Posted by watson_87 (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that this is a wonderful idea. The parents should not be held completely responsible for what their children did because sometimes you just don't know, but having to pay child support while in the states custody is great...These kids must have no conscience and I think that is really sad...To kill innocent animals is a horrible act...Next step lots of counseling so they don't end up in prison for murder of human beings

Posted by mammawd (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this is a start. These boys should have to pay for replacement of the birds they brutally murdered! Work it off if nothing else. I still stand behind the idea of having them work at the zoo and do other jobs for The City of Emporia. Obviously they have too much time on their hands! And I sure hope that they haven't been placed together in the detention facility. I feel bad for the parents but I can't imagine that they were keeping track of their kids too well or none of this would have happened. I think most responsible parents know where their 11 and 13 year olds are in the middle of the night!

Posted by pencilguy (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mammawd just because it was when the zoo was closed doesn't mean it was at night the zoo closed around 5:30 that day and the parents could have thought they were just out playing

Posted by joejoe2 (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My kids are this age and I know there wherabouts at all times. IF parents would not let there kids roam all over town at all hours of the day and night this would not happen.

Posted by Walts37 (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would think 30 days in the electric chair for each should do it.

Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sure there work that needs done down at the Sewer treatment plant............................

Posted by tillie (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The parents and their children RESPONSIBLE for this should have to pay for a security system, birds, plants, pots, etc. Donations shouldn't be expected, although I commend anyone who does donate.

Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1. Having been a teenager once (or twice) I know from experience that where parents think their kids are and where they actually are aren’t necessarily the same place.

2. It is easy to blame _________ (insert parents, schools, community, church, etc.) for the misbehavior of children, especially when we have no concept regarding their lives. Let's just blame life and spend our time thinking of ways to fix the problem.

3. I know Angel from school, but I don't know the other boys. For anyone who looks closely at Angel, I think they will see that he has a ton of potential to make a positive impact on society. My guess is life has given him a raw deal and his is coping the only way he knows how.

4. Remember: In America, innocent until proven guilty, no matter what law enforcement says.

5. None of this is meant to excuse the behavior of whoever did this. It is a tragedy and must be dealt with severely. However, any hope of these boys turning their lives around begins with our ability to forgive them and not condemn them. Punish them? Yes. Give them guidance? Definitely.

Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And for whomever is found guilty of this crime, sentence them to shoveling buffalo poop at the zoo. That'll teach 'em.

Posted by msw2003 (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Tim Dupree will represent Angel Ray Rodriguez Jr."

Isn't Mr. Dupree an assistant DA? If so, how is he representing this young man?

Also, remember these kids made a VERY bad decision regarding these alleged crimes they have been charged with but that does not necessarily mean they are "bad" kids who are not capable of change.

Posted by nascar (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think since these boys seem to have free time on their hands, perhaps getting out in the 100 degree heat and cleaning a few cages, sweeping up trash, picking up by the highway, etc. would perhaps teach them a lesson. Although these hanous acts need to be punished by some time in jail, NOT a slap on the wrist. They are mature enough to do the crime then they can handle what punishment they get.

Posted by badboy (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think they all need help and should pay for what they did but that is all up to the judge

the parnet still need to care for the childen so what they are asking is fair i think

but just because the kids this doesnt mean the parnets are bad

Posted by scripta (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My guess is everybody that comments on this website has been dealt a raw deal at some point in their lives. I've got plenty of sob stories, but I didn't steal a car and torture animals over any of them.

Posted by madpoet (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly so scripta! How we deal with bad situations define our character. Maybe these boys had bad examples to follow. I would think there was at least one good example for them somewhere in their lives, though. They need to be punished (not juvey where they will get worse) and their families scrutinized to see if there's a problem there. Community service until they pay off at least half of the damages sounds good to me.

Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just hope the families and kids invovled get the help they need as soon as possible. There is something seriously wrong and the parents might not have had any inclination of it but yet we dont know since we do not yet have the whole story. I just really hope that this behavior can be changed for them and the community and a big lesson learned from all of this for everyone. There is alot of good programs out there for troubled youths and now is the time get them them into some diffrent programs and hope they can become good people of our society while there is still time to help them. Lock up in a retention program would do nothing but make the kids even worse. If they were older that might have come into play but at 11 and 13, these kids could be helped and should be with the help of the whole community. Guidence and love can do many things, what they did was horrible and dispicable, but with the help these kids could be saved.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

did someone mention circulating a petition? i would like to sign one if someone is going to get one started.

Posted by qasey (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Readers should understand that a Level 10 felony is the LEAST SERIOUS felony. While many have called for more than a "slap on the wrist" for this unconscionable act of killing the innocent, I will not be surprised that if convicted these children's punishment will be nowhere close to "throw the book at them" or "lock 'em up for life." In fact, I'll be stunned if they serve any time at all upon conviction. That being said, I would go for totaling up the entire cost of this sad affair--the replacement costs of the birds (including shipping and health checks), replacement of the destroyed pots, cost to keep them in the detention center, costs of their attorneys, etc., and if it comes down to scooping poop at a minimum wage rate, so be it. They took something beautiful from our community; let them give that value back to our community.

Posted by toninj (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These parents do need to pay, this should not be the responsiblity of the tax payers. We are already paying the court costs and probably their attorney fees.

As to the comment earlier about being good kids. I have had no contact with the older one;however, the younger two have already at 11 years old had several problems. Both this last year (only 5th grade) were suspended from school for doing bodily harm to other students. One using using broken glass to cut another boy. One is also being accused of a burglery case in the courts right now. These are not kids that need to be put back in the home so they can continue to go to school with others and cause more harm. They need the detention center and some really good counseling.

I am with scripta; everyone has had bad things happen to them, it is the way you choose to handle it that counts. Acting out like this for entertainment is not acceptable and unless they get a severe enough punishment they will not learn a lesson.

Posted by dale011 (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I say off with their heads

Posted by create (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point, Scripta. Blaming life's raw deals is nothing more than playing the blame game. Boo hoo. I've had a few raw deals too but I didn't run amok killing things or steal a car. Kids this age should be able to tell the difference between right and wrong. The fact that they did it anyway says they are amoral and need mental counseling to protect their (and our) futures.

I also agree with Madpoet. Families must be scrutinized to find out why these kids got out of hand. Drug tests?

And parents need to pay for all damages. I have donated to the cause because that zoo belongs to our community, but I'd like to see parents be charged for damages as well as kids paying with labor for what they did wrong.

Posted by Summer_Breeze (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw nowhere in this story that the car was stolen, and so I have assumed it was NOT. With that assumption, I have to ask why a 13-year-old had access to a motor vehicle and knew how to drive well enough that he got from wherever the car was to the Zoo without incident. To me, it sounds as if he's had some driving lessons--from the parents perhaps?

This is a tragic situation, no matter what one believes about the circumstances. Research I have read shows a direct correlation between childhood cruelty to animals (including fowl) and adult, sociopathic cruelty to humans. One of the posters to this site mentioned something about examples in the lives of these children. If this behavior is any indication, I shudder to think what examples they've had. Children are not born cruel, or sadistic, or mean. They learn those behaviors. If they didn't learn them from their parents, I'm glad. But I still think their parents are responsible for being sure they didn't learn them elsewhere.

To me, this situation and some of the responses I've seen to it on this website are indicative of the problems in our society today. WHO IS HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT THESE BOYS DID? Don't tell me it's not the fault of the parents, and for that matter don't tell me it's not the fault of the boys. And I hope the Lyon County justice system will not plea bargain these serious charges down to misdemeanors, because a slap on the wrists for something so heinous sends a message that such behavior is tolerated. That would be a slap in the face to decent, law-abiding citizens and a grave injustice to defenseless birds.

"Bless the beasts and the children/For in this world they have no choice/They have no voice." These boys each have an attorney to speak for them. Who will speak for the swans and geese they tortured and killed?

Posted by YaHooSis48 (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am all for the parents paying for all damages and community service for the kids along w/mental health counseling. Within 5-10 yrs we will see their names again. This isn't over. The homes of these kids need to be scruntinized. Has to be something wrong there. I have also had allot of hard knocks in this life; however, never murdered an animal. Instead I sought love and friendship and companionship from the animals I encountered. My dad would have paddled my butt til I couldn't have set down and then some. I dare say there is no respect for anything in the homes of these young people. They all need a hard lesson quick! I certainly hope they don't get a hug and a kiss and then let go.

Posted by hmmrgurru (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, but we need to say it. Mexicans. Yep, blame them also for all the dogs at large, especially the pit-bulls.

Posted by hickory (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe if they were given a good ol' fashion spanking while they were growing up, none of this would have happened.

Posted by zippy (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with the above comments, a good 8-10 hour day working in the 100 degree weather shoveling poop, pulling weeds, sweeping, painting, digging holes for plants, cleaning up the roads, etc, at the zoo and parks would be great punishment for these boys whom have too much unsupervised time on theirs hands.

These are very serious crimes and for a youngster these kinds of hard labor jobs for the next couple of years might do them some good. I hope the courts give them lots to do instead of sitting in juvenile hall learning more bad behavior from the other criminals.

