Sending wrong message to youth | Napa Valley Register

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Sending wrong message to youth

Friday, December 14, 2007

Comment

Dear editor, I was amazed and appalled to read Saturday morning’s front page news regarding the accidental shooting death of Robert Ratto (“Napa teen gets one year for death of friend,” Dec. 8).

As a mother of a teenage son, I cannot believe our court system is not making an example of Daryl Yadao. With gang violence and drug abuse obviously a prevalent problem within our community, I would hope such a horrific accident would be an eye-opener to all parents of teens and to the public in general. I feel sad for the families of both boys, however, what are we saying to all other teen boys involved in drug and gang activity We are saying that you can accidentally kill your friend, sell and use drugs, and the result is one year at a camp. Wow! What reform do these camps offer? What reform does juvenile hall offer?

Justice and reform will never prevail as long as we are slapping our boys on the wrists and making excuses for their behavior. If all children of divorce or otherwise less than favorable upbringing were to get caught up in gang or drug activity, we would need to build a camp of our own right here in Napa. We could then assign Superior Court Judge Ray Guadagni to run the camp and be responsible for the reform of more than half of all our teens.

Michelle Vandal / Napa

5 comment(s)

Common Sense wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:49 AM:

" Well said, Michelle. Our society, across the board, lacks in accountability. "

hawkeye wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:31 AM:

" Very well written! Our judicial system for years and across the country has suffered from stories like this. It is a major problem in this country. There needs to be stricter guidelines for potential judges. I have read books written by very prominent judges who write about stories of bone-headed decisions made by their colleagues that blew me away. And they speak of how corrupt and inept our court system really is. These problems remove any accountability on the part of the criminals who know they can get away with just about anything. It's the sad truth. I'm equally amazed at all the comments that are posted of people defending their criminal behaviour. It's simple folks. You do the crime, you (should) do the time. "

hawkeye wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:38 AM:

" Another thing that bothers me are plea bargains. A reduced sentence for admitting guilt. I'll never understand why a person gets off easier just because he admits he did it. A crime is a crime is a crime. I don't know if there was a plea bargain involved in this case, but he admits to at least most of the charges. "

LEELA80 wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:39 AM:

" Gang violence is a major issue in Napa but just to inform the people that do not know these boys involved and keep bringing up gangs...Daryl was not a gang member!!!! Yes BOTH the boys did experiment with drugs but were friends and this was a horrible ACCIDENT that should have never happened this is why we need to teach our children reguardless if they are scared and think that carrying a gun is protection or is cool its not ok!! and is dangerous and the outcome of improper gun handleing is deadly and did cost a young boy his life.I think that the choice of the camp instead of CYA was a good choice because CYA just makes kids more violent and disturbed when the exit that place. I have never lost a child in this manner and hope i never do but have lost a family member to violence and the murder was INTENTIONAL and that monster now walks the streets only 3 years after taking someones life. GOD BLESS BOTH FAMILIES AND REST IN PEACE ROBERT "

Bill wrote on Dec 14, 2007 3:02 PM:

" Was he convicted of gang activity and selling drugs also? I don't remember this. "

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