Of course, most people (and politicians) ignore those things until it's their kid on the carton and then they're all frantic - running around the neighborhood posting pictures of their kids on everything.
I remember one lady at the shopping mall frantically looking for her little girl who had gone missing. The kid was found in a toy store, but the image of that mother's frantic face was seared on my brain.
This, of course, leads us to today's news about an illegal (ooopsy, "undocumented") alien who walked into a Walmart in Louisiana wielding a machete seeking to kidnap children. You heard right - kidnap children.
Seems Billy Yoe Buidier-Herrera walked up to a woman with two children and informed her that if she did not cooperate (i.e. let him kidnap her children), that he would kill her. A struggle subsequently ensued (because, she did not want Billy to steal away her kids).
Unsuccessful with the first attempt, Billy tried a second time - and failed. Then he ran away, swung his machete at employees, and left the building.
Sure hope Louisiana isn't a sanctuary state or else, well, Billy might just be freed to kidnap other children.
Does anyone know where people come up with these ideas (i.e. kidnap children)? Do they do this in their own home country? Is this sort of thing acceptable in parts north, south, east, or west of the United States border? Even if is, it isn't here. Play by our rules, folks, or go back home.
Then there is the story of the guy who followed a young girl home from the school bus stop. Seems young girl noticed a guy in a white pick-up truck driving OJ Simpson slow behind her. Truck follows girl to her house whereupon girl turns and makes eye contact.
The guy then got out of his truck and casually walked up to the girl's front door. Now, weirdo has a target and knows where she lives.
That's just great.
The thing that got me is that a woman across the way was watching everything with great interest. The story doesn't say whether anyone called the police nor did anyone confront the guy and all they got was a vague description of the truck.
HEY! Maybe pay attention to the license plate next time and stop with the nosy neighbor thing so we can get these weirdos off the street?!
As a professional law Librarian, I see crazy all the time as it relates to children. There's the (all too common) kidnapping between formerly married spouses, there's the local pedophilia that still goes on, there's the attacks, the abuse, the violence. It's crazy and getting crazier.
Heck, my boss got on my case a while back because I wasn't more aloof. Geesh - nothing to do but rail on the staff. Really? Thing is, after a while, this stuff gets to you and the only person I have to talk to is the mirror.
Imagine someone coming to you and in all confidentiality they tell you that they've been charged with sodomizing a 5-year old kid under California Penal Code 286 and Penal Code 286 - and I have to keep it together? Could you?
Of course, I maintain the professional face and go to work helping everyone. Maybe it's because I have kids of my own now that I'm keyed in on this stuff.
Regardless, whenever anyone comes in seeking help of a criminal nature, I generally always suggest they take a look at:
- California Criminal Law: procedure and practice (CEB)
- Witkin Criminal Law (TR)
- Criminal Defense Techniques (Lexis)
- California Criminal Practice Motions Jury Instructions and Sentencing (TR)
...and the beat goes on.
If you ever find that you've been caught in a legal snare and need help, your local county law library is probably your best first line of defense. I may not agree with what you've done (and you won't hear it from me) but I'll help you find whatever it is you're looking for.
After all, you're someone's child too, and we all need help.
After all, you're someone's child too, and we all need help.
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