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Parent: Our son, a good kid, will pay heavily for this thoughtless mistake


Saturday, November 3, 2007 7:36 AM PDT

Comments (412 comment(s))

Editor's note: The following is a letter to the community from a parent of one of the students arrested Thursday for releasing a noxious gas at Lodi High. We have verified that the letter is genuine; however, we have agreed to the parent's desire to remain anonymous because of the sensitivities involved.

As parents of one of the moronic, stupid idiots who brought the pepper spray to school, we have something to say.

Yes, our son made THE worst decision he has made in his life of 16 years, 4 months and 11 days. He did not think through the consequences of his actions, as most teenagers don't. Unfortunately, his decision affected the lives of many, including his own and that of his family. He, as he should be, is beyond remorseful as well as saddened by what he has caused. He was ignorant of the enormity of his actions until it all came down, and now he realizes that he is morally and civilly responsible for damages, and is preparing to face this. He will be forced to read the blogs to see just how hard-hearted and judgmental people can be, some of them rightfully so.

We thank God that no one was fatally injured, and we can only pray that the kids who were taken to the hospital will recover fully. You bloggers think what you want. None of us, including my son, want anyone to be permanently physically damaged by this ordeal.

If any of you have anything to say to us, we encourage you to do so. But take a cold, hard look at your life and tell us you or someone you love has not made a poor decision that affected the lives of others. Yes, he's our son. We love him very much and we are sorry for what he has done. To all the students and parents out there, please know that we are very sorry for this. To answer any lingering questions: He does not come from a broken home. He has a clean record, up until now. Neither of his parents use drugs. I may have a drink on occasion; my husband doesn't drink at all. We are in contact with our children when they are out and about. We have family game night on Wednesdays; we sit down at the dinner table and eat as a family 3 to 4 nights a week. We attend football games together. We eat out together as a family one night a week. We go to family functions, weddings, baby showers and baby births together. He attends youth group occasionally. We attend church as a family occasionally.

He has a multitude of friends that come to the house that are GOOD kids. He's a good kid. He has aspirations of joining the ATF after college. He works for his uncle in the summer. He participates in football and wrestling.

He is a good kid who made a horrible mistake. He will be affected by this for the rest of his life, and we hope that any of you who read this will talk to your kids about the consequences of one prank that can go bad, how important it is in life to think before you act. He will not get off with a slap on the wrist.

He will pay the consequences as deemed necessary by a judge, his parents and his own conscience.

Reader Feedback

Parent wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:38 PM:

" These kids messed up, but juvie is not the place for them. I've worked at Peterson Hall before. Kids in for minor offenses are exposed to kids who are in for felonies and have the mindset of prison inmates. Not a good learning experience. There is a boot camp that seems to do some good for some kids, though. "

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to lucky mommy wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:17 PM:

" its people like you that make excuses.i hope your not a parent. lol "

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Luckeymommy wrote on Nov 16, 2007 6:24 PM:

" Fortunately, for alot of the "blogging" parents on this website, their identities are annonymous. I am sure that a large majority of these parents have children with myspace accounts and it would be quite humorous and hypocritical for them (and us) to view these pages. Half of your daughters are probably promiscuous; Your sons are graphic, inappropriate and drug/alcohol infested. Its unfortunate for the families of these "one-day malicious attackers" that their "horrible parenting" was broadcasted and the rest of Lodi can sit and point fingers even though indirectly, their children are making Lodi more and more unsafe EVERYDAY. "

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To Hey Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 5:30 PM:

" How do you know this person is a woman? Or do you with your superior wit just devine these things? I mean anyone with an IQ the same number as their shoe size must be good. Right? "

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lodi resident wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:10 PM:

" By the way parents you need to check your kids rooms to see if there are guns around, you didnt seem to think to much of them having the pepper spray. be parents get your heads out of the sand.your kids are almost adults and you havent done a very good job. "

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lodi resident wrote on Nov 16, 2007 12:06 PM:

" These boys are criminals and should be treated as such. What are you people thinking to many get away with way to much a harmless prank would have been throwing soap in water fall. not this.these boys tried to hurt kids and should not get away with it. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:39 AM:

" sound guy: Good, another voice of reason. Punish these kids, yes indeed, but prosecute them like they are hardened criminals?... no. Teach them a good lesson for this, but allow them to atone and become responsible adults. This will not happen if you send them to prison (as some would like). I hope these kids' parents are the hardest on them of anyone, but they also need to know that people can screw up really bad and still make amends and work to be a person of integrity and character. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:31 AM:

" To: listen to "oh my": I believe most people have "goofed up" in some way shape or form in their youth. So, what's the point of your comment? "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2007 9:29 AM:

" The parents stated that they are going to be civilly responsible. Why would one still sue them if they have already agreed to be responsible? "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 16, 2007 8:03 AM:

" Ica, why shouldn't a lawsuit happen here? I understand that the parents of the victims have medical expenses from the incident and are the parents of the defendants paying those? Are the defendants? If they are not going to make restitution shouldn't they be required too? What other tool to extract restitution do you have but a lawsuit? "

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Woodbridge Resident wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:19 PM:

" To Griot: 11/7/07 FINALLY! Sorry, it's taken so long. I have had computer difficulties. Anyhoo, yes I am sorry your children are not on their way to prison. It seems they would be better of in the system, than in your bumbling hands. Also, thanks for the laugh! It's INTELLIGENCE - not INTELLAGENCE! Gotta love it! Now you have a nice day! ;) "

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Hey Lodian wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:05 PM:

" Have you seen pleny of adults releasing noxious gas into public crowded places? LOL, As if to suggest that makes it any less of a crime. LOL. I bet you wake up every morning hoping theres some new drama going on with the homeless peope or ANYONE other than the Lodi teen set. LOL LMAOOOOOOOO KEEP DREAMING WOMAN! DENY, DEFLECT, DISMISS AND DEFEND. THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!! "

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lca wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:08 PM:

" Yes, on certain occasions a lawsuit is justified but NOT IN THIS CASE. Move on.... "

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sound guy wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:00 AM:

" Really? all this over a stupid prank? mean prank yes, but prank. Kids will be kids. This said, it does not give them a free pass. They will still have the repercussions to deal with. As teenagers I'm sure we all pulled some sort of mean spirited prank. I too am a parent by the way. "

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CDW is right on wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:34 AM:

" I think that these good kids who played football, new that there were adverse reactions when people are exposed to pepper spray. Kids will be kids is not a defense for someone knowing exposing innocent people to a substance that is intended for self defense. "

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cdw wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:34 AM:

" those boys knew what was going to happen. They wanted to see how fun it would be to see the kids suffer. They go caught and figured they would not. They were just having fun. They need to be punished or else grow up as an adult and do worse things. "

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listen to"oh my" wrote on Nov 14, 2007 3:10 PM:

" Spoken like a parents whose kids have goofed up. "

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TJB wrote on Nov 14, 2007 2:50 PM:

" I thaght that the students should be expeled. I even took the pool. But reading this article changed my mind. Ithink the student and the parents are truly sorry. If there was anyway to revote I would. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:33 AM:

" A lawsuit brings a remedy and is an aplication to society for justice. No more and no less than that. When a child is hurt by a malicious criminal act like this incident it seems evident that a victim should be able to seek reimbursement for the injury, for the hospital bills, and for the burden of the harm suffered. It's worse to think that we have people that don't readily shoulder those costs when their children have harmed someone but what is worse is when I see people condemming victims for seeking justice. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:28 AM:

" I've never claimed to be a perfect parent or have perfect kids and these argumnets claiming that some special knowledge is gained from having kids, or having kids at a certain age...misses the point. The point is values and applying those values without regard to race or whether it is you child that has done a malicious criminal act. Given some of the responses here, I'm not surprised that we have the level of trouble and mis-behaving kids thatwe see in our schools. "

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This is over sensationalized wrote on Nov 14, 2007 12:03 AM:

" To ajax....you must be spending too much time with the cleaning agents. Were you locked up in the bathroom with ajax and cleaning products and burnt your good senses? You keep pulling out the card, whether it be race, neighborhood redlining, culture, or differences in income levels - you are a trouble maker and a rabble-rouser...I feel sorry for your children and those around you. Wow, I hope you are not my eastside neighbor! "

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oh my wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:30 PM:

" Ajax: Come back and talk it up when your kids are teenagers. Then we'll see you eat crow. "

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to Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:45 PM:

" Everytime I want to blog a comment here, you beat me to it. Thank you for your insightful blogs. I agree with you 100%. I could not say it any better. THNX. "

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To Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 5:05 PM:

