Posted on 10/31/2007 3:05:57 AM PDT by ShadowDancer
In case you hadn't noticed, one of the key benefits of Free Republic for a large segment of the membership is the chance to engage in the sport of passing judgment and handing out Draconian virtual sentences to anyone whose character or actions are characterized in media stories in ways that they choose to take offense at - without the inconvenience of actually having to dress up in one of those bulky Spanish Inquisition costumes.
You're spoiling all the fun... ;)
If the parent would put their handbag/briefcase IN the back of the car, so they have to at least look in the back when they get out of the car, or more likely, open the rear door, this would not happen.
This is such a simple solution, I’m surprised it doesn’t get more press.
Because he’s an idiot.. she worked at hooters, of course she’s a drunk and a stoner come one... (Rolling Eyes).
Was a story not long ago where an attorney did the exact same thing...
Sadly and tragically mistakes happen, they don’t always involve drugs and alcohol.
We didn't seem to hear about this back in the days of my youth, before child seats were in fashion. Heck, even lap belts weren't present in cars when I was very young. I have no idea how I was restrained, but I'm pretty certain that I was up front where Mom could keep an eye on me (and not forget that I was there).
I personally know someone (really a friend of a friend) who forgot a dog in their car. This person is on the whole, 99% of the time a fairly functional individual who works and has two kids. The other 1% of the time she’s struggled with depression, and lack of motivation. Not totally sure what my point is here :) - I guess only to say that people that are in this circumstance are probably not monsters - they’re more likely people that maybe in other circumstances we might call “spacey”. Maybe like the type of person who locks their keys in their car, or who leaves a burner going on a stove. I also think the points made already on this thread are good ones - the mandatory car seats in the back facing the rear, the increase in single parenting - are all factors at work here.
What is with these people? I never heard about this many cases of this before a few years ago.
“Back in June, a local man was arrested and charged after leaving his DOG in the car.”
My thoughts exactly. This person may get off with a slap on the wrist. If it was a dog the media would have her stoned to death.
Let me slide away from the death/neglect part of this case for a moment. It can be assumed there was no father/husband in this woman’s life. Now, we can act like holy rollers and insult her all day long for it, but facts are facts. She either works...and takes the kid to day care, or stays at home and goes on welfare. Which do you prefer?
I realize that there are other solutions, like working at home, having family members babysit, etc...and I’d rather see people do them. But realize very few people LIKE taking their kids to day care.
Your last sentence BTW is an example of just moronic stupidity...I hate to say it but someone that dumb shouldn’t be passing their genes on. Not the kids fault in any way...don’t misunderstand me.
>> an attorney did the exact same thing...Sadly and tragically mistakes happen, they don’t always involve drugs and alcohol.
What, because it was a LAWYER (let’s call a spade a spade here!) you think drugs/alcohol weren’t involved?
LOL at your gullibility.
Cause-du-jour of the media, like shark bites, murdered pregnant women, car chases, etc.
If it weren’t so true I’d laugh.
We’re a good group of people here, but too many of us are quick to judge others...which does nothing but give fodder to the MSM and liberals to quote FR and trump out what intolerant judgemental zealots we are.
Actually, it shows how our brains work. Particularly when tired, we do many things on auto-pilot. That part of our brain allows us to function in complex scenarios, but it also screws things up badly when the scenario has a hiccup.
Many fatal accidents (including driving, plane crashes, sports accidents, etc)cause folks to ask, “What were they thinking?” - and in many cases, the answer is, “They weren’t.”
It isn’t malicious or even wrong. It is a function of how our brains enable us to handle daily life.
Tragic, yes.
It's more likely that the mother was late for work, stressed and distracted, and became a victim of the law that makes parents place their kids in the back seat facing the rear of the car. Out of sight, out of mind.
That’s completely true.
Almost everyone here can admit that there has been a time or two when we drove home 30 miles from somewhere and don’t really remember what we saw on the drive or any of the details.
Sober, I mean!
LOL
Yesterday my wife and I were watching a story about an RV that exploded on the freeway. The reporter used phrases like “burned to the ground” and “was engulfed in flames” to describe the condition of the vehicle. She then ended the story with the astute comment, “the RV was a total loss”.
It’s amazing reporters actually graduate with degrees in journalism.
Nope.
Lower taxes back then....both parents didn't have to work to survive.
Prior to the feminist movement....women didn't feel the need to work to be "equal."
Prior to laws requiring babies to be strapped in a back seat facing the rear of the car....out of sight, out of mind.
Yeah...like having a job to support your family. I used to work with this guy who would take off or go home more than anyone. He always said 'his family came first'. I though....you idiot...your JOB comes first because without it you won't have a family life.
Maybe not. I know someone who did it. If you have another child, you can’t really just check out.
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