<snip>
>
>I'm usually pretty black and white about crime and punishment, but for the first time in my life I understand how somebody can be driven to do something that lacks integrity out of desperation.
>
>To see the horrible things that are happening to the people I love the most in my life as a result of this coward is killing me.
>
>Life isn't fair.

No, life is not fair....especially for the good guys.

The only thing that has consistently kept me on the high road is, back in the late 50's I performed the duty of Brig guard while in the Navy. One night I went into a cell and closed the door. That did it for me. Since then, I've known that if I were to take the low road, I would be caught and end up spending the rest of my life behind bars.

Have I ever wanted to take the low road? You bet! Would I? There are probably circumstances that could make me do the unthinkable, because I know what the personal penalty would be. I do believe that all humans can be driven to take drastic action especially when it comes to defending and protecting their loved ones.

There are those that I love so much, that if a scum of the earth was to do serious harm to them...........

Other things that help to keep me straight are my religion and my family. My family, down to my latest great-grandson count on me to be here for them. Is it worth it to sacrifice all that I have for what is going on? Is serious harm part of the equation? Or, is it something like what a young girl said to me once....."Most of us girls go through a phase where we like to hang out with the bad boys, but we don't end up marrying them."

One thing for certain, you can't tell a kid anything.....and anyone younger than me is a kid.