" Your kids must be perfect than,right. Never a bad choice or a mistake? You must really be model citizen.SUE,SUE,SUE!!!! I guess I should teach my kids that. If someone steps on your foot in the hallway at school be sure and sue them. They might pay your way through college.Just make sure you get one from the EAST SIDE. Thats where the big lawsuits are,and if they are hispanic everyone in the community will agree with you. Thanks,I was wondering how I was going to get my kids through college too. "

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waste wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:41 PM:

" The parents wrote on behalf of their son, to the parents. the son wrote to the students on myspace. "

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waste wrote on Nov 13, 2007 4:39 PM:

" I just read these blogs and its sad that people are wanting to sue for this prank. Unless money was actually spent on the kids who needed attention, just let it go. Your child is fine. The mom wrote this letter because she is THE MOM! Yes, her son should have wrote one as well, but as a mother you protect your kids.The child is being punished! He will be in trouble for a long time, with parents and legally. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Being a parent (which I am) has no bearing on the argument at hand. When your child does a malicious criminal act we are suppossed to excuse it at the expense of justice and the needs of the victims. When it's a family from the east side whose child has done a malicious act, then that becomes a different story in these blogs. What these young men did was a crime and attempt to mitigate it all you want but these are felonies committed against inncocent kids. Take it to a jury and see what happens. "

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A parent's note wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:30 PM:

" I have 3 children and we raise them to think and act responsible and on them about everything. It is a parents job to do so, but one thing I do know is we can not control every second of their lives and we hope, as parents, they make the right decision based on ethics, values and morals. "

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Oh boy wrote on Nov 13, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Ajax has no children. It's obvious. He is clueless about raising children and what is a stupid childish act and what is the malicious act of a criminal. No one deserves compensation. Only kids with existing conditions went to the hospital. Stop blowing this out of proportion, Ajax. These kids will be punished, but not jailed as you would like. You are more of a threat to society than these kids. You and your lawyers are a danger to society. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 8:54 AM:

" You don't have to have a permanent injury to bring a suit or deserve compensation especially when the act was wanton. Death or the threat of death is not a predicate for bringing suit. Moreover this criminal act was in malice. That is obvious. Victims who have suffered are not maggots. They have a right to be compensated for their injury. Finally, given the nature of the comments from the people who have identified themselves as related to the defendants, it is not surprising that these young men did these crimes. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 13, 2007 8:48 AM:

" How am I feeling sorry for myself? That's seems to be a silly question. The fact is that I am not hispanic nor black and that should not create or diminish a legitiimate point of view. The fact remains that one can still can recognize race bias and ignorance when it's present in members of a community. If these defendants who maliciously sprayed these students were hispanic, or black or indian--this blog would be much different and far less sypathetic to the criminals. "

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To the Parents wrote on Nov 13, 2007 7:41 AM:

" This too shall pass -- but consider it a red flag warning and keep a short leash on your child. He will probably become a fine, contributing member of society one day but remain vigilant until he is! "

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to hmmmm wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:39 PM:

" only if the greed is greater than the deed....be sure to remember that. "

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bella_777 wrote on Nov 12, 2007 3:58 PM:

" Some people seem to need a nap or something. It was a prank - a very, very bad idea of a prank, but a prank nonetheless. Many kids try to come up with something that will make them be remembered. There was no true malice involved. Nobody was going to die from the pepper spray. The police carry it for God sakes! If the parents hadn't said anything, you all would have accused them of being self-absorbed, unemployed, drug addicted, no good people. It turns out they are normal parents with a kid who did a dumb thing. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 12, 2007 2:58 PM:

" Find the middle. These boys aren't viscous criminals nor are they innocent little boys. Be realistic and not so extreme. Hopefully these boys will be punished appropriately. "

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Hmmm wrote on Nov 12, 2007 2:21 PM:

" this blog just keeps getting better. Now the victims and their parents are the maggots and the felons are the saints. Only in Lodi. "

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to griot wrote on Nov 12, 2007 1:11 PM:

" You are really stupied,this does not at all make these boys bad sons. Get over yourself!!A bad son would have released the gas on their parents. They made a bad choice.And may have proven to be not so smart sometimes. MOVE ON!!!! "

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You guys all SUCK wrote on Nov 12, 2007 1:08 PM:

" I can not believe you all have such small lives that you feel the need to keep going back and forth over this stuff. Let it go and let the law deal with it. Get a life!! "

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No Entitlements wrote on Nov 12, 2007 1:04 PM:

" Kids are products of their upbringing. Something allowed these teens to believe that this prank falls in the same "harmless" category as graffiti or toilet-papering the school. Kids are kids, and most take out their impulsiveness constructively. Others cross the boundaries of civil acceptance and deliberately or negligently cause harm to others. That boundary is defined by one's parenting and upbringing. An unfortunate trend, parents nowadays are rarely proactive, working with their children toward responsibility. Insted, they let kids be too independent, parenting only reactively. In this sense, society is parenting the children -- what do you expect? "

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To East Coast Kid cont wrote on Nov 12, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Believe me, the word will be heard loud and clear, and those greedy people will be known as the maggots that they are. "

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to ajax wrote on Nov 12, 2007 12:12 PM:

" What injuries do these kids have? You need to read what was posted earlier in these blogs. It has already been proven by a blogger with facts that he/she left proving medically that there can be no injuries physically sustained from pepper spray. "

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To East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 12, 2007 12:12 PM:

" I say this in kindness...stay off this blog, do not let it bother you. Your cousin will be protected by those around him, and by the many many friends that he has - believe me he has a whole sports team behind him. People like Griot will have their day, believe me, if Griot or any of these other people are greedy, the word will get out. And Griot and others will have there own day in the court of public opinion. "

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to griot from MG wrote on Nov 12, 2007 11:11 AM:

" Good people make mistakes all the time. It doesnt mean the parents or society failed them. Dont act like you have never made mistakes. Mistakes are made on different levels. People pay for the mistakes and hopefully learn from them. "

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afgo wrote on Nov 12, 2007 10:34 AM:

" Griot, great comment.(10:03) "

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Griot wrote on Nov 12, 2007 10:03 AM:

" East Coast Kid. What your cousin did was not a mistake. It was a deliberate act of terror on his fellow students. The crime your cousin commited was premeditated. You need to be honest with yourself and him. Someone has failed this young man. A good son doesn't commit this type of crime. Just my opinion. Not a judgement. "

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To Lodi Native wrote on Nov 12, 2007 9:59 AM:

" There are alot of places where you do not have to speak spanish to get a job. I think you need to move out of Lodi and experience the world "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:51 AM:

" Well the choice to bring a suit belongs to the victims as individuals, however, several of these victims do in fact have real injuries and for that why should they not be compensated? The acts are malicious because they are felony crimes. They idea of learing another language exists in other states who do not have large hispanic minority populations. But your complaint is that you don't want your brother, this non-injured alleged victim as you describe him, to be bilingual and well educated. Why not learn Spanish? "

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To AJAx From Mg wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Were you born in the United State or due you live here? Do you have a job here? do you pay taxes? do you have medical and a roof over your head? You probaly due. Welcome to America and congradulations on being American. Now stop feeling sorry for yourself and quit crying!!! "

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hey lodian wrote on Nov 12, 2007 8:15 AM:

" The past should have nothing to do with the punishment.Make "the time,fit this crime" "

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Chuck wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:52 PM:

" To wellwell, why yes, I have three teenagers, and to answer your other question, yes, I do know where they are around the clock, that is my job... "

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Chuck wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:50 PM:

" I am assuming that Ajax is a lawyer... "

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To Kids wrote on Nov 11, 2007 6:47 PM:

" Maybe if people kicked the kids in this town more while they were down, they would not be such punks! I am sorry to say but the kids in Lodi could not hang in the real world. Oh wait a Lodi kid did make a name for herself and she is sleeping with an 80 year old man and strips for her father. What respectable children this town raises. "

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East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 11, 2007 5:10 PM:

" Malicious... Are you kidding me ajax... i really hope you are. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:59 PM:

" This case cannot be decided on a message board. For one thing, most here do not know of these kids' past. One would need to know the whole story to decide how harsh the punishment should be for these boys. "

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Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:56 PM:

" To Ajax cont.My brother is being pushed to take spanish just because of that reason. So stop your whinning on this blg and go on my space and find someone who really wants to listen. This is about kids making bad choices not about what race they are. LOSER!!! "

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Lodi Native wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:55 PM:

" Further more as far as being racist it is people like you who give hard working hispanics or anybody pretty much of any race a bad name,by ALWAYS whinning about what your race is treated like. As far as I am concerned hispanics run California,where else do you have to know spanish just to get a job because whites are the minority. "

