24 yr olds given over 15 years for spanking

[Guest cargohome]

wow! I have personally met one of the Brothers mentioned here and i can tell u that there is way more to this story that u will ever know! Just remember the news media is FULL of lies. Also, they r still in jail, and will be for a long time! Both of these Brothers have been an awesome tetimony!!!! I will look through some boxes that i havent gotten around to unpacking and find their website for those updates!!!!

Rachel

[Gerioke]

wow! I have personally met one of the Brothers mentioned here and i can tell u that there is way more to this story that u will ever know! Just remember the news media is FULL of lies. Also, they r still in jail, and will be for a long time! Both of these Brothers have been an awesome tetimony!!!! I will look through some boxes that i havent gotten around to unpacking and find their website for those updates!!!!

Rachel

Maybe they will start a prison ministry.

[Guest LadyC]

marnie, thank you for filling in the blanks. they deserved to be in jail.

[Sweet Servent]

It happens every day.

Righting injustice, not waiting for it, is our duty

By RON LUNDBERG

Published December 5, 2005

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does injustice always win? Only your letters of support will bring justice.

It is so obvious, to so many of us, that Adam Bollenback's crime does not warrant the punishment. No way does a 16-year-old juvenile stealing a six pack of beer from an open garage, in broad daylight, even if the law defines it is burglary of an occupied dwelling, deserve a sentence of 10 years in adult prison.

Juveniles who have murdered have received lesser sentences.

Another sentencing example is that of U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, an eight-term congressman and Vietnam War fighter pilot, who admitted taking $2.4-million in bribes. He could get up to 10 years in prison at sentencing on federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud, and tax evasion.

Wow, up to 10 years.

And yet, after 40 months, Adam, who is bipolar and has an ADHD mental disorder, is still in prison. What is wrong?

I believe that in this world there are three types of people: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who say, "What happened?"

What happened in Adam's case is that he did steal the beer. This was the mischievous act of a 16-year-old who had no intent to harm anyone. He went to court, where he was considered an adult.

Months earlier, Adam had been charged as an adult for theft of a bag of potato chips from his school lunchroom. This charge was dropped, but according to the law, once charged as an adult, you cannot be charged as a juvenile.

Adam went before Circuit Judge Ric Howard who admitted that he was using Adam as a teaching tool in front of other juvenile offenders. The result was a sentence of 10 years in prison.

This was a legal sentence in the sense that it was within the sentencing guidelines for the crime of burglary of an occupied dwelling. But was it right? Justice was not well served.

For 40 months, one-third of the 10-year sentence, we have watched the newspapers for this ridiculous and notorious situation to be resolved. The newspaper staffs have written so many fine articles, trying to make us aware of the extent of mental illness needs and the problem of juveniles in prison.

But the newspaper's function is only to watch it happen and to report, so we the people are aware and can do something.

Who is supposed to make it happen? Who can correct this injustice?

Only the governor has the power to act. Our legislators create the laws but leave it to the courts to interpret.

After a year and a half in prison, a request was sent to have Adam's case reviewed. It was denied, stating that a minimum of serving two years was required before review. Within months, Adam was stabbed in the neck with an ice pick by a fellow inmate.

A second request for clemency was sent in November 2003, requesting review of the case in fear that Adam would not make the two-year requirement. The case is now set for a Clemency Review meeting on Dec. 15 in Tallahassee.

There are rules to be followed and procedures to go through. I believe that rules and the process, however, are made for the usual sentences. Leaders are chosen to do what is right, especially when the rules or guidelines should not apply and injustice wins.

Judges have the discretion to deviate from the sentencing guidelines. This did not happen in Adam's case. So, what can we do?

If the Clemency Review committee renders an "unfavorable" recommendation for release, Adam will spend another three years in prison, from the date of denial, before the next request for clemency can be submitted. Then add the process time before the hearing.

Just how much blood does the justice system demand for stealing a six-pack of beer?

