Friday, March 20, 2009

Blow it out your Yin-Yang, Redux.

I knew one of the kids that had been at my home when my iPod and camera were stolen, so I found out where he lived and talked to his mother. I told his mom that I didn't think her son stole anything from me, but that I knew that he knew the kids that had stolen from me and I wanted my stuff back. Within five minutes- really. Five minutes- I had all my stuff back. I'm not going to have the kids arrested. I am still probably going to tell all of their moms. We'll see if I actually do.

15 comments:

Jersey Girl 46 said...

I hope you weren't offended by my comment. I wasn't being mean, I was sort of being funny. Meaning if they kept up the stealing they would need a Public Defender, and they shouldn't steal from the man!

kate said...

Wow. Good for you.

Chase Squires said...

Prosecute them, how else will they learn? You could punish them for stealing something small and set them on the right path, or you could end up driving 90 minutes to the DJJ facility later to represent them on a robbery/murder rap ... I'd at least find a way to make this sting, otherwise, they will do it again.

superdave524 said...

I wasn't offended at all, JG. I try to balance a lot of stuff in there. I looked five kids in the face. I can tell you, one looks like he was ashamed; a couple looked grateful; and two of them I'll definitely end up representing later. They had a "you're a sucker" sneer (but they still gave me back my stuff).

Chase, I'm struggling a little with this one. I'm not going to have them prosecuted, because I told a mom I wouldn't if they returned my stuff. I know two of the kids will grow from this, because I talked to their mom. What I know I need to do, but will be difficult, is telling the other kids' moms. If they're going to have any sort of chance, it's got to come from either family or substitute family.

Thanks, Kate.

John in IL said...

Love the tactic.

(And I was getting worried that I wouldn't get my pics of the red headed guy.)

Jersey Girl 46 said...

Glad you got your loot back! Maybe they will think twice next time. I just started preparing for my first 1/2 marathon, you sort of inspired me. I am taking it slow, but can't wait to watch your results.

Unknown said...

Good job, Dave. You'd be a great judge!

COL said...

http://tinyurl.com/dnebct


Hey, all right! If I get by, it's mine,
Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine...

superdave524 said...

Glad you approve, John (oh, and sorry, I forgot to take my camera today. Maybe next Saturday).

You go, JG! I'll check your blog to see how you're doing on your training.

Thanks, Vickie. I actually was a magistrate for two years. Sheriff's Deputies in Jasper County liked me pretty well. A few times I had teens who'd not been in trouble write essays and apologize to victims instead of giving them records. 'Course, the Troopers didn't like me at all, and threatened to stop writing tickets in the County (which would've cost the County a lot of lost revenue), if I essentially didn't kiss their butts. When I moved to the Boro, which is in a different county, I had to quit.

Love "Caught Stealing", Col!

Mr. Matt said...

Hey, and you didn't have to take a bullet like Clint did.

Shoot, I know it's a tough decision and Chase is prolly right, but I know as a teacher I'm WAY too soft. I will let a kid let me down so many times and I need to stop doing that. But, we are our mother's sons, Born to be Run over! We put the Mat in Mathews!

superdave524 said...

Man, ain't that the truth!

Mr. Matt said...

It's mom's fault. That's what it is, goody-two-shoes!

superdave524 said...

Yeah. Mom's fault. Oops. There goes my manner of addressing juvenile delinquency. 'Course, Chase, if I'd've had 'em arrested, I'd only've had to defend 'em. And I wouldn't've gotten my stuff back. Man, fixing society's problems is hard!

Chase Squires said...

I hear y'all .. and you need to remember that I despise children. That's just a fact. sorry.

but true.

is hard labor an option?

superdave524 said...

I've heard (well, read) you say that before, Chase. If I ever get out to Denver, I'll be sure to leave the Lads at home (unless, you know, we're invading Denver).