Local officials, including the sheriff, in Fort Collins, CO are now discussing the possibility of bringing multiple felony charges against Richard Heene and his wife, Mayumi. This is in response to the apparent hoax a couple of weeks ago in which they claimed that their youngest son, Falcon, had boarded a hot-air balloon that had later taken flight and drifted away for miles.
When balloon landed, however, no one was found in it. Subsequently, it was discovered that the boy had been hiding in an attic all along. After several ensuing police and TV interviews with the family, it became clear that it was all a hoax – part of an elaborate scheme by Mr. and Mrs. Heene to get their own TV reality show. In fact, it was recently reported that Mrs. Heene has now admitted as much in an affidavit.
But should the Heene's face felony charges and possibly years in prison, if convicted? Should they lose custody of their three sons (which would be one obvious consequence of such criminal convictions)? Should a family be broken up because the parents did something really stupid? I say such an outcome would be unjust.
I believe it is an overreaction to even consider felony charges against these people. Sure, if they indeed pulled off the hoax they are accused of, it was wrong, and they should have to face the consequences for it. But, in my opinion, their actions would constitute only misdemeanors, although very serious ones. They should be required to fully compensate local, state, and federal officials for the time and money that was wasted in pursuit of an empty balloon.
In addition, they should face some very stiff fines and probation for endangering the lives and health of others by pulling emergency workers away from their real duty for hours. And, to top it off, a lien should be placed against any income the Heenes receive from a resulting TV show. However, I hope cooler heads will prevail and everyone will cease and desist from seeking a pound of flesh here.
Terry Mitchell is a software engineer, freelance writer, amateur political analyst, and blogger from Virginia, USA. He posts a least one article a day to his blog - http://commenterry.blogs.com - on subjects such as current events, politics, technology, society and culture, religion, health and well-being, self improvement, personal finance, trivia, and sports.
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It amazes me how white people give each other excuses for their criminal behavior. Your article is clear example of that. You say that they need to be and lighter sentence. Plus, you use the term unjust to break a family up. Well there have been many crimes committed against black family and their is no justice.
If the family was black, they would have been called everything but a child of God. The parents would have been arrested soon after the CNN interview, and kids put in the custody of foster care.
The Heene's deserve everything they are getting, and more. It is unacceptable behavior that the public, law enforcement, and government should not tolerate.
However, article was well written. I know you might disagree. But it is the reality in which we live.
Lawrence
The Heene's should have been arrested immediately, and shoud be be pros
Lawrence, I'm sorry you feel that way about me. Race would not have made any difference here - my opinion of the Heenes would be the same if they were black. I have defended black people in similar circumstances. For example, see the article I wrote on this very site last year in which I pretty much stood alone in saying NY Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burriss was getting shafted by the prosecutors. I don't even recall any black writers coming to his defense.
My statement was not a personal indictment against you. I apologize if I came across to harsh in my discourse. I know all white people are not racist.
However, I will not be remiss in thinking that we live in a color blind society. Also, I am not a racist or an antagonist. Jesus teaches us to be at peace with all men. I merely reacted to situation that was emotionally fueled by the media. Yet, I still stand by the fact that justice most be severed in the Heen's situation.
Lawrence, explanation accepted! I have no problem with the fact that you disagree with me about the punishment the Heenes should receive. There are lots of people of all races who probably agree with you on this matter. I just wish you hadn't interjected race into the issue. Yes, I know racism still exists in today's world and we should all do our part to fight it. However, I don't see it here.
I thought about what you said. It 's my opinion. I am expressing what most black people feel on a daily basis. Racism is woven in the fiber of this country, and unfortunately I feel it every day. It was a thought that came along with reading your article. No reflection on the content of your article.
I tend to agree with on this one. Definitely a hefty fine would be in order, but prison time would only hurt the children and would be counter-productive.
I am rather disappointed with Lawrence's comments however. You made no mention of race or colour in your article, and some of his comments were unfounded. I still have respect for his writing, but wish he hadn't brought race into the equation. I think he's a better man than that.
Lawrence, you are my brother in Christ and I'm glad you are on this site, giving your comments and writing your articles. We all have different opinions and God forbid that we should ever feel that we cannot express them.
I guess I should have given my comment directly to you and not to Terry, but I'm glad you took it upon yourself to respond to me directly.
I respectfully disagree with you. The whole world seemed to stop during this supposed-crisis. Are people going to start calling 911 to get on a reality show? How about the expense of every organization involved. I just hope they are not rewarded with a reality show. I think they should be charged as at least a felon.
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