Like many of you, I am just one of "we the people" who want this situation corrected and Adam released. But only if the voice of the people is heard will this happen. Just don't ask, "What happened?" or "watch what happens" in the newspapers to see what they can do. Choose to make the difference.

As one of "we the people," you have the opportunity to "make it happen."

Criminalization of youth with mental health conditions is a nationwide problem, but Adam is our local example of being incarcerated rather than receiving treatment. I believe:

--that juveniles should not be sent to an adult prison unless, as intended, a major crime has been committed;

--that mental health treatment is a better alternative to jail;

--that Adam has served more than enough time for his crime and should come home to Citrus County.

If you agree, please send a signed letter saying you support Adam to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), P.O. Box 641312, Beverly Hills, FL 34465.

Your letters will be presented at the Dec. 15 Clemency Review meeting, where we hope that justice will finally prevail and Adam Bollenback will be released.

--Ron Lundberg is the advocacy chairman on the board of directors for the Citrus County chapter of NAMI. Guest columnists write their own views on subjects they choose, which do no necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.

[Last modified December 5, 2005, 03:00:29

[jackie d]

Yes, you heard it right here folks...I believe in the old rule of thumb an eye for an eye.

blessings

Then you disagree with Jesus, who said this in Matthew 5:38, 39--

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

How do you reconcile this? I am just curious. I think I know what you meant, but the way you said it can be misleading for new or immature believers.

Marnie, there is no need for me to reconcile this. I know what I meant, you know what I meant....and no I do not disagree with Jesus.

He also said that he did not come to bring peace but a sword. Why do you think that is?

Let's put this another way the law of the land is in place for a reason..supposedly..Christ says to turn the other cheek. He also says to obey the laws of the land. So put the laws to practice, in the right way, at all times and perhaps there would be less who break such laws and less cheeks would have to be turned.

Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp[g] sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

I look forward to the day when justice is wielded on all of mankind. For the unknown crimes against innocent people are many and go unpunished. But those that are made known today, let justice be done.

Does this make me uncompassionate? Maybe you will think so, God knows my heart.

A note to "new or immature believers"...if you are wondering what I mean by this and have questions feel free to PM me.

Blessings

Edited October 26, 2006 by jackie d

[tah]

I read about this on another site...very sad stuff being said on both sides of the issue..

If these men did beat the child and it was my child I would prosecute..

I am an avid advocate of punishment but abuse is criminal.....

I read the post that one of you know these young men and they are not guilty..

If that is true then may it come to light...

[irishcowboy]

from what i read about this case, those two so called ministers, should be hog tied and beat with the same amount of lashes that they delt out.

spanking does not rupture or injure organs or even the skin. I know, i have had my fair share of spankings in my child hood, and none of them broke skin, might have reddened my backside for a while, but never even bruised me... i know there were times it might have felt like it, but didnt.....

and never did it last for almost an hour with one person beating on me.....

this was a simple act of assult and battery (at the very least) on a minor with intent to do bodily harm (the butt is where you spank, not the back).......

15 years? excessive? nope.... let them pay for their crimes here, repent, and seek the Lords Graces again, rather then letting them off here and having them miss out on eternity with the Lord.

mikie

[siddharta]

Yes, you heard it right here folks...I believe in the old rule of thumb an eye for an eye.

blessings

Then you disagree with Jesus, who said this in Matthew 5:38, 39--

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

How do you reconcile this? I am just curious. I think I know what you meant, but the way you said it can be misleading for new or immature believers.

Marnie, there is no need for me to reconcile this. I know what I meant, you know what I meant....and no I do not disagree with Jesus.

He also said that he did not come to bring peace but a sword. Why do you think that is?

Let's put this another way the law of the land is in place for a reason..supposedly..Christ says to turn the other cheek. He also says to obey the laws of the land. So put the laws to practice, in the right way, at all times and perhaps there would be less who break such laws and less cheeks would have to be turned.