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Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 11, 2007 12:50 PM:

" to Ajax, I myself do not live in the state of California anymore by do in fact have a brother who was a "victim" of this whole thing.He just really wants to move on with his life and get back to normal and wants people like you to stop saying everyone should sue and drag this out. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:36 AM:

" Additionally these remarks are an attempt to distract from the discussion that the victims from this attack should seek compensation for the real damages caused by the malicious acts of the defendants. Now people who undoubtedly have a conncetion to the defendants are calling people names and demeaning them when they indicate that they desrve compensation. They indeed do deserve money to compensate them for the actual harm they suffered whether it was seemingly temporary or permanent. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 11, 2007 8:31 AM:

" First, to Gotcha, It would ironic if I was a in fact a racist and that is a slanderous remark without any foundation in fact and based on a lie. Second, if you follow these blogs the negative race bias in the remarks is clearly evident. Too many (but not all or even a majority) who post to this blog have no empathy for hispanic defendants but show remarkable understanding and a willingness to go easy on defendants who are white. Now to MG, what a silly argument you try to make. Felling sorry? "

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Gotcha wrote on Nov 11, 2007 2:24 AM:

" Ajax is a racist. "

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To Mom wrote on Nov 10, 2007 5:37 PM:

" I would have to completly agree with last comment about being money hungry. Why can't anybody just let the law deal with it and let everyone start moving on. If you have medical bills to pay get that money back,but everyone needs to move on. "

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East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 10, 2007 2:23 PM:

" HOLY CRAP!!!!! YOU GUYS ARE ARE SOOOOOOO RIDICULOUS!!!! I seriously can't believe how far you are taking this. And to mom, is your child dead? Permanently injured? If not, then let it go. All of you seriously just need to relax with all of this. Yes, it is a serious issue, I fully realize that, BUT HE IS BEING PUNISHED! So don't tell my aunt how to discipline her children, because I'm sure if your child was the one who made a really dumb mistake, you wouldn't want this for them. "

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to to mom wrote on Nov 10, 2007 1:57 PM:

" your quote "Frankly I would prefer the young mans parents any day if I was a kid". Of course you would. They consider his breaking the law as just a prank gone bad. "

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to mom wrote on Nov 10, 2007 11:28 AM:

" At this point it's about SHOW ME THE MONEY for you. Got a new car picked out? Maybe a vacation, facelift? By rights that's your childs money. They were the ones involved. Let me guess you suffered emotional trauma when you got the phone call. Somebody arressed this before but hysteria spreads in teenagers like wildfire. Frankly I would prefer the young mans parents any day if I was a kid. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 10, 2007 6:42 AM:

" The parents are also responsible here and should be held accountable for the real damages caused by the crimes commited by their teenagers. You can negotiate with a lawyer on the percentage taken if a suit is sucessful and the law limits how much a lawyer can take even if you don't negotiate. For people that are actually hurt, lawsuit judgments are the means to insure your comensated for the burden of your injury caused by another. "

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to drs orders wrote on Nov 10, 2007 3:24 AM:

" Some people are just not that bright. Your son obviously has a good head on his shoulders and knows how to take care of himself. "

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Kids wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:51 PM:

" Sometimes they just don't think. That is why they are kids.We need to continue to guide them not kick them even more while they are down. And god forbid their mothers try to defend/or try to understand them and support them.They are their mothers it is crazy people like all of you who think they should throw them to the wolves. Boy would that be a great role model. "

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Lodi Native Response wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:47 PM:

" Now lets attack my kids your a real stable person,for your information I moved out of Lodi a long time ago to avoid this type of crime and my children being put through this. Is is okay no ,it is not at all what they did,but they are still kids and kids do make mistakes. I guess I did not realize how many perfect people there are out there in good old Lodi.Why don't you look at your crime rate as whole in your high and mighty town. "

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MG wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:20 PM:

" To Ajax, Get off the racial train. stop feeling sorry for yourself. So tired of listning to pathetic people like you. If life in lodi is so racist move the hell out. "

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wellwell wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:22 PM:

" Chuck do you have teenagers? If so do you stick with them 24/7 and know everything they do? If you do, I think then it would be apropriate to judge others parenting, otherwise it's so much sour grapes call these people poor parents. "

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drs orders wrote on Nov 9, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Truth be told...the kids ended up having anxiety problems caused by minor asthmatic reaction to the pepper spray. My kid was there, He has asthma, he has severe asthma to the point of being hospitalized, he was smart enought to get himself out ot the area, get a cool drink, and went on with the day as usual. Try some Zanax - it works every time. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 9, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Griot: My mistake. I should have said that this "mom" is ONE of the things wrong with society today, especially in regards to people jumping on the lawsuit/money bandwagon. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 9, 2007 4:00 PM:

" To: "to": Reread the comment and perhaps you will comprehend it a second time around. "

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wellwell wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Lodi Native you make some good points. Any lawyer is going to take between 33 and 50% or more of any judgement. The only people getting rich here will be the lawyers. The boys wil be punished and any restitution will be paid. I fail to see anything phony in the mothers letter. "

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CHuck wrote on Nov 9, 2007 2:03 PM:

" This is NOT about Kids, this is about poor parenting "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 9, 2007 1:33 PM:

" To bad we don't see this much empathy when the defendant's are hispanic. Any time a defendant has a hispanic last name, the good folks of Lodi want to deport them to Mexico along with kith and kin (from our fair state which just happens to have long spanish roots) or hang them from the nearest tall oak or sentiments to that effect. Now here some of the same folks that are so concerned about crime in our community when the defendants are hispanic have a much softer view when it's the fair haired boy. Sad. "

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Shame on some of you wrote on Nov 9, 2007 12:06 PM:

" Griot...God is capitalized if used as a name and many people us it as the name of their creator. If not used as a name, then no, it isn't. If you didn't give anyone reason to question your intelligence no one would. It would also help if you learned to use spell check. "

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to lodi native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 11:54 AM:

" When did this become a contest to say the most goofy thing? "

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to Lodi Native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Wow, now the felons are the victims? That is too funny, Lodi Native. Those poor little boys feel so bad because people do not appreciate their humorous assault. Gee, maybe they should grow up. "

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Lodi Parents Stink wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:54 AM:

" Wake up people.. you think that the illegals are the problem with this town. IT IS YOUR KIDS.. who do you think they sell their drugs to? YOUR KIDS and that is why they do stupid crimes like this "

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To Lodi Native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:52 AM:

" The kid was not stable to begin with.. you dont pepper spray people for your enjoyment. Funny how people worry more about the Criminals than the Victims. You are probably raising one of these wonderful Lodi Criminals ooops Teens. "

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Logic wrote on Nov 9, 2007 10:50 AM:

" I think that the CRIMINALS should be responsible for victims medical costs in their entirety, all of Lodi Highs expenses related to this CRIME and reimbursement to the City of Lodi for police and emergency services as well as some time in jail. That is fair. "

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to Lodian wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:31 AM:

" So "poor" people should not have to follow the laws? Weird comment. And I do not think "Mom" sounds wildy crazy. She sounds like the parent of a victim. "

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Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:30 AM:

" I hope someone is paying attention the kids stability right now because how cruel all of you people sound is enough to make a adult want to commit suicide. You all should be ashamed. "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:22 AM:

" To in defense: no one is saying that the VICTIMS (not victims mom) should not be compensated, this woman is talking about BANKRUPTING people....when the GREED is greateer than the deed, it is just plain wrong. MOM SHOULD BE ASHAMED. "

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Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:16 AM:

" And to defending lawyers, pain and suffering law suit. Mmmmmm = a nice paycheck for you as well as some nice media attention to get your name out there. Who is feeding off who. If you were in it for the kids you never would have posted anything here.$$$$$$$ "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:16 AM:

" To mom...YOUR CHILD needs to get what they are entitled to, that is for sure, medical bills...etc....but the way you make it sound you are going for the throat. You talk about bankrupting these people....my goodness there are 4 kids involved, it will be probably a couple thousand a piece (at the most) divide the entire cost by 4 families...that will not bankrupt them...get real, unless your greed is greater than this deed. Which it sounds like it is. "

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Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:13 AM:

" These kids are suffering enough just because you people are so cruel,they also have to deal with the law. You guys think what they did was so wrong,they really had no intention of this kind of outcome and they are kids. You guys are adults and setting out just to be spiteful and hurtful. "

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Lodi Native cont. wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Further more these kids lives will never be the same,they will be likey to go to a normal school,or have the same friends. They also ruined their own lives with this prank. I really love the money thing. If you want to sue for any medical expenses so be it. But if you child was really emotionaly affected by this money is not going to make it better. "