Also, definitely make their parents pay for their upkeep and NOT US tax payers.

Posted by lewisbailbonds (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why not make them walk back and forth in front of the zoo holding signs that say " I killed the beautiful swans and geese at this zoo" totally humiliate them as part of their punishment....

Posted by nks (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another example of my tax money on already overtaxed income going to use. Court appointed lawyers, etc.....

"My guess is life has given him a raw deal and his is coping the only way he knows how."This comment infurates me.

I do not feel like it is my job to pay for people who are given a "bad hand" in life and think that beating up and injuring other classmates, burglary, stealing a car, breaking into a city facility and malicously killing animals with their bare hands is the right thing to do.

For every kid handed a "bad hand" there are 5 others that persevere. This is not the reason, it is just a bad excuse.

Posted by brownies (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmmrgurru:

YOUR comment is NOT necessary! Just because the last name of these kids sound Mexican does not mean that they are. They could be from El Salvador, Ecuador, etc. DON'T assume we are all Mexican! Also, about the dogs.......unless you have prove to what you said, keep your mouth shut. How could you possibly believe that all of the stray dogs in Emporia were owned by "Mexicans"? You must be really racist and ignorant to believe that only Hispanic people abandon their dogs and that only Hispanic people own pit bulls. You need to get over your racist ideas/criticism! People like you disgust me! DO NOT JUDGE HISPANICS OR ANY OTHER RACE FOR THAT MATTER BECAUSE OF SOME IDIOTS MISTAKES. WE ARE NOT ALL THE SAME.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i found marc goodman's email address

mgoodman@lyoncounty.org

Posted by Local_Hispanic (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with brownies, I too am a Mexican and I didn't appreciate your comment either. And without starting some kind of word bashing, I guess I could say that all the ignorant people here in Emporia must be white. But if I was to say that as if that was the exact truth, then I should fall into that category because I know that there are plenty of ignorant people who are Black, Brown and white. I agree these kids need some good discipline. Unfortunately, these kids along with all the other kids in the US have been able to bypass a good ass whuppin because it is now called "Child Abuse" if parents were to lay a hand on them. And who's fault is that but our own. We teach them to report anything bad that happens to them, even though it's for their own good. And yes, some parents are to blame but not all parents. Parents who are too young or not really prepared to be parents themselves are trying to raise babies. This is a viscious circle that seems to have no end.

I hope that the punishment they receive will be a wake up call for all young kids who think they are bad or a gang wanabeer.

The unfortunate thing was that they were Hispanics. Because if they would have been anglos, their names would have been hidden for a longer period of time. Whatever happened to the kids that were arrested for the rash of car vandalisms a while back? It took forever before anyone knew who actually did it. Maybe mommy and daddy were able to pay some money to avoid the unnecessary attention and therefore their names were kept from being announced until things quieted down a bit. Who knows? Yeah the attorneys can say it was something very high profile in order to get the names public, thats part of their job. Remember?? Names of juveniles 14 years of age and under can be released by the court under conditions defined in juvenile law, including high-profile crimes according to state statute. The affidavits filed in the cases are sealed. So were the other boys cases sealed too?

Like I said, I think these boys need to be punished. And most of the people here have had some pretty good ideas on how to do that. But let's think about things first, if we keep letting our kids get away with things because we are afraid of them calling the cops because they were disciplined. Then this is just the beginning of things to come no matter what race they are.

Believe me there is a difference between discipline and abuse, and parents need to know the difference as well. Back in the day, my dad raised me a few inches with a stiff hand, and I learned that he meant business. Even though I promised not to be as intense to my boy, I still believe that it is the best way to discipline a child whenever he was disrespectful or did something very bad. "Time out" back then was when my dad took a break from tanning my backside.

Posted by bubbaching (anonymous) on July 23, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rash or car vandalism???going back the next night and breaking out the windows of the car of the guy who caught them the night before stealing his car stereo and called the cops?? MEXICANS. !! Were they of local famalies or from decent people or were they illegals employed at Tysons.My guess,the latter. That place has caused more LONG TERM problems than I think Emporia can ever overcome.Eversince they started bringing illegals into Emporia,in the late 70s to early 80s,this town has turned into a toilet and it will continue this way until people in our town says,dammit thats it,I want my nice town back and this type of crap should never exist.Mean,rude ,screw the system type people,whatever color,race etc,go the hell away and be someone elses problem,life long emporian 50 plus and I wonder why I stay?? probably old relatives

Posted by cloud (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at midnight (Suggest removal)

Bubbaching, how will we ever have a nice town when you are spreading hatred in it? Come on, you can do better, can't you?

