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For what it’s worth, here are some thoughts on this matter:

1. This little girl was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, when the Dad was still free, and he made a choice to deal meth. Meth is a vile drug which now is responsible for a large proportion of the most horrendous child abuse and murder occurring now.

2. A conviction of selling meth doesn’t mean he wasn’t also manufacturing it. Many other charges are often plea-bargained in these cases.

3. The father has had several visits with the child. On the last visit, the media showed up, presumably alerted by the family because the prison officials were upset the media was there. Doubtless they feared a tug-of-war in front of the media with “heartless deputies” versus emotional family members.

4. The child is no longer aware of her environment. Articles say she is now unresponsive and the best the family spokesperson can say is he thought she breathed easier when her Dad was there with her. On the other hand, we do not have any idea how long she will continue to hold out. It could be tomorrow. It could be months from now.

5. The child is in a hospice. There are other people there, also dying, also wanting last wishes such as peace and quiet for themselves and their families and not a media circus caused primarily by the family.

6. It may indeed appear heartless but I doubt we have the entire story. It appears the family has been demanding either a pardon or clemency, or a transfer to a work-release program where Jason could live at home until just recently. The request to allow him there just as she dies is perhaps a later innovation to increase pressure on the prison officials.

7. It is a rule of law that tough cases make bad law, meaning if we rule on emotions only we usually screw up royally because it sets a bad precedent. I sympathize with those urging people to concentrate solely on the child but I also know the law has to concentrate on the offender and the rules. If he does not qualify for the extraordinary rule on releases or transfers, there just might be a reason why, at least more than some official’s power trip considering the bad press it is garnering.

This is a sad case but I don’t think it is as black and white as any of us think it is. Were we wise as Solomon, perhaps we would have a solution. As it is, we are all reacting based on the media’s template. Why should we trust the media more on this than any other case?

Putting on some flame-proof overalls now. Flame away.

Not going to flam as you have it so well thought out and your premise calls for an obvious solution.

You may be right that I and others, are acting on instinct, emotion and a degree of compassion--although for 64 years, my instincts have served me well (and even saved my life a couple of time when in Nam), but what to hey, the RULE of LAW is what it is and never shall it be abridged or conditioned.

Well, I think I will go and have a nice double shot of VO, take a hot shower, say a prayer for father, daughter and all of you hope to God none of you or I are ever subjected to such a miserable situation whence there are no winners-- only the righteous and above reproach!!