Flip the above pictures around. Put them side by side. 18 years old. One dead. One going to prison for a very, very long time. Why? Because someone disrespected someone else. As a grown up, I know you EARN respect by lawful, honorable actions.

These kids thought they could be out at 3:15a.m. and show the others who's what. As a grown up, I can't think of anything good that happens at 3:15a.m.

This story is as old as the hills. Kids run their mouths. Cannot back down or sensibly walk away because they may lose face among other teens, who they wont even speak to in 5 years. Imagine that. Your life dictated by people who will move apart 6 months after high school ends.

I sat my 16 year old down and told him this story. I begged him to walk away. To always come home to me. I begged him. Will he be strong enough to do it?

Two families ruined because these boys couldn't. And we are all left with the top image. A funeral, an arraignment and a tragic story with no explanation, but the obvious.

MD

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/09/04/news/cops_and_courts/doc4aa03b8cab5d6057249461.txt