Revelation 19:15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp[g] sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

I look forward to the day when justice is wielded on all of mankind. For the unknown crimes against innocent people are many and go unpunished. But those that are made known today, let justice be done.

Does this make me uncompassionate? Maybe you will think so, God knows my heart.

A note to "new or immature believers"...if you are wondering what I mean by this and have questions feel free to PM me.

Blessings

You will notice that it's God enforcing justice in Revelation, against the corrupt governing authorities. Vengeance belongs to God, to us he has commanded peace. We may suffer, but that's basically been gauranteed to us anyway.

That being said, anyone who uses their position in God's church to abuse anybody needs to be separated from the rest of society. That's not retribution, that's just protecting our kids.

[jackie d]

If your hand offends cut it off..it is better to enter into heaven with one hand that to live eternity in hell with both.

If your eye offends pluck it out..it is better to have one eye and enter into heaven than to live eternity in hell with both.

We are supposed to turn the other cheek when someone offends us, Christians..are we supposed to turn the other cheek when someone offends our children? No, they were placed in our protection. And yet if my son killed another human being then I would expect the law to take charge of him and punish him accordingly. If my daughter was involved in gangs and there was a gang up on a weaker individual I would expect the law to punish her accordingly.

I may not like it. But here is how it is..one day my daughter came home and told me how she had gotten mad at one of the boys in her class because he accidentally ripped a paper of hers. When the little boy didn't seem sorry enough for his actions she got other kids in the classroom to verbally gang up on the little boy during lunch recess causing him to cry and tell the principle. They ended up in the principles office for it. I let her tell me the story and then I spanked her. Why? Because she treated another person with contempt and it is wrong. I hugged her after, told her that I love her and explained why she was spanked. She will not forget the incident.

Nor should the people that harm others..if the law is there for people's protection then let them do their job. If there was ever a time that I was called for jury duty and it was a murder case and part of the job was to deal the death sentence or not. If the death sentence was deemed righteous according to the heinousness of the crime and the law of the state. Then I would vote in favor of it.

There would most certainly be less crime if there were stricter punishments made by our lawmakers and enforcers. And if there weren't so many grey areas for criminals and their attorney's to work around. Again, an eye for an eye.

blessings

Edited October 27, 2006 by jackie d

[siddharta]

I may not like it. But here is how it is..one day my daughter came home and told me how she had gotten mad at one of the boys in her class because he accidentally ripped a paper of hers. When the little boy didn't seem sorry enough for his actions she got other kids in the classroom to verbally gang up on the little boy during lunch recess causing him to cry and tell the principle. They ended up in the principles office for it. I let her tell me the story and then I spanked her. Why? Because she treated another person with contempt and it is wrong. I hugged her after, told her that I love her and explained why she was spanked. She will not forget the incident.

Nor should the people that harm others..if the law is there for people's protection then let them do their job. If there was ever a time that I was called for jury duty and it was a murder case and part of the job was to deal the death sentence or not. If the death sentence was deemed righteous according to the heinousness of the crime and the law of the state. Then I would vote in favor of it.

There would most certainly be less crime if there were stricter punishments made by our lawmakers and enforcers. And if there weren't so many grey areas for criminals and their attorney's to work around. Again, an eye for an eye.

blessings

Here's the thing. You gave your daughter a punishment in order to help her. The death penalty doesn't help the criminal, who for all you know might be innocent. It doesn't help society, because the person might just as easily be quarantined from society in prison. In England, for instance, there is no capital punishment and do you know, the majority of police officers don't even carry guns.

Let's be honest. The purpose of the death penalty is retribution. Whatever arguments we fabricate, the reason we all like it is because we know that a murderer "deserves it." Well so do I. Thank God we don't all get what we deserve.

For the sake of getting back to the topic, I agree that people who abuse children should be removed from society, but to protect society, not to simply slake our thirst for blood . . . right guys? Whatever exceeds what is necessary to protect society lowers us to the level of criminals ourselves.