If this town were completely white, it would have the same problems. People are people no matter what color they are.

Check out the history of Emporia. You'll find that Mexicans lived here clear back into the 1800s. That population is an integral part of our town's history.

As for these young boys, I hope this terrible situation will wake them up and they will turn their lives around. If not, the loss will be much greater than losing our beautiful swans and geese.

We should value these young lives above the lives of the animals. These boys should be punished for what they did. My hope is that their punishment will help them regain their conscience and become the good men God made them to be.

Posted by OutsiderJ (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The longer this thread goes, the further down my opinion of lifelong Emporians goes. I moved here three years ago with a great job opportunity. It took me about two weeks to figure out that the folks native to Emporia or who have lived here a long time have a simple motto. "If I don't know you, I don't want to know you." Native Emporians are closed to folks that try to start a life or mere existence here. I have reached out a friendly hand to countless Emporians and been brushed off every single time. Three years, I have no Emporia phone numbers in my phone that aren't related to work, I have no Emporia friends. I'm a friendly, polite, decent person whose well groomed,educated, and outgoing. But Emporia cares not, it is more concerned with how long you've been here. And now these proud and benevolent Emporians are revealing their true colors. A bunch of priggish, racist, hick snobs that only care if you know where the hospital used to be or lived here when it was IBP (which is how they still refer to Tyson). They are awfully proud to be from Emporia, which is nothing but a mediocre town and is quickly becoming a poisoned well of hate, mistrust, greed, and fear. Hometown pride on a shingle is what I call it. Sounds severe, but I'm certainly not the only one in Emporia that thinks this. Good, decent, Emporians are getting overshadowed by the small minded racists of this community, who happen to generally be natives. Shame on you for assuming race based on a name, and further thinking it natural, that because of their names, they would be criminals.

Posted by bubbaching (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Im not talking about Mexicans that have been around here forever,Im talking about all the imports Tyson has enticed here for years with jobs.Low pay,hard work,low pay,systems abusers,food stamps,free schools,wont attempt to learn our language,breaking into cars and homes and businesses.If Tyson would pay a fair wage to their employees where they could take part in the commerce of Emporia and not send the greater percentage of their salaries out of our town,Im telling you,this town will be a lot better.Hell,maybe these kids dads worked on the kill floor and they were imitating their Dad. I doubt it,but I do agree that this act at the Zoo was really,really bad.I have no idea how the courts and social services can help fix these kids.I just think that people are so frustrated with Emporia. Taxes are completely nuts,gas is high,food is high and I dont see any help in the near future.I know these problems effect the entire US,but to start to fix any problem,make sure your own house is in order.( ieEmporia)Like I said before when I was a kid these boys ages,in the 60s,Emporia was a pretty nice little town.Armour/IBP paid a fair wage and I heard was a good place to work.Well,Im starting to ramble ,so Im outta here.Good Luck to us all!!!!

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

cloud- I don't know how long you have been a resident of Emporia. I was born and raised in Emporia, I am 66 years old and can definately tell you that, yes there have been Mexicans and Mexican families living in Emporia ever since I can remember, I went to school with the kids and were good friends with most, but these old Mexican families had different values than the over the border trash that has been coming here for the last 20 to 30 years, this newer form of illegal immigrant is nothing more than the lawless, criminal, gang oriented and disrespectful garbage that even Mexico does not want, so who ends up with this riff raff, we do the respectful, law-abiding citizens of Emporia and the USA, and yes companies like ARMOUR, IBP, TYSON, etc. and any business, business man, farmer, etc. who employs' such people only contribute to the problem instead of help fix the problem.
As for these three so called adoring young boys, I say if your are old enough to do the crime then you are old enough to do the time, etc., I also say that the parents are 100% resposible for these boys' actions, no matter the circumstances. Its time to make not only the parents of these boys but the parents of all so called juveniles who break the law start being responsible for their childrens actions.
"The apple does not fall far from the tree, be it good or bad"

Posted by OutsiderJ (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Im not talking about Mexicans that have been around here forever"....This is just another way of saying, "If I don't know you, I don't want to know you." Or that someone is less valuable to this community because they haven't been here for ever.

"Like I said before when I was a kid these boys ages,in the 60s,Emporia was a pretty nice little town."
What did you do over your years here to help ensure it would remain a nice town....???? I'll bet not a single thing except point fingers at new arrivals and blame them for steady decline of Emporia. Its damn hard to fit into a community that makes it pretty clear to you early on that you aren't welcome, or that you couldn't possibly have anything of value to offer the community. I was born and raised in Kansas, and I have never seen a town attitude like the one in Emporia.