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Lodi Native wrote on Nov 9, 2007 9:07 AM:

" I am in fact a mother of 4 and I would be pissed if one of my children did this or had it done to them. However,most of you people are the reason why we have a justice system,you just assume take these kids out and hang them. That is awful,people make mistakes it does not make it okay but people do. "

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Al D wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:34 AM:

" To the Parents: don't read the bloggs, this is area where some can talk big behind the keyboard but will never stand up in public. The blog is a very ugly place that is only sprinkled with truth and wisdom. "

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To In Defense wrote on Nov 9, 2007 7:07 AM:

" Wow, you guys sure called your lawyers right away. Amazing what opportunist will do when they have the chance. All of you that are talking about suing these parents look like the greedy sue happy people that is wrong with America today. Hopefully, after all the "judgements" are in, the parents will have you all dismissed in bankruptcy court and you won't get a penny anyway. It's not like you deserve to be rewarded for anything. How pathetic. "

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control yourself wrote on Nov 9, 2007 12:15 AM:

" Mom is outta control! "

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Crappy Lodi Parents wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:32 PM:

" All the crappy Lodi parents can rally around this woman and help her defend her son because they ALWAYS defend behavior like this out of Lodi teenagers. A good parent on the other hand who actually does their job as a parent would be appalled and horrified by such behavior. To all the crappy parents who choose to minimize this from a felony to a prank YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR TUBES TIED!! "

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Griot wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:08 PM:

" Lodian. You are telling us that 'MOM' is what is wrong with society TODAY! Her child didn't release the canister that effected fourty plus students! "

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Griot wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:02 PM:

" Mother of 3. The word god is a title. Just like 'father' and 'son'. A title is not capitialized. Jesus, Jehovah and Allah should be capitalized. The word 'god', you better ask somebody! Please, don't question my intellagence. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:53 PM:

" Would this "mom" be chomping at the bit to sue if she knew the family was poor? "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:52 PM:

" In Defense: Please reread the post by "mom" @ 1:50am. Mom sounds irrational. In no way should these boys be excused for what they did. They should pay their dues for what they chose to pull that day. I don't think they are vicious monsters either. "Mom" (1:50am) sounds wildly angry and ready to kill someone. Scary. Seems like they all need to sit down and speak to each other. The boys need to apologize in person as well. I do hope a letter from the boys comes off less flip and more sincere than the one by the parents. "

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Chuck wrote on Nov 8, 2007 5:46 PM:

" Lets just pray that a reasonable judge hears the case and throws it out, or at the worst awards like $20.00.... //waste of time "

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In Defense wrote on Nov 8, 2007 4:32 PM:

" I am defending the mother of the victim who is suing. She is not what is wrong with society, this would not be considered a frivilous lawsuit. Reimbursement for pain and suffering when you are a victim of a crime is reasonable. It is not a lost pair of pants or a hot cup of coffee we are talking about. This was a deliberate act. "

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To Mom wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:40 PM:

" Good for you! I could not imagine what YOU went through when you received the call about your child. These parents should be held accoutable. I am on your side. "

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to Griot wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:40 PM:

" You make me proud to be a Lodian. If more people were like you, expecting our teens to obey the law, our town would be a lot nicer. Why do you think there are no businesses that cater to teens? They are not held accountable for their actions and they are allowed to break the laws with the excuse "kids are dumb". The majority of our teens are awesome. It's the mindless, thoughtless jerks like this who give the other well adjusted teens a bad rap. "

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to mom 1:50 wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:34 PM:

" Go for it. I am sorry to hear that your child was a victim. I have a friend who lives with a permanent physical disabilty as a result of a high school "prank". All these people refering to this assault as a prank would quickly change their tune if they were a victim. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 12:03 PM:

" to: mom(1:50am): It sounds like you can't wait, and are more interested in, getting your hands on some cash from these families. It seems like you are quite preoccupied with going after this family. Calm down and be realistic. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:15 AM:

" to: mom(1:50am): You are what is wrong with society today. "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:02 AM:

" to mom.. wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:50 AM: please read the post below the one you wrote on nov 8 at 1:50...can't wait to hear your name. Let the public shunning begin. "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 8, 2007 11:01 AM:

" To Griot wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:33 PM: I am glad it was pears and not apples and oranges...thank goodness the bananas weren't affect either...because that banana would have been you.... "

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hmmmm wrote on Nov 8, 2007 10:34 AM:

" Maybe it was the fact that he was in football and wrestling that caused his lack of judgment....too many hard hits to the head? "

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to "father of 6" wrote on Nov 8, 2007 9:42 AM:

" Yeah right ,,"opps,,I'm sorry,,it was a mistake.My bad". Wow! "

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mom.. wrote on Nov 8, 2007 1:50 AM:

" IT amazes me HOW the parents are defending this kid LIKE this is okay,,,I happen to be a parent of one of the kids that WASNT ok.....NO this is not over and not by a long shot either...SO apologize all you want..defend your SON all you want..GET ready this has just begun and I hope you have the financial resources cus this will get real ugly and when youre bankrupt WILL he still be a GOOD KID??? "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 11:38 PM:

" I am sure these families will make proper restitution. But I hope that we find out the names of those people that go after any money over and above the amount that should be allowable. Those people will be the true criminals, those people will be the ones that lack integrity and moral judgement. Afterall it is a small town........... "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:26 PM:

" Father of 6: Right on "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:25 PM:

" Griot needs to find a rock to hide under. Griot children are perfect and never do anything wrong. Griot children live a sheltered existence. Griot, you should give parenting lessons. "

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Cin Chin goes ape for Chris-a-shue wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:20 PM:

" Did you guys hear that Ed Asner's wife is filing for divorce, and that there are more mold problems over at Tokay and what about the $2,000.00 that was found in a pocket at the Good Will. Why don't we just let LUSD and the courts deal with this. The court of public opinion does not matter....leave these kids alone. Right on Woodbridge Resident, I believe you won the debate with Griot. "

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wondering wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:18 PM:

" On his Myspace, one of the boys is a self proclaimed "screw up". Has he done this sort of thing in the past. I wonder why he calls himself a screw up? "

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To Lodian wrote on Nov 7, 2007 8:15 PM:

" I guess I didn't really check the posts on the Tokay High School painting incident. But if they were being attacked like this family has been, I'm sure I would have had some things to say. "

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Mother of 3 wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:41 PM:

" To Griot....You are SICK!!! And by the way don't you know that God is not spelled as god.....??? Guess you have never gone to church or prayed for anyone. And to answer your question, I did pray for the kids that smelled that awful spray and I pray for you that someday you get a heart. "

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?????????????? wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:36 PM:

" Why are people even talking about death? Hellllllllloooooo NOBODY DIED. some of you almost make it seem as if they had. Then you could tie this kid to the rack in front of Stadium 12 and everybody could watch he get what deserves. Get over it "

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Griot wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:33 PM:

" lhs student. Who I am isn't important. I have only discussed the facts that have been presented and I have given my opinion. You don't have to agree with me. A crime was commited. Not a prank, not a mistake. A felony. Forty plus of your fellow pears were affected. You don't see a problem with that? This criminal is your friend, isn't he... "

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Father of 6 wrote on Nov 7, 2007 5:50 PM:

" To the parents of the kids involved. All of this will blow over and your kids (who made a mistake like all of us have) will grow up and be allright. I dont think that your kids will do this again. Hang in there. "

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lhs student wrote on Nov 7, 2007 4:46 PM:

" griot who are you? what makes you think you can say all these things about this student? i dont understand why you would talk about others in such mean ways without even knowing them.. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 7, 2007 4:21 PM:

" Ajax: Who has asked that any of these kids be "excused from justice" for what they have done? "

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MG wrote on Nov 7, 2007 4:11 PM:

" Here is the answer to the question "I would like to know if there are deaths attributed to exposure to pepper spray due to anaphylaxis" So who ever posted that there have been deaths please find and show me some facts. http://www.zarc.com/english/cap-stun/tech_info/healthandsafety/allergy.html "

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mg wrote on Nov 7, 2007 4:07 PM:

" More web sites to prove there are no deaths from pepper spray http://www.zarc.com/english/other_sprays/reports/iacp_oc_death_1994.html http://www.zarc.com/english/other_sprays/reports/journal_forensic_med_oc_death.html http://www.zarc.com/english/cap-stun/tech_info/healthandsafety/inhalationtest.html "

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MG Pepper spray facts cont: wrote on Nov 7, 2007 3:54 PM:

" This is the goveremnt web site that did study. Please read: http://www.nyc.gov/html/ccrb/pdf/pepperreport.pdf "

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MG pepper spray facts cont: wrote on Nov 7, 2007 3:53 PM:

" They found that “in eighteen of the Twenty-two cases, positional asphyxia was the cause of death, with drugs and/or disease also being contributing factors,” and that of the others, “three involved a drug (cocaine)related death, and one involved a drug (cocaine)/disease-related death.” Though the study was small and can by no means be considered exhaustive, it appears that in the reported deaths, conditions other than pepper spray exposure resulted in fatalities. "

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MG wrote on Nov 7, 2007 3:53 PM:

" A 1994 study examined in Detail twenty-two reported deaths in custody which occurred after police sprayed someone with pepper spray. The authors of this study concluded that “in none of the twenty-two cases was pepper spray considered to be cause of, or contributor to, the deaths.” "

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to Ajax 2:19 wrote on Nov 7, 2007 3:50 PM:

" Well said! "

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East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 7, 2007 3:12 PM:

" How about eveybody just reads the last line of the letter... You know, the one that says HE WILL BE PUNISHED!!! "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 7, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Why should your child be excused from justice? Just because you say he made a dumb mistake? Many crimes are just that...dumb mistakes or lapses in judgment, but let's just look to the elements of the actual crime and just not excuse a defendant because you say he's a nice kid at home and you have many ambitions for him. "

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To Griot wrote on Nov 7, 2007 1:42 PM:

" I believe you read the poll incorrectly. The majority of the votes believe he shouldn't be punished to the full extent of the law. Maybe Math wasn't your strong suit. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 7, 2007 12:38 PM:

" Griot: Just an FYI... the LNS homepage poll is quite unscientific, especially since one can vote many times when logging back onto the site. I don't think you should use the poll to back you up. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 7, 2007 11:07 AM:

" Woodbridge Resident, my children are not on their way to prison. Does that make you feel sad? As the poll suggests on the 'home page', this child should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. I stated this in my very first post. I guess the majority agree with me. Sorry about that Woodbridge Resident. Have a great day... "

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To MG cont wrote on Nov 7, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I would like to know if there are deaths attributed to exposure to pepper spray due to anaphylaxis, how does that make me UNeducated when all you say it is just chile? Please look at the big picture, these kids knowingly put others in jeopardy for their amusement. "

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To MG wrote on Nov 7, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Since there have been deaths associated to pepper spray as a result of allergies, would you feel the same way if there was a fatality? These kids had no idea who might be around or how they would be affected, to me that is not a mistake that is negligence. Based on the article "waiting to see what happened" is just malicious. "

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to:Have to say it, From MG wrote on Nov 7, 2007 10:21 AM:

" I don’t think any blog in this says the teenagers shouldn’t pay in some way for what they have done. And if you were to talk to the parents that sent there children to the hospital the majority will tell you it was a very bad prank. Those kids made a huge mistake. Are the upset? Yes of course they are. What parent wouldn’t be? As for you not being a chemist! Neither am I. But I do not give my opinions on things that I don’t no the facts about. That is what makes you sound UN educated. "

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Typical Lodi Parent wrote on Nov 7, 2007 10:13 AM:

" These poor kids are just having fun at the risk of others health and safety. The kids in this town have all the right to impose on others no matter what the consequences. I am 4th generation Lodian and since our families will continue live in this town for many more generations, our kids can do whatever they want it is their city. "

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To MG wrote on Nov 7, 2007 10:08 AM:

" I may not be a chemist, but that does not make me uneducated. Please tell the parents of children that went to the hospital that got that phone call saying your child has been hurt that it was just a chile and just a prank. Boys will be boys. This town needs to teach their kids accountability and how it applies to the real world. "

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to woodbridge resident wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:57 AM:

" Just curious since you are so quick to judge Griot's parenting skills, but when do YOU teach your children to obey the law? Or do you teach your kids if they break the law it is just called a "prank gone bad"? "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:39 AM:

" Geez, where were all you people when I was sticking up for the spirited painters at Tokay High? Could have used ya back then. Most wanted those kids to be charged and keelhauled. I can only imagine what those same people want to do with these pepper spray boys. "

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TO: To Auntie wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:12 AM:

" HOW the parents handle this action is NOT your business you are mistaken and Aunt is right. THAT they DO handle (and it appears that they are/will)might be your business....but suggestions on HOW such as quitting jobs, homeschooling, hiring a lawyer, PR person etc.... that is solely the parents business. "

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Valedictorian wrote on Nov 7, 2007 8:01 AM:

" A true Valedictorian can also be so impassioned by the message he is trying to convey that he creates a typo and over looks it, hoping that his message is more important then his typo. Get the message, that's more important. ps> He WAS valedictorian and is attending a highly reputable school. "

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Spence wrote on Nov 7, 2007 7:22 AM:

" The brat that pulled this prank should be the one writing the letter to the city not his MOTHER who is obviously coddling him and PROTECTING him. He needs to be made to aologize to each and every student he hurt! Again, an overprotective mother is taking the flack for her son's indifference to the law "

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forgive ,forgive forgive?? wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:07 AM:

" You people are goofy.Don't just this,,don't judge that. One can forgive accidents,but this was done on purpose. Make them pay! $$$$$ "

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ok,,,,,, wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:04 AM:

" They did something very stupid,,,but they are not terrorists.I say make them pay with community time,,and money.Pay for all the medical costs,(not insurance) and pay for any clean up.Then move on. "

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to mother of 3 wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:01 AM:

" Give me a break! If I do something that stupid I deserve to be judged,,,,and punished!. "

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Woodbridge Resident wrote on Nov 6, 2007 8:26 PM:

" TO GRIOT: You poor thing! Do you have children? I sure hope not! What a horrible parent YOU would make! Why are you so stuck on the F-E-L-O-N-Y gig? You must get a charge out of it! Did you want to be a policeman/woman when you grew up, and because of you psych background couldn't make it? Pretty obvious to all of us! "

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East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 6, 2007 8:17 PM:

" John Brown... You rule! In your face all of you self-righteous egotistical jerks. Leave this family alone. Nobody died, let it be. The kids getting punished, both by the law and his parents. Why do you feel the need to butt into everybodies business and try to govern their lives and how they treat their kids. "

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To Griot wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:52 PM:

" Right now the felons are more popular, than you are. Spell this: S H U T U P ! "

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gassy wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:37 PM:

" I think that my boss should be charged with a felony, for setting off a noxious gas. When she comes out of the bathroom, we cannot breathe for some time, because of the fumes. If someone were to light a match it would blow the roof off of the building. "

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overcharged wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:29 PM:

" The kids probably will be charged with a felony or two, since most people are overcharged. What should be a misdemeanor, can be charged as a felony in court, and if they can think of any other charges they will charge them with those too. The only thing that might save them, is that they are juveniles. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 6, 2007 6:56 PM:

" Mother of three, did you pray for the victims of this crime? Did you pray for those who were harmed? You didn't mention the fourty plus victims. Only your friends. You prayed for them but not the victims? Your god must be pleased... "

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Griot wrote on Nov 6, 2007 6:46 PM:

" Look mother of three. A mistake is forgetting to turn in a homework assignment. A mistake is forgetting your lunch money. The act of this young man was premeditated. How does one find a canister of gas, take it home, bring it to school and release it without this act being premeditated? You better ask somebody. This crime, this felony, was not a mistake! "

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unbelievable wrote on Nov 6, 2007 6:37 PM:

" Where will stone throwing get you? Nowhere. The situation will be the same, but the stones will have just caused more damage. I just don't understand how people can be so hateful and unforgiving. I really don't. I look at these blogs of adults and find it mindboggling that I, at 16, can comprehend this and they cannot. I do know one thing for sure, though, my attitude will allow for progress to be made and for healing to occur, and the attitude of hate and the inability to forgive will just hold people back. "

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unbelievable wrote on Nov 6, 2007 6:37 PM:

" What more is there that can be done? This blog is ridiculous! I have sat here for the past 15 minutes reading about how terrible this kid is and how he needs to go to jail. JAIL!? Are you kidding!? That is a pretty heavy blow for a mistake and a rash decision. "

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unbelievable wrote on Nov 6, 2007 6:36 PM:

" I am in total shock of some of these things being said. Not only are they said out of, mainly, ignorance and lack of knowledge on the situation, but they are mostly hyperboles. Since when did it become custom to bash someone who came out and apologized? It was just a prank that went wrong, apologies have been made and consequnces will be given. "

