Aside: I want to go on record of being tremendously grateful and supportive of the juvenile justice system in our area. I appreciate the concept that most take for granted, that those who with criminal behavior can receive assistance and learn lessons so that they have the opportunity to change their behavior BEFORE they turn 18 and then have to face the consequences of the adult penal system. I agree with many critics who are alarmed by the number of people that the US locks up. Juvenile Justice assumes that almost all young people can change their ways with community assistance.
One of the crimes involved (though nobody was injured) here is arson. Arson. One of the most frightening ancient crimes. The power of fire's destruction. It can be set so easily and the resulting fire can destroy everything in its path. Who can look at a burned out building and not feel fear and revulsion? Many young people find fire and setting fires compelling and fascinating. But how far should you go? Where's the boundary between playing with matches and setting a malicious or fatal fire? What a difficult question!
My family shared a cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood. Most of the neighbors when my children were young also had children about the same age and we often worked cooperatively. One boy had his difficult behaviors. Once when he was about ten, he knocked on my door and asked for matches. I looked at him and said "No, I will not give you matches." I thought to myself, there is no way on this earth that I would ever give you matches!
But, isn't that a human fear? That there will be a fire. In our home. That will hurt those we love. I was present at a small house fire caused by a holiday candle the day after Christmas. Nobody was harmed and most damage was done due to smoke and some high performing sprinklers. But it upset that family tremendously and they decided to move even after the damage was fixed.
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