These kids did a terrible thing. Period. I don't give a pig's a** where they came from, who their parent's are, or how long they've lived here. Punish them according to the law, hold their parents responsible for their actions, and make sure they get whatever it is they need to put them on the right track.

Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It isnt the culture from where that person comes from that can tarnish a city, its the quality of a person that can cause problems no matter what race or beliefs that person has. Show me a city that is now crime free because they stopped putting up with a certain type of mankind. Didnt hitler try this excact type of thing with the jewish community? Bosnia? Chad?... These type of post's scare me and should scare more since they seem to be a number of people that feel the same way. Is it not this type of thinking that can destroy nations? bubbaching you need to rethink how you look at people from diffrent cultures.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OutsiderJ- You talk about true colors, boy did you just reveal yours. Basically you think that you are better than anyone who has lived in Emporia for any length of time. Well you hypocritical snob, if you don' t like Emporia or its life long residents, you should leave and not look back or come back, we don' t need you or any of your lawless, disrespectful friends, furthermore Emporia would be a better place without you.
Furthermore you have not lived here long enough to have known what Emporia was like before the illegal immigrant invasion and how much worse Emporia has gotten since the illegal immigrant invasion, well I have and people like you will only serve to make things much worse, pick up the Gazette and look at the daily reports section, "complaints filed" and take note of the names listed.

Posted by OutsiderJ (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"cloud- I don't know how long you have been a resident of Emporia. I was born and raised in Emporia, I am 66."

Same question to you methusla, What did you do to help ensure that Emporia remained nice in your 66 years. Did you ever get to know any of this "border trash", did you ever make an attempt to understand why they were the way they were, or give them a leg up so that they would see that playing by the rules is more profitable than breaking them.

At least you know where you stand with these, "lawless, criminal, gang oriented and disrespectful garbage that even Mexico does not want." You know exactly what you are gonna get.
I wish I could say the same thing with the two faced, back stabbing, finger point, ignorant, racist, hometown born and bred trash of Emporia.

Posted by abc123 (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Your life, your town, your expectations of people are only what you put out there... to bubbaching...I can only say that you get what you give. If you think this town is horrible ...then it is, if you think the world is all gloom and doom...then it is, you can either sit on the side lines and complain or get in there and actually take part by trying to better everything you think is so bad. Why not take a moment to notice the flower in the vase rather than all the dust on the table where it sits...

Posted by OutsiderJ (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"hypocritical snob" well ain't that the pot calling the kettle black. I'm sure the "complaints filed" section of the paper is as close as you've ever gotten to meeting any of the people that you hate. I'm sure its all you know about them. I don't like illegal immigration any more than you do, but I'm not foolish enough to judge people by their name. You're probably one of those people that still say "colored" proudly. And all that time Emporia was "getting worse" in your opinion, I bet all you did was drink coffee with your pals and talk about how someone should do something about it. Point fingers and talk, the hallmark of blame placers everywhere.

Posted by lycomu (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on people...every summer something similar happens here. perhaps not to this magnatude, but every summer some child or group of children, for whatever reason and from whatever background do this kind of BS. This is what i think should happen, if and when they are found guilty. They should be forced to stand in the swan pen at the zoo with a sign around thier neck that says. "You could be looking at a beautiful swan, but instead you are looking at me because i killed the swan. Im an idiot. Please do not pitty me, but rather mock me for my foolishness"

Posted by LifeGoesOn (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Starting to understand why these
kids acted the way they did when "ADULTS" in this town speak to each other using words like "two faced, back stabbing, finger point, ignorant, racist, hometown born and bred trash of Emporia". and " Well you hypocritical snob, if you don' t like Emporia or its life long residents, you should leave and not look back or come back, we don' t need you or any of your lawless, disrespectful friends, furthermore Emporia would be a better place without you."

WOW! talk about immature.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OutsiderJ- My final comment to you and others on this page is this, yes I have tried to get to know this lawless, disrespectful new breed of immigrant and the only thing I recieved in return was theft, vandalism and having my sons life threatened for trying to defend me and my daughter, yes I have had several good experiences with some recent immigrants, but the bad experiences far out number the good.
I am also someone who believes that respect is earned not something that is yours by way of the constitution or bill of rights, therefore you start out by degrading and disrespecting me, my family and property then you will recieve like kind from me. Therefore if anyone calls me a hypocritical, home bread racist, trash then how do you expect me to respond, with hugs and kisses, I think not, therefore my impression of you is going to be, I don't care to know you or associate with you or shake your hand.

