen” to commit an attack?
It might be the same person that is charged with “supervising his internet usage”
Book reports…Ohio’s answer to Canada’s “sentencing circle”.
In a lot of cases (especially in today’s climate) doing a book report would be more effective than most of the punishments (or more accurately, non-punishments) being handed out. The whole escalating issue with these “non-violent” protestors is that they refuse to consider the other side of the argument. They are no longer “Liberal” in their stances. They are “illiberal.” They are given their marching orders and never question the validity of their message. Surly, you can see that with those ingrates who sit in the middle of the road (illegally) stopping traffic. Critical thinking never enters into the scenario. No where has this been more evident than the Pro-Hamas crowds.
Do you recall when the editor of the New York Times (James Bennet) allowed Tom Cotton to pen an OpEd in the NYT’s? Cotton suggesting using the military to shut down the George Floyd protests before it got further out of control. Bennet was fired immediately after making that editorial decision. Well, he just penned an OpEd in the Economist truly beating the NYT’s over the head like a rented mule. The reason he was fired was because the OpEd penned by Cotton might have been too persuasive. It gave voice to a contrary opinion. Bennet’s removal was a result of executive management and low level reporters alike demanding his removal because Cotton’s piece was TOO persuasive.
Personally, I think teaching positions should require a similar approach. Prospective teachers should be given books that are contrary on the same issue and provide a written report on both (arguing both sides of the issue).
Getting back to the story above. The kid is a 13 year old. Impressionable, stupid, likely filled with angst. WIthout knowing for sure, I’m kind of sure the parenting is suspect. Trying him as an adult for something he had not yet accomplished is a questionable approach to trying to get him back on the right path. I’m just saying in some selective cases, forcing someone to actually recognize their acts for what they truly are, isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
I understand the corrective prospects from seeing another side. But, if the Court doesn’t maintain vigilance with this child the one off rehabilitation will be wasted.
Hahahahaha ha ha … homemade self-defense weapons made from old hockey sticks? Gawwd, how this American LOVES you Canadians. Brings a whole new definition for the “slashing” penalty …
Or a person could head to Cabellas and pick up an SKS and a shitton of surplus ammo.
That.
When you beat your swords into plowshares you end up doing the plowing for those who didn’t.
Spears into pruning hooks?
I raise you the English billhook. A very iconic weapon of British pikemen in the Medieval times.
Modified wheat flails made pretty nasty weapons as well…
Hello, I’m Bill Hook. Were you calling me just now?
“When you beat your swords into plowshares you end up doing the plowing for those who didn’t.”
There are two kinds of survivalists: those who hoard gold, and those who hoard guns.
When the crunch comes, the people who hoarded guns will have the guns *and* the gold.
Instead of a book report, maybe the judge would consider just beating his ass.
With a car antennae. Until his nose bleeds.
I grow so tired of reading about so many “parents” experiments with hands off, be my friend, parenting.
Well back in my day, a punishment meted out for bad behaviour in school would have been to write in chalk on a blackboard “I will not do bad stuff” ten times. About on par what that woke wacko judge handed out.
I too am afraid we will hear about the unidentified youth again.
The kid should disappear in the woods.
And its islams, again.
Beat your plowshares into swords
and your pruning hooks into spears.
Let the weakling say “I am strong!”
Joel 3:10