I have long supported bicyclists being treated the same as drivers. I'm disappointed that Chip Shields proposed this - although if it draws attention to the fact that police officers don't ticket cyclists, it's worth it. Many bicyclists are rude, verbally abuse, and self-absorbed. I go livid when I see them ignoring stop signs and red lights but yet they freak out if the auto driver does something wrong. I do want bicyclists to be required to have drivers' (bicyclist) license, take a safe driving test geared to bicyclists, pay for the license, buy insurance, register and license their bikes and finally pay taxes like the rest of us. I also feel strongly that they should be held to the law the same as anyone else. Ridiculous to say they cause less damage than an auto - it's irrelevant. However, consider that the damage may not be direct but rather a car hitting another car to avoid hitting the cyclist.

I saw the parents make their statement and I am impressed and moved.
To the parents: I applaud your sincerity and your humility. It's clear to most normal minded people that you are in shock, disbelief and trying hard to land on your feet for your daughter, for yourselves and for your community. Hold your head high, you've done the best you know how and you are trying your hardest to make this right. Please know that most normal minded people believe you and also hold you harmless. I understand. There will be people who are ill-willed and will try not to let you and your daughter recover. Ignore them and be true to yourselves. The legal system will do what it has to do and the negative people will soon lose their voices. You will come out of this ok. I'm sorry for your suffering and wish you and your daughter the best recovery.

“It’s just not my mentality,” he said. “I think, ‘OK, I’m going to keep doing this until they say he’s gone.’”

Wow, that's some serious stuff coming from a 16 yr old's mouth. Wonderful job.
I'm so proud to know you're out there! Two 16 yr olds and a 14 yr old! Makes my head spin.

Matt, whew!, glad you were fortunate enough to have a group of kids around you that knew what to do.

Wonderful story to start my Saturday morning. Thank you!

Yes, I'm with you. The police know full well what's happening and they would have told Kaine and the bio mom to keep quiet. My guess is that they are part of the decision for the parents to keep talking. Dunno, but think it is indeed a strategy.

I have to agree with you 100%. I missed it too - just read the article and felt that the friend probably had something to hide. Geez, thanks for brining that to our attention.

On the other hand, I still don't like it, even if she did decline to answer. She shold want to come forward and help as much as possible. It's a kid for cripes sake. Help.

My first thought wasn't about his rights as a business owner. My first thought was how incredibly ridiculous it is. So strange. Sure there are some yucky police officers - yes, I've had experience with one that changed me forever. But I prefer to think that most people are good and decent people and I refuse to generalize all cops as racist or gun-crazy nuts. I believe most officers want to protect us and their community - and by us - I mean ALL of us.

Perhaps this shop owner wanted to enjoy a moment or two of power - and now we've given him so much more! He has a moment or two of fame in the news.

You would think, right? Why can't schools handle this stuff internally? They're scared, they're worried, they don't know how to do it. They are afraid they will get sued. It's too much for them and they truly don't do much of anything about it.

Bullying is so traumatic and it's not a right of passage. I remember being bullied in highschool so badly by an ex boyfriend - 40 years ago. He put sugar in my truck's gas tank. That's nothing compared to what kids get today.

Today it runs deeper. It's way under the skin. The emotional attacks for the kids today - too much.

I like the idea of a third party investigating - that to me perfect. But with the budget cuts for the schools - who would pay for that? Maybe it could be a volunteer sort of thing...but regulated.

A few things come to mind after reading these posts.
"money mongering Morman" - Right. Apprently the writer has some deep issues with Mormans. Mormans are no different than anyone else.
"unionized teachers" - yep, right again. am I the only one who has seen the countless news reports about teachers and coaches abusing students?
It's truly eye opening to see how much money the man would eventually end up with after the award of one million dollars. This makes me feel that he should be awarded more. 25 million is too much for sure - I think he can deal with the pain for a lot less than that. Let's say five million. I have plenty of cilents who have to deal with the pain of childhood abuse and do it without any money and most of them have managed and moved on to productive lives. Not to downplay the severity of this monstrous act though, these individuals do have pain and it doesn't go away. They've just learned to live with it.
I don't think any of us can know or understand why the kid didn't come forward earlier. There could be so many reasons that are valid. I am not going to judge the case based on that.
Sam Adams has nothing to do with this case and it's simply a personal vendetta the writer is demonstrating.
The Boy Scouts are a good group who have provided wonderful service to millions of young boys and young men. The benefits have been very good to some kids. However, any agency has issues and Boy Scouts are the same. I personally don't care for them as a service to my own children because I don't believe in their policy regarding gays. And please remember that all pedophiles are not gay.
More background investigation needs to be done but even still often times the record is hidden. I had a client who was a sex offender and his name didn't show up on the registry or on his record. There were several reasons why - basically slipped through the ctacks. The policy of having two adults with a kid at all times seems the best policy.
There will always be abuse. I would prefer the death penalty myself and a small award for punitive damages.

I've known some incredible coupon people (not all old biddies either) who knew how to do it right. I remember this one girl - she was in front of me in line and the cashier had to give her back like .03 ! It was too funny. I've seen some awesome stuff - just excellent planning, tracking and discipline in the store. These folks have it goin' on.

As for yanking the system, too bad for this woman, she should have known she would get caught. You can only cheat and lie so long... I don't care where she comes from, if she's an immigrant or not. I mean, she could have been anybody - it just so happens this one got caught. Who cares? There will always be people from other countries coming here and living here. Way too much generalizing going on here - she certainly is not indicative of any race, heritage, culture, whatever, well, except for thieves. Why waste my time freaking out about it - make the best out of it and enjoy meeting new people.

He slid under the radar for too long. Too bad none of the other women knew each other as the years progressed. Poor children who were victimized by this pig. I hope he goes away for a long, long, long time.