Posted by Weltha (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Outsiderj- I take offense to your comment about all Emporians being opposed to new people. I am a life long Emporian and I rather enjoy meeting new people and seeing new blood (people) in town. So when you say we are all horrible people all I have to say is... You have never met me. I don't care if you have been here 1 minute or 50 years. If you are friendly to me I will be be friendly back. If you are rude and crude I'll walk away. I am sure there are more people than me that are that way. I'm pretty sure that all 25,000 plus people in this town are horrible, snobish people. So maybe you need to rethink how out going and friendly and well dressed and all the other things that you claim you are.

Posted by USNretired (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe 12 month a year school without the long summer break should be an option? Many of these children and their parents would benefit from such an option. Its not like we bale smaller bales all summer or weed with corn knives so much anymore, so what work is there for an 11 year old to do all summer? Do you hire kids that young? Or even someone under 18? Summer vacation is counterproductive when parents work and kids get too much free time.

Posted by bubbaching (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

abc123,thanks for your comment,I do appreciate it very much. Most of the time I do try to look at things in a positive manner and most of the time I am pretty successful.I live in the se part of town and very proud of our little neighborhood down here,but every now and then something happens that just makes me think"what the he**?". I live close enough to the zoo that I almost feel violated because this is my neighborhood and I chose to invest in a home down here a long time ago and this crime is disgusting. Good luck to us all

Posted by mammawd (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Every child has "potential". I happen to know first hand that EVERY child in this town has at least one positive influence in thier lives - TEACHERS and ADMINSTRATORS! I have seen teachers, paras, aides, school counselors, and principals go out of thier way (thier underpaid way) trying to help young people find a positive direction in their lives. I have also seen a number of these same students verbally and physically abuse these people who are trying to help them. We cannot overcome what and how they live elsewhere! Dealt a raw deal? Oh please... you would cring if you knew the "raw deals" I've had in my life! You either overcome it and decide to win or you decide to wallow in your self pitty and blame everyone else for your problems! At 11 & 13 they know the difference and they know right from wrong! I also know from experience that there were signs that these boys had problems and people just kept making excuses for them.

As far as year around school...they probably wouldn't go anyway...they already have a truency problem. I remember getting caught skipping school one time and my mother took me school for a week and sat behind me in every class. That taught me a lesson. I took a pack of gum from woolworth's when i was 5 years old and she called the police on me! Never stole a thing again! Don't tell me parents don't make or break a child.

Now for the other part of this (which by the way has nothing to do with the issues). Some people in Emporia live in thier glass houses and look down there nose way too much... some of these peoples children has also strayed the wrong way while the parents were out "solializing" - their names were never in the paper or maybe they were listed as a "traffic violation" when in fact they were busted for drugs and alcohol as well... the "end of the story" never got told...money talks in this town...well in every town...always has and always will! But there are friendly, wonderful people here also. The others are just unfortunate to never take the time to get to know us.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all I would like to begin by saying that what these three boys did is disgusting and they should be punished to the full extent of what they did. THEY should be punished. Not the parents, we dont know who they are or if they were raised well. I'm not a parent but I sure do remember seeing many kids sneaking out in the middle of the night (not saying it did happen in the middle of the night) and their parents were sure they were in their beds sleeping. So their parents had no idea where they were at. Parents can not be with their children 24/7 as much as they would want to and im sure of that. not saying their not at all responsible but I am saying you cant blame them completely for their kids actions.

I am also disgusted at the people posting all these nasty comments. "were they illegals employed at Tysons"? You know ive seen enough of these kind of comments and really it is sad that you would think that everybody that works there is illegal just because they actually do work, their only doing the dirty jobs that you the people posting those racist comments dont and wont ever do! I really do wish ALL the illegals would leave, just to see what everybody would do without them. It would be a huge SLAP on the face to everyone that really wants them to go.

Posted by rcakmon (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmmrgurru I feel sorry for you. And, you are not "sorry" or you would not have posted such a racist comment.

Posted by KUtriSIS (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Those comments about "native" Emporians group everyone together as with the way intolerant and racist people do and they are nothing but crude, disrespectful, and callow. My family and I are from Emporia and I would never treat anyone with a "turned up nose" or in the way you define unless they treated me the same way. I'm going to respect anyone until they prove they don't deserve it and the same goes with my trust and friendship, no matter what. I found this very offensive.

On the article topic, the parents of the children should be responsible. I don't care if this tragedy happened during the day or at night. There is no difference. No 13- and 11-year-olds should be able to run around so much without supervision that they can get the keys to a vehicle, drive that vehicle away and do the destruction and torment they did. That is a COMPLETE lack of parental supervision: IRRESPONSIBILITY. What if there had been a wreck? What if the people in the other car were killed? A child sticking a Cheeto in his ear or fruit loops up his nose when a parent steps away for a second is an accident. This incident is no accident and children are the responsibility of the parents until they are ATLEAST 18-years-old, plain and simple.