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John Brown wrote on Nov 6, 2007 4:39 PM:

" Here is what was sprayed Capsaicin actually describes a complex of related components (C18 H27 NO31) named Capsaicinoids that all work together to produce the “pungency” or burning sensation upon contact to the skin or mucous membranes.Oil/solvent and hot pepper compound from said plants under pressure,makes it hard to see and you choke and your nose is full of snot!!!!!!! "NOT A GAS", GOT THAT NOT A GAS!!!It should have never been reported as such.It can be purchesed in many places including Flea markets..It' time to put this dog to bed, "

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Mother of 3 wrote on Nov 6, 2007 4:28 PM:

" I can't believe 95% of you people! We have ALL made mistakes. Young, old and older....please pray for this family. If this was my son and people were carving him up and spitting him out I would be so hurt. Don't judge for you may be judged tomorrow. We have all made mistakes, but most of you sound too perfect to be human. I know this family and I stand by and pray for them. GOD can only judge. "

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MG cont: wrote on Nov 6, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Sarin Gas is a nerve gas highly used in WW2 by the Germans. Also it was tested in concentration camps on Jewish men women and children. Pepper spray is simply Chile in a can and is designed to temporarily blind or burn eyes. Tear gas has a wide variety of kinds and is a lot more potent then pepper spray. It also can not be bought over the counter like pepper spray. "

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to:Have to say it, From MG wrote on Nov 6, 2007 3:56 PM:

" You are a very uneducated person. It is people like you that make things like this worse then they should be. It was not pepper spray or tear gas released in the Japan subway attacks. It was a deadly gas called "Sarin Gas" Look up the difference before you input your opinion. When you’re being so negative A little knowledge of the true situation can help you from looking UN educated. "

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to Lodian wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:39 PM:

" Believe me, a true Valedictorian DOES know how to spell the word. "

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the saddest part of this wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:37 PM:

" ... is to read all the blogs obviously wrtitten by this boy's friends attacking those who expect our youth to obey the law. It is not the parents' fault. This young man is 16. He should know better than to break the law. Using pepper spray as a joke is a felony in the state of California. "

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To the Parents wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:35 PM:

" The LNS paper and myspace is not a sincere apology. If that were my kid, I would take him or her to each and every child that was made ill by their stupidity and have them apologize to the kids and their parents IN PERSON. Anyone can write a letter or a comment we see it with celebrities. Teach your son to be a MAN and look his victims in the eye. "

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To East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:32 PM:

" I dont think that people are being unforgiving. People are just fed up! A good kid with plans to go to college should know that spraying pepper spray in a group of people will do damage. From the parents letter this is not a dumb kid, they knew something would happen. "

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To JD wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:23 PM:

" Sorry, didn't mean to confuse anyone. I don't think I'll be reading or posting anymore. Don't like what some of our good citizens are writing here. I like to think Lodi is better than what I've been reading here. "

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East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 6, 2007 2:06 PM:

" You know, I dont really know what its like in Lodi. I did used to live in Cali. but not anymore. I do agree with you though. I think that by being so unforgiving and relentlessly harsh on my family, these parents are teaching their kids to be the same way; self-righteous and just completely arrogant and ignorant everyone around them. "

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Repeat in Lodi wrote on Nov 6, 2007 1:51 PM:

" I am amazed at some of what is being said.I commend the parents who wrote the letter to the paper, but I wonder about some of those who are writing feed back. When I went to LHS we had a student set off a tear gas canister in a locker in the main hall, he was suspended for a week and paid for the lockers to get fixed. The only difference was that was pre-9/11! "

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JD wrote on Nov 6, 2007 1:34 PM:

" Would whoever's using the handle "To JD" be willing to consider switching? You (and the responses to your posts) are confusing the heck out of me! :-) "

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Ilegals and kids wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:40 PM:

" Kids these days are coddled. Lodi as a town should be ashamed of themselves. They complain about the illegals but raise and praise criminals. The comments continuously complain about the illegals. Yet the kids who bring a harmful substance and let is loose on your kids are just kids who make a dumb mistake. Stop being a town of hypocrites and admit your kids are criminals not GOOD KIDS "

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Have to say it wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:35 PM:

" The kids released the gas "to see what happened" I am sorry but I think the cult in Japan did that with the Ricin attack on the subway also. Let's release the gas to see what happens, people died! These kids are lucky that no one died. My question is .. did they stay in the main hallway to see how the gas affected them? I would assume not. "

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To East Coast Kid (cont) wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:29 PM:

" Hold your breath, I will continue to forge on and work with kids and hopefully someday we can turn this town back into what it used to be. "

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To East Coast Kid (cont) wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:28 PM:

" And the unfortunate part is these parents these adults are teaching their children to be the same way. At one time I was proud to say I was born and raised here, that I was a Lodi High School Alumni, that my kids graduated from Lodi High School, but not anymore.....I have seen to much, and experienced the hatred, I am no longer proud of being from this town. And for those of you that are going to tell me to get out then. "

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To East Coast Kid (cont) wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:25 PM:

" These people thrive on hatred, they hide behind their own difficulties with their children or put down a kid for having success because they are jealous and envious. It is a town that parents would rather complain then volunteer, it is a town that would rather judge then to communicate. It is a town that does not acknowlege kids, it is a town that talks behind peoples backs. "

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To East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:07 PM:

" Hey, you are fortunate that your don't live in Lodi. This is a town that crucifies a kid for following his coaches calls on the football field. And 9 weeks later they continue on with the fact that this kid did not throw the ball. A town that tears down a kid because he did not throw the ball during a football game, but yet the team won. It is a town of envy and jealousy, a town that would rather see a kid be a failure instead of leader. "

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Shame on some of you wrote on Nov 6, 2007 11:48 AM:

" Griot...why are you so angry? You ask questions that are none of your business and try to bully people into seeing things your way. Well I'm not going to see it your way and you're bulling won't make me so get over it. "

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To Griot... wrote on Nov 6, 2007 11:17 AM:

" Please stop this. Everyone gets the point. Being rude on a public message board doesn't make you important. I hope that God bestows the same amout of grace unto you as you have shown for this boy and his family. Shame on you for acting this way. These kids are going to pay for their mistake. They don't need a lynching. "

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to chuck wrote on Nov 6, 2007 11:02 AM:

" A prank????,,,,,A prank that that went bad,,,,,so I guess you think no one should be held accountable?? Make em pay in court!!! "

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Griot wrote on Nov 6, 2007 10:47 AM:

" To Chuck: They will likely face FELONY charges of suspicion of releasing a gas in a public building and assault by gassing. Not "prank" charges Chuck. Felony chagres Chuck. Can you repeat FELONY Chuck? "

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Griot wrote on Nov 6, 2007 10:41 AM:

" To Shame on some of you: I congradulated you because you have never commited a felony. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 6, 2007 10:35 AM:

" To JD: I don't know if they are headed to federal court but if it were up to me, they would. "

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Chuck wrote on Nov 6, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Griot.. it was a prank, say it with me... "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:58 AM:

" I don't think anyone is saying these kids need to be excused from what they did. What's being said is that they should be punished, but not sent to jail/prison as they are not vicious criminals intent on harming people on purpose nor do they pose a danger to society. Good kids do stupid things sometimes and each incident should be evaluated for what it is at the time. This was a stupid idea, a stupid prank. Discipline is in order, by the school and the parents. Take it seriously, learn from it, make sincere amends and move on. "

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East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:56 AM:

" I must have forgot to tell you that the lady who wrote the letter is my aunt, which would make the boy my cousin. Just because he did stupid things does not make him a stupid kid. I know my cousin would never do anything to purposefully harm another kid. And as for this letter "not being apologetic" I think it's very clear that everyone in the situation is. Honestly I hate posting on blogs, but i just couldn't believe some of the things that were written on here. Its amazing how someone can judge another without even knowing them. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:51 AM:

" John Brown: Well said. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:46 AM:

" To: ?????????: I hear ya! LOL! "

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MG wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:32 AM:

" I agree with you east coast kid. I had 2 felonies in my youth. I was a young dumb kid who learned the hard way. Now i'm opening up my 4th buisness at 31 years old. So far in life i have been very sucessful. I have 3 profiting buisnesses and 2 beautiful children. People learn from there mistakes.. gain no one died so chill out auntie. I beat your familiy memeber has done something to hurt someone too. Nobody hung her or him. "

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lodi mom,. wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:26 AM:

" I have 4 kids,. all parents worry about what they do,. but u cant always be around them,.i have 1 son,.just turn 14,. i worry what he might get himself into,.all u can do is the best u can to be ther for them,. they as everyone else in this world will one day learn the hard way,. i pray myson will never do anything bad but that is never always the way we can have it.. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 6, 2007 8:33 AM:

" To Woodbridge Resident: That (as you say)"prank" was not a "prank". It was a felony. Can you say felony? Repeat after me, F-E-L-O-N-Y. "

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John Brown wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:29 AM:

" "OK" People it's time to move on... It was a dumb move and thats that... Teenage kids not the Taliban, are you smart enough to tell the difference?? They need an attiude adjustment and thats all.Put them in the CYA you won't like what comes out!!!As for some of the posters here,little people hiding behind their key boards and under their desk... "

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To the kid who did this: part 2 wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:25 AM:

" I would imagine with the life lessons you just learned through this, you will make an even better ATF agent. I really hope you stay focused on your future and that your mom and dad will know that there are people in this community that don't blame them for what happened, but do recognize that it was a "stupid moronic"prank gone bad. "

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To the kid who did this: wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:21 AM:

" I'm sure you've seen how much pain this caused to everyone around you. By now, you've had time to realize how a seemingly insignificent act can escalate to extreme porportions and harm a great many people. I'm confident that your future decisions will be thought out a lot more. I am sure that most parents have sat down and talked about dire consequences with their kids by now, how everything we do in this life should be as thought out as possible. At least that was something good to come out of this. "

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Jack wrote on Nov 6, 2007 6:28 AM:

" I would be more understanding of this 'prank" if it had not been preplanned. He had plenty of time to think about what he was doing as he carried the cannister to school. It was not a spur of the moment prank "

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a good lesson wrote on Nov 6, 2007 4:02 AM:

" all the people writing in supporting the kids who did this is a good reminder how many goofy people are out there. Everyone else,,please be careful,,and aware,,because in Lodi,,its never the kids fault. "

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to "east coast kid" wrote on Nov 6, 2007 3:59 AM:

" It sounds like you are a figment of your imagination" "

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Are we seriously bashing good parents? Honestly? wrote on Nov 6, 2007 3:45 AM:

" Are we really bashing parents who are actually being accountable? Everyone screws up.I think that everyone bashing needs to go on with their lives. These kids are the future. You can either condem them for making a mistake, or encourage them to learn from it. I'm positive that these young adults will learn from this.No one was seriously hurt. I would much rather see that some kids were goofing around with pepper spray then to hear that their was a school shooting. Thank God that pepper spray is the worst thing that's happened here. "

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Steward wrote on Nov 6, 2007 3:38 AM:

" Wow East Coast Kid, how impressive, yeah genius, many teens think about dumb, hurtful, stupid pranks, but thank God only a few losers actually carry out such actions. "

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To JD wrote on Nov 6, 2007 1:52 AM:

" Griot....You're the one that wrote "Most teenagers don't commit "Federal" crimes!" in one of your post. I was just wondering if you knew for sure that they were headed to Federal Court. By the way, most adults don't commit federal crimes either. "

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Shame on some of you wrote on Nov 6, 2007 1:34 AM:

" Griot....Why are are you congratulating me? I was only answering a question you asked me in one of your earlier post as to whether or not I had ever committed a felony. Even though you had no right to ask such a question of me, I answered it. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:07 PM:

" Silly East Coats Kid: I usually could care less about spelling here on the boards, but it really struck me funny that you shared all your good points, including the highlight of being the "valadictorian" of your class, yet spelled "valedictorian" incorrectly. Too funny. ;-) Silly college student. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:00 PM:

" to: Dear Mom: Well said. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 10:59 PM:

" East Coast Kid: I agree with you about teens. The teen issue here is a separate topic from the parent's letter. In my opinion, the letter did not seem very apologetic. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 10:55 PM:

" Midtowner: I heard the booty dancing was minimal and it was taken care of right away without incident. "

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3 cents wrote on Nov 5, 2007 9:20 PM:

" Just read some of these blogs - to "excuse me" you said the majority of the kids you teach would never do something like that! But there is still a small amount who might, you never know what someone will do and when. Movies and TV make it look so easy to do something like this. The Kid made a mistake, just like most of us had and some point on our lives. "

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Max Stanfield wrote on Nov 5, 2007 8:26 PM:

" I commend you for your forthrightness as parents. Usually parents babble and weasel, cheat, snivel, lie and play lawyer to get their kids off from things the kids did. Best wishes for a reasonable conclusion. "

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citizen wrote on Nov 5, 2007 8:09 PM:

" Right on East Coast Kid. Stop the whining. "

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To: to Auntie wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:52 PM:

" quit whining about your kid. No one cares!!! "

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To PEEPS wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:52 PM:

" You have a point about signing names to the bloggs and especially on the letter. Some of these people are ignorant to the legal system. "

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To mr. griot wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:37 PM:

" You might think of seeing a therapist or going to anger management. WOW! I feel sorry for your family. "

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to griot wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:00 PM:

" FELONY? Your day will come Mr.Perfect. These kids are going to be punished but not by you, (you wish). You are such a hateful person. WHY? I wonder? Oh and try to use spell check so nobody will question your intelligence. "

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????????? wrote on Nov 5, 2007 6:49 PM:

" Will the real Lodian or lodian please stand up? "

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To Letter Writer wrote on Nov 5, 2007 6:31 PM:

" I think your writing the letter took courage and a lot of character. You knew when you wrote it that you were opening yourself and your son up to a lot of negative bloggers. You could just as easily stayed quiet. I think you have been upfront, apologetic and sincere. I hope you follow through on your sons punishment. I think you will. God Bless and good luck. "

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PAL wrote on Nov 5, 2007 6:21 PM:

" East Coast Kid: The difference is you just thought about it, you did not commit the crime. That is the difference between these "good sons" and you. "

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East Coast Kid wrote on Nov 5, 2007 5:48 PM:

" I HOPE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU READS THIS! I graduated valadictorian, i was captain of every sports team junior and senior year, i got accepted into one of the hardest possible majors in college at highly ranked school, i attended youth group and church every sunday, and guess what. EVEN I THOUGHT ABOUT DOING STUFF LIKE THIS! We're teens. It is normal for every teen to think about this stuff. Anyone who is sitting on your computer bashing this woman for APOLOGIZING is completely ignorant. I can't believe some of you people. "

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to Auntie wrote on Nov 5, 2007 5:22 PM:

" the moment your sweet nephew exposed my child to his gas it became MY business. So maybe YOU need to mind your own business. "

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To the parents: wrote on Nov 5, 2007 5:16 PM:

" I would have my son take his myspace page down until this blows over. I'm sure the kids that needed to see his apology already saw it, but I'd be more worried about some of these adult bloggers harassing him and really making his life awful. I think he has enough to deal with right now without adding hateful spiteful people to his life. BTW, I thought your letter was very well written and heartfelt. Good luck to you all. There are people in this town that feel for these pranksters and their families. "

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To the parents wrote on Nov 5, 2007 5:06 PM:

" I think your letter was heartfelt and I am glad you accept his punishment, no one is perfect and too many people on this blog have TOO much time on their hands. Let it go, the kid has apologized and owned up to his mistake. I hope all the "perfect" parents out there start checking My SPace for their kids blogs about drinking! It is sickening and that is a major problem too many parents are blind about! "

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Dear Mom, wrote on Nov 5, 2007 4:27 PM:

" It sounds like you and your husband are stepping up and taking responsibility. Teenage boys do stupid things. It's in the y chromosome. My sons got through their teens unscathed, but I had two brothers who did their share of misdeeds. I hope your son learns from this experience. "

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Midtowner wrote on Nov 5, 2007 3:53 PM:

" Hey volunteer: did you allow the booty dancing at the last LHS formal dance? I heard it was disgusting and if you weren't doing the booty dance you were looked at as if you were weird. Off topic, but curious. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 3:44 PM:

" sick of parents: Sorry, again, you've got the wrong person. Not sure what board you are referring, but I posted a few times on the football board (Go Flames!), but not lately and I only posted positive comments. So, it looks like you were not addressing me after all. Have a good day. "

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Woodbridge Resident wrote on Nov 5, 2007 3:08 PM:

" ...continued...Let them be anonymus. Why do you care if the expose their name or not? What are YOU going to do? Stalk them? Punish them yourselves? Pleeease! "

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Woodbridge Resident wrote on Nov 5, 2007 3:08 PM:

" and another thing...There is a reason there are age limits on certain privileges; driving at the age of 16, voting at the age of 18 and drinking alcohol LEGALLY at age 21. These are 16 year old boys, who don't have the maturity to make good decisions (all the time). Quit with the "Hang 'em" attitude. No one died. Their "prank" was not to intentionally hurt someone. I'm sure they had no forethought as to what the ramifications were going to be. "

