Viewpoints
Balloon Boy parents should pay
Phil Riddle
editor@weatherforddemocrat.com
More than 90 percent of respondents in this week’s www.weatherforddemocrat.com online poll think the balloon boy and his parents should be held responsible for what is looking more and more like a publicity-seeking hoax by the Colorado family.
Slightly more than 52 percent of the week’s voters said the family should be held accountable for expenses related to the “rescue” efforts, while nearly 42 percent say applicable charges should be filed.
Very few, slightly more than 6 percent, say to just forget about it.
The poll is not scientific in nature and reflects only the opinions of those who voted.
The story of the balloon boy captured the attention of a nation-wide audience when the Fort Collins, Colo., 6-year-old was reported to be inside a run-away balloon reportedly designed and built by the father who wanted his family on a reality TV show.
Fear for the boy’s welfare turned to scorn when the balloon landed, but the boy was discovered in the family home. The alleged plot to use the event for publicity and a better chance of landing the TV series seemed to unravel when the boy told a national broadcast audience, “It was for the show.”
Local residents had a chance to offer their opinions in Friday’s Democrat Talk Back section.
“Some kind of charges should be filed,” said Carrie Carrillo, “And they should pay the fines.”
Natalie Grimshaw agreed.
“Some fines should be paid,” she said. “They shouldn’t get off scot-free. Something should be done to pay back the money wasted.”
There was also concern for the welfare of the boy, as well as his siblings.
“An innocent life could have been lost all for a hoax,” Pete Hawkins said.
“If he had the intent to defraud, he needs to be punished,” said Robert Parten,” especially for using his kids.”
To participate in the online poll, click on www.weatherforddemocrat.com and scroll to the bottom of the page.
“This week’s question — “Who will win the World Series?”
- Viewpoints
-
-
John Doe’s addiction
How addicted are we to the federal dole? More than we realize or care to admit.
-
The taxi cab TV thief
The bad guys on TV and in the movies are always looking to steal valuables from unsuspecting victims. That’s just what they do.
-
The tip of the spear
The term, “Tip of the Spear,” has been used over the ages to describe the lead element of a weapon or offensive military assault. The tip of a spear, arrow or lance is the sharp, pointed or cutting edge that tears into the quarry or foe to impose dominance over it. It enables the ultimate victory.
-
The Oscars remain a guilty pleasure
Did you watch the Academy Awards Sunday night? I did. I do every year. It’s my guilty pleasure in life, watching the rich and famous parade in front of the world and thank everyone from the Academy to their parents to their agents for “all you do,” whatever that may be.
-
Poll: Lottery proceeds would go to retirement
It’s an intriguing thought.
If you had millions of dollars fall in your lap, how would you spend it. -
Texas traffic and the angry emu
As a driver in Texas, I have become pretty jaded.
There’s not a lot we don’t see.
Rolling west on Interstate 20 across the flatlands to a bumper-to-bumper 200-mile jaunt south on I-35, drivers in our state are apt to see anything. -
County steps up for its own in UW campaign
It’s an old saying Texans, long known for their spirit of independence, are especially fond of.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
And did they ever. -
The age of majority
Are you one of those rare and unique individuals who never did anything really stupid or embarrassing when you were a teenager? No? Yeah right, I didn’t either.
-
Keep your laws off my body
“It’s a free country.”
That’s a popular saying — and true in many ways. But for a free country, America does ban a lot of things that are perfectly peaceful and consensual. Why is that? - It Takes a Village Idiot
- More Viewpoints Headlines
-
John Doe’s addiction
