Monday, March 10, 2008

The new chemical brothers

Two 15 year olds are being charged with a felony after making a "bomb" and blowing up a trashcan at school. Sounds logical right? Here's what bothers me:
The device was made with household cleaning chemicals, the school resource officer said.
Kids have made these for years, and they are not so much as "bombs" as they are noise makers. They make a really loud and scary BANG, but they have more bark than bite. If you held one when it went off I doubt it would break skin. They are usually made by mixing Drano or toilet bowl cleaner with pieces of aluminum foil in a plastic container. You can do the same thing with Baking soda and vinegar. Big deal.

Granted, setting this thing off in school is a foolish and immature thing to do, but 15 year olds are foolish and immature. For this petty crime should these kids get this?
One teen has been charged with making and using a destructive device, a felony offense, and reckless endangerment. Investigators said they intend to charge a second teen with the same offenses in connection with the incident.
The students could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the felony charge.
Way to go team! Saving the planet from destruction, great catch! Go home now and rest your head knowing that these two marauding masochistic miscreants are off the streets for good, thanks to your crime fighting efforts!

At least they didn't call it an "IED" because that would have driven people over the top. School officials bore me these days. I guess their bored as well and that's why they conjure up images of "terrorists" who make "destructive devices" and set them off in school. Bastards.

No comments: