LETTERS: FAMILY NEEDS SUPPORT FROM JACKSON

To the editor:

I've never written before, but I'm so upset that I can't remain quiet about the young man in Jackson who was kidnapped and abused by "friends."

I worked with youths of all aged when I taught school for 36 years, and one thing that I taught hard was concern and consideration for others. My colleagues and I made life difficult for bullies and those who were delighted at the sufferings of others. I cannot think of even one of my parents who would have given permission or condoned or videotaped such actions.

Where were their minds, their love for people, their love of God, their morals?

If I were the young man's parents, I would be searching for at least two good lawyers, and I would press charges against every one of those young ruffians, including the girls. Were the girls "friends" too? I would also press charges against the parents. Were they "friends" too?

That atrocity could have ended in this young man's death, and it's possible that he will never be able to overcome this trauma. May God bless him. May he find peace, and perhaps he can sometime forgive. Bless his mother for suggesting forgiveness to him. What a sensitive, giving person she is.

The whole city should give this family support after what they have experienced. Should they have to move away from their bad memories? No. However, the community would be better off if the others left.

No, I don't know any of these people, but that story really touched my heart, and I'm having trouble brushing it off.

Why do these young people find the need for entertainment like that? Who has failed to teach them about compassion? Is it the family? The school? The church?

JO PROPST

Sikeston