Posted by sadinemporia (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These forums are great, but come on people. I read these all of the time, they are quite entertaining. It is always the same thing over and over, people bashing other people on here. It is never 100% about what the article or the topic is about. The point here is what should happen to these kids. Holding a sign in front of where the birds should be making them responsible for the crime is a great idea but that doesn't even begin the amount of punishment they should receive. Let's get some more realistic ideas so that maybe the courts will be able to be a little creative with this case.

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Destiny: I would be willing to take that "slap on the face" to get rid of every illegal immigrant (illegal = criminal by definition). Why do we need 12 to 20 million uneducated, unskilled third-world foreign nationals who have no allegiance to our nation and not an ounce of respect for our laws or culture? Illegals cost our economy 338 BILLION dollars per year in government handouts and social services and an unprecendented explosion in crime. MS13, a gang made up entirely of illegal aliens, is the largest, fastest growing, and by far most violent gang in America. As for Mexicans, or any other nationality, who were born here or came here legally: God bless 'em and welcome to America. For those here illegally: hit the road and don't look back.

OutsiderJ: I'm sorry to say I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of native Emporians. I moved here with my job 14 years ago and, like you, also found it nearly impossible to meet and be accepted by locals. Why, I don't know. I am a nice guy; rather outgoing and personable, actually. I am neat, clean, well-dressed, friendly, educated and relatively affluent. I have only one person in this town I can honestly call a friend, and we met through work. If you weren't born here, and didn't go to high school here, it seems you aren't welcome here. That's fine. I have many friends in the other towns I have lived in and we get together often. Emporia is the most cliquish and closed-minded town I have ever experienced. Too bad. It actually has possibilities; but as long as the natives are so unfriendly and unaccepting of new arrivals, it will always be just a stuffy, cliquish, unfriendly little town.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bjnemp: you need these "12 to 20 million uneducated, unskilled third-world foreign nationals" to do all the dirty work I'm 100% sure that you are not doing. Now I know why it was nearly impossibel for you to meet and be accepted by locals here. I believe that your personality is what makes a person acceptable not the way you look or dress. I'm sure the people that you have met and have accepted you are the ones that have your kind of opinions

Posted by brownies (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Destiny and rcakmon! I wish the people here in Emporia would be open-minded like you two. We do not need their racist comments and it seems to me that the people that NEED to leave this town are people like them that are so naive and racist.....

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Destiny: We don't need anyone to do any kind of work, dirty or otherwise, if they have to commit a felony in order to acquire that job. I sense that you are condoning this blatant criminal activity and have no problem with foreign nationals thumbing their noses at our laws, sovereignty, and culture. My opposition to this unlawful invasion of our nation is called patriotism. Your acceptance of it is called apathy. I don't want to know people unwilling to defend and protect our nation so not knowing you is a blessing, I'm sure.

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brownies: The naive ones are you and your shadows, destiny and recakmon. There is absolutely nothing racist in my comments or opinions. What is it about the world "illegal" that you are too dense to understand? Or is it that you are just totally void of national pride? I welcome any and all immigrants from any nation who wish to settle here as long as they have the morals and character to do it legally. Don't try to rationalize the situation and confuse the issue by injecting racism into a matter of national security and law. You know it is wrong and the only argument you can manufacture to battle the flood of facts is pointing fingers and yelling "racist".

By the way: Your rude personal attacks proved my point about the local majority attitude.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bjnemp: I'm not asking to meet you, I don't want to meet you, I believe meeting you would be one of the most unpleasant moments of my life, but honestly yes, I would like to know who you are because I'm sure your a totally different person in real life, this is just another person that talks on your behalf over the internet. You once mentioned that you came here to Emporia because of a job opportunity. Well thats exactly why they are here. YES you are right I have no problem with them commiting a felony (it shouldn't be because nobody is being harmed) to aquire a job because they do it for love, for their family for a better life, because you know what any humanbeing with a heart will do anything for their family and their future and any openminded person who has a family that they love would understand exactly what I'm talking about.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry Bjnemp I take that comment about moving here to Emporia back. I mistaked somebody elses rude comments with yours. I'm sure you have a better reason to be here.

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i dont know how this became an intense conversation about racism. bj you have a good description of emporia, yeah there are some nice folks here, but for the most part it is cliquish and closed-minded town.im a second generation emporian and next year we are moving out of state. we already have visited the town we are moving to, much more relaxed than here, better economy, recreation, and the kids will be able to find jobs there versus emporia where they graduate college, and move out of town to use their degrees. cant wait to go

Posted by nks (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I grew up in a small town outside of Emporia and I can remember the rare chances we had to play an Emporia team. It was always fulfilling to beat them because we were always treated like low lifes and not as good as the Emporians.

I remember coming to town countless times as teenagers just to grab a bite to eat and being called hillbillies and rednecks and ended up fighting our way back home. (usually winning)

The problem with this town is some think it is more than it actually is. It is a dot on a map. Too many people are worried about what Wichita, Topeka, etc are doing. Image is everything. I can not count the times when I have been out of town on business, golfing, etc and hear the negative remarks about this town. Getting somewhere in this town is really influenced by what your last name is. Even an admittance from lifelong Emporians.

This town has a lot to learn about how to treat the fellow human being.

I am a big opposer of the illegals in our country and how they can use my tax money to buy groceries, go to the doctor, etc.. , but that does not make them any less of a human. It is our system that has allowed it. Hell, I would do the same thing if I could go to Mexico and make out like a bandit.

I could give a sh&t less what color these kids are. The crime is dispicable not the race of the person who did it.

If you need to post racist statements, go find the KKK website, not the Emporia Gazette.

Posted by yankee (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ohh, outsider.....you go.......you have hit the nail right on the head. I lived and worked there for 4 years and never in my life have I been so mistreated. Usually you do get back what you put out, but not in Emporia. Not born and raised Then you are dog doo on the bottom of their shoe. Do not bother wasting your breath on these yahoo's....they do not care and you will always be the bad guy because you are an "outsider". And for all those who say "just leave". We GLADLY did and now life is much bettter and we are back to being happy and having many friends from many walks of life. I have lived many places, Emporia has got to be the worst town I have ever lived in...............sooooo racist and ignorant. If they think that all their problems are because the "mexicans" legal or not have moved in. Guess what folks white people cause just as many problems and even more severe crimes!!!!

Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on July 24, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you dont have to be from somewhere else to be treated like dirt in this town and i agree all races have their run ins with the law here, it isnt just a mexican thing.

Posted by apsuz (anonymous) on July 25, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is so sad to see how a story about whether or not parents need to pay child support while their children who have been accused of a crime are in custody to a bunch of people arguing about prejudices and being better than others.

On the main topic, yes the parents should pay child support while the children are not in their custody. Not because the parents did anything wrong, but because they are the parents and it is their responsibility to provide for the children regardless of where they are and why. And yes the children should be punished for the horrible crime they committed (if found guilty). But they should also recieve intense counseling to prevent them from doing something like this, or worse, again. These boys are young, and the deserve the chance to become productive members of society with proper guidance, support, influence and recognition for good deeds. Too often, children do stupid things like this for attention.

For the Emporia Lifers, I also was born/raised in Emporia and although only in my mid-30's, I have a much different opinion about why Emporia has gone downhill. I agree with some who posted that Emporia is a very cliquish (sp?) town. That is part of the reason I choose not to live in Emporia anymore. I have seen people sit around drinking their coffee, in stores, etc complaining about how Emporia is going down-hill, while I did not see any of the complainers stepping up to do something. Complaining, whining and placing blame gets you no-where in life and although you can influence others, you can not expect them to do what you want or be like you. I figured that out some time ago, thankfully I didn't make that discovery later in life (in fact, I wish I would have learned it sooner). Love your neighbors (and enemies) and treat them how you would want to be treated.

Posted by apsuz (anonymous) on July 25, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That brings me to the last topic. Why do some of you think all illegal immigrants are "Mexicans" and that you know what someone's race is by their name? I'm sure facts in this case will show the boys are from Hispanic families, but that's beside the point. Illegal immigrants come from all over the world. In Latin America alone there are at least 20 countries, and this is just one side of the globe! As far as names, my maiden name is the same as many people of a different color than myself in Emporia, and I have often been asked if I am related to so-and-so because of my name. Also, not all people from 3rd world countries are uneducated. Yes, many may lack formal education, but they more than make up for it with work ethics. In fact, many immigrants I have known (both legal and illegal) have worked for years without a day off (even when sick) or taking a vacation. How many of us Americans can say that? Especially at jobs that many Americans will not do because we are spoiled and lazy! Maybe we should try to learn from each other, rather than calling names and telling them to go home. Be thankful you have the freedom to share your opinions, but you should also try to be considerate in how you express them. Think of how it makes you feel when people speak unkindly of you, regardless of whether it's justifed and true or not.

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on July 25, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Comments are closed and moved to a new forum about zoo vandalism:

http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/ope...