Those assembling a lynch mob for the children who allegedly started the Eagle Creek Fire either never had teenage children or are in denial of what their teenagers do behind their backs. There are thousands of memes, blogs, books, documentaries and news reports regarding the difficulties of adolescence. The children involved should do years of community and environmental service in all of the affected areas as punishment.
I’d like to think that my son would never do anything so careless. But I know he could. It just as easily could have been a cigarette or campfire up the river. For those parents quick to judge these children’s parents, what are your children doing right now? Are you 100 percent sure? We’re all more careless with reality because of our increasing detachment from it — especially regarding the fragility of Mother Nature.
In hopes that any of the parents of the responsible children read this: Snap him or her back to reality. Start with a drive to one of the shelters helping the displaced families. Anonymously ask people there to tell their stories. Take them to the fire. Ingrain it into their brain. Then love and support them unconditionally, without judgment.
