Casey Anthony - guilty, or not?

[Mister Bent]

Originally Posted by Heart

Whenever I hear/read about making parents more responsible/accountable, I consider how we live in one of the most family UNfriendly countries in the world, (so-called "family values," notwithstanding). With no universal child-care, afterschool or health care, no meaningful paid maternity/paternity leave, ever-shrinking access to free family planning and mental health care, not to mention lack of affordable housing and livable wages in many sectors, it's a wonder most parents do as well as they do.

This has nothing to do with this awful case, per se, but if we had these things in place, as many other devloped countries do, it would be a heck of a lot easier to weed out the truly pathological parent from the over-stressed, under-resourced parent.

But these issues are complex, and require long-term solutions. It's easier to rant about a head-line grabbing case, whipped into a frenzy by the Nancy Graces of the tabloid media, and push through rightous and emotional legislation that may hurt innocent parents and their children.*

Heart

*not personal to anyone here, just my viewpoint.

As a single parent who has experienced the family UNfriendliness up close and personal, I could not agree with you more. Especially the importance of "weed(ing) out the truly pathological parent from the over-stressed, under-resourced parent." There is a vast difference between those two creatures, and we should be wary of enacting any law that would trap the latter into the net with the former. But then, I find it hard to believe that even the most stressed out parent wouldn't report their child missing within a few hours, let alone 24 (or whatever the requirement) and that alone would serve as a weeding out process (though I'm not saying that's sufficient).

Like you, I am wary of knee jerk legislation, and would need to very carefully read all the fine print before I lend my signature.

[cinderella]

I too had a 'knee-jerk' reaction to this suggestion, but thanks to Heart's post, I don't think I will subscribe.

General 'Blanket Laws', as Heart put it, can seem to be a great thing, but ultimately can be dangerous and have serious repurcusions. I am a passionate Latin woman who tends to jump at conclusions, and want to 'get on the bandwagon' whenever something like Caylee's Law is suggested. But, thankfully, time and age has taught me a valuable lesson - be wary of 'good things'...they may not be so 'good' after all is said and done. In retrospect, I can see how this law can be a good idea gone bad...

Again, thanks for opening up my eyes, and conscienceness, Heart.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by cinderella

I too had a 'knee-jerk' reaction to this suggestion, but thanks to Heart's post, I don't think I will subscribe.

General 'Blanket Laws', as Heart put it, can seem to be a great thing, but ultimately can be dangerous and have serious repurcusions. I am a passionate Latin woman who tends to jump at conclusions, and want to 'get on the bandwagon' whenever something like Caylee's Law is suggested. But, thankfully, time and age has taught me a valuable lesson - be wary of 'good things'...they may not be so 'good' after all is said and done. In retrospect, I can see how this law can be a good idea gone bad...

Again, thanks for opening up my eyes, and conscienceness, Heart.

I still think there is a need for such a law....it simply needs to be thought out and written carefully.

I don't think any of us need fear that a proposal is going to be lifted straight from Facebook or change.org and passed as law. It will be discussed, changed, and altered many times before anything is done.

I think petitions of this sort are valuable in that they tell our legislators that we see a gap in the law...and put them on course to addressing it.

[jules5041]

I totally respect everyone's opinion and am glad to have read them. I have kept up with this story since the very beginning.

I just happen to think she's guilty.

That's my two cents.

[NJFemmie]

It is a tangible proof of public opinion - that a law needs to be created. Once it is brought to legislative parties, they will fine tooth comb it and refine the legalities.

I've sifted through several of them this morning - and some I found to be quite harsh. One wanted to declare it first degree murder with a 25 year sentence. I think that's a bit much.

I am sure there will be considerations in those cases of extenuating circumstances. If someone can't report their child missing because they are being abused or held hostage, etc ... I sincerely doubt a court will throw her in jail on a felony charge if it proven she was forced, etc. They will amend it to make it as "right" as possible.

[cinderella]

Good point, Jo. And you are right, these things have to be very carefully thought out before they actually become law.

Petitions are important - it lets the government & judicial system know what the people are thinking/feeling. Our judicial system is not perfect - it has been created by imperfect human beings. But, as many commentators have said - our judicial system is not perfect by any means, but by comparison with other countries, it is the best in the world. I can't say that's completely valid - I only know about US law, and that barely - but in the UK, it is my understanding that one is considered guilty until proven innocent, where in the US, it's the opposite. However you slice it, for me personally, I'd rather deal with our imperfect system then any other country's.

Originally Posted by JustJo

I still think there is a need for such a law....it simply needs to be thought out and written carefully.

I don't think any of us need fear that a proposal is going to be lifted straight from Facebook or change.org and passed as law. It will be discussed, changed, and altered many times before anything is done.

I think petitions of this sort are valuable in that they tell our legislators that we see a gap in the law...and put them on course to addressing it.