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to volunteer wrote on Nov 5, 2007 3:03 PM:

" Weird to here that you love working with kids and yet have no problem with them committing felonies and breaking the law. Nice role model. "

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Myspace wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Also, if you pay attention on myspace, and go to alternate pages, you can see at least 3 more kids involved with this incident. Better watch what you say on myspace.. "

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Myspace wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:23 PM:

" I looked up this young man on myspace, and it has a sincere apology to everyone involved. He doesnt look like a trouble maker in any of his pictures, just a fun loving kid. I can tell he didnt mean what had happened. It also said he did bring it to school. "

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05 Tokay Grad wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:15 PM:

" I doubt the students "found" the can and decided to spray it on their classmates. Does anyone know who actually did the spraying? Who is this boy written about, was he the sprayer or just a partner in crime? I am glad no one was seriously hurt, and I hope the boys get what they deserve, but hopefully what they get doesnt follow them for eternity. "

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sick of parents wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Lodian, yes I am addressing you! I know you and know how you work, you are not innocent and you have torn down good kids, been on the sports blogs lately? Have a good life! "

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volunteer wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:45 PM:

" To all you negative bloggers or rabblerousers: Regarding the number of negative blogs and stupid questions: If we had this many people helping out at the school, being on committees at the school, chaperoning dances, going to sporting events, fundraising, etc. maybe Lodi High School would be a better school for our children to attend. Let these families deal with their own and you should start dealing with your own by getting involved! I am involved, and I DO know how few there are. Shame on you all! "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:36 PM:

" I guess it's the world we live in today. When I was in high school this was called a stupid prank and the kids would be punished through the school somehow. Now,any stupid prank at school is considered a conspiracy. Maybe this is what happens after things like Columbine. I'm not privy to the details of this situation,but it seems these boys did a stupid thing and weren't planning on taking down the school or killing anyone. It's what we used to call a "prank". Yes,they should get what's coming to them...but I don't believe they're viscous criminals. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:22 PM:

" To the parents: No need to address anonymous attacking posts on a message board through a letter or any other way. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:18 PM:

" Anchorage Activist: In my opinion the parents' letter should have been more humble in their apology. The letter seemed defensive and angry at the public rather than apologetic. That's my take on it anyway. The first sentence puts one off right from the start. I don't think the parents really need to address people on an anonymous message board. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:07 PM:

" From what I understand, the students sent to the hospital had pre-existing conditions, like asthma. Right? "

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A Parent of a teen wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:03 PM:

" Thank you very much for the sincere letter. I am very sorry you have to experience this and I am sure your son has learned a valuable lesson. Hopefully, those who were affected will be forgiving. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 12:02 PM:

" sick of parents: You may not be addressing me, but I'll respond. You don't know who I am, but that doesn't matter here. I think teenagers are great, but when they're bad I'll hold their feet to the fire. I guess "bad" means different things to different people. And sorry, but I have never torn down good kids on the boards. "

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Teacher Continue wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:53 AM:

" Home school will not make him a better person or teach him a lesson. If he is not with a trained homeschool teacher, he will just get bored and get in more trouble. Neither will CYA. He still has a bright future ahead of him if he choses to make the right choices and learn from this horrible ordeal. A written apology to the school would be wise too. Good luck to the family and all the students affected by this and God Bless. "

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Teacher Continue wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:52 AM:

" When I was a kid, I would have never done a thing like that, but I was no angel either. I guarantee most of you made foolish mistakes and although no lives may have been in danger, you still made regretable decisions. Because this kid is going to read these per his mom's letter, I feel that he should not be vilianized any more. He needs to be corrected, serve community service or whatver his consequences are, and then learn from it. "

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Teacher Continue wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:52 AM:

" So many young people his age do the same thing every time they drink at parties where their parents are liable, drive erratic in their parent's cars, or make other poor decisions. Part of this may be because SOME young people have limited impulse control. Other reasons may be because of peer pressue. Or maybe these kids are demonic individuals who wanted to hurt other students (sarcasm). That is not for me to judge though. God has shown him mercy by not having anyone die at his hands or other harm being done at the school. "

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Teacher wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:49 AM:

" I have read almost all of the comments so far and although I agree with some that this student should be punished for his crime, I disagree that he is a terrorist. That term has been coined and used way too loosely those we want to demonize. I have spent time with many 16 year old students from all socio economic ranges as well as from many areas. The choice he made is a tough one I admit. He chose to harm many other students without thinking about the consequences at the time. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:49 AM:

" To: TO Lodian: You're right. And I apologize if my information was incorrect regarding ALL these boys being on the football team. It wasn't meant as a jab or anything even remotely close, just passing on what my student told me about the incident. Maybe my son said one kid was on the team and I misunderstood. "

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Anchorage Activist wrote on Nov 5, 2007 11:33 AM:

" I am satisfied with the parents' response. They freely acknowledge and condemn their son's actions. They express their intent to participate actively in his punishment and rehabilitation. But they cannot be expected to disown their kid and throw him to the wolves just to satisfy the extremists who demand absolute perfection and this insane "zero tolerance" fascism. Punish him vigorously, make him offer serious restitution, but don't hang a felony albatross around his neck which would impose lifelong limitations on his employability and his constitutional rights. He doesn't deserve lifelong punishment. "

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MG continued wrote on Nov 5, 2007 10:20 AM:

" 2nd it isnt a federal offense. The federal goverment wouldnt waste there time. 3rd: to those of you that keep calling it a terriost act,u should be ashamed of Our boys and girls and fathers and mothers are dieing everyday to real terriost acts. 9-11 was a real terriost act. The men arrested in this community for getting ready to commit acts of terriost are true terriost. Not 16 and 17 year old kids doing something stupid. "

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MG wrote on Nov 5, 2007 10:18 AM:

" Why are you people so angry. Its sounds like you have issues in your own personal life. There kids. The didnt commit murder. The let off peper spray. Is it stupid? should they be punished harshly? Yes to both. Its amazing to see how un educated people are on this blog. 1st off pepper spray can not kill you nor blind u. We test on each other while learning to us it in law enforcement. "

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peeps wrote on Nov 5, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Don't forget they are facing felony charges. Writing a letter of apology MAY jeopardize their case. Many of you bloggers are quick to judge and say they hide behind technicalities by not signing their name to the letter. How many of you sign your name to your blogs????? Very few. Goes both ways. "

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UM wrote on Nov 5, 2007 9:46 AM:

" All I have to say is, ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER. "

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My child: wrote on Nov 5, 2007 9:02 AM:

" My child was one of the first rushed by ambulance to a hospital. My child was affected severely by this prank. Asthma only needs a trigger to go off like a bomb. Did that kid think of that before he did what he did? I doubt it, do I accept the parent apology, sure. Does it make what happened right? NO! Absolutely not! "

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blown out of proportion wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:57 AM:

" KCRA was not there for this incident, they were there for a ground breaking. Had they not been there for this reason it would not had gotten on the television news. The fire trucks were there prior to it happening as they were scheduling a fire drill. There was not any time delay in taking care of these kids. I pray for the families of all involved (victims and pranksters) hopefully they will all be better adults for this. "

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blown out of proportion wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:53 AM:

" First off this is a horrible incident that could of been worse. second, as an asthmatic adult, I was there, and the media has made this into much more than it was. Third, my son is an asthmatic, and was in the vicinity, he felt the tightness in his chest and left the area...used a little albuterol and was just fine. Not saying these kids were right, and not saying the victims did not suffer, but the media made this a bigger story than what it was. "

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another parent of a teen wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:36 AM:

" To Mom of teens wrote on Nov 3, 2007 5:55 PM: Two years ago two Lodi High kids got into a fight after school, one severely beat the other kid to the point he had to have reconstructive surgery, the kid that did the beating was not expelled, matter of fact he was moved back to his home school at TOKAY. This is different, my goodness, it was a prank that went wrong. Don't be so whollier than thou. "

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to sickened wrote on Nov 5, 2007 7:29 AM:

" to sickened...don't be a fool, these kids new it was only pepper spray, they did not find it along the street, there is rumor as to who's how it was gotten from, and it was NOT one of the kids that were called into the office...so there is a 5th kid, that was not involved in the school prank, but is a part of the problem. These kids pulled a prank, thank goodness no one was hurt, there was not any intent to cause this kind of problem "

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living in sac cont. wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:29 AM:

" ...or gang activity at Lodi or Tokay high schools. Just take this letter for what it is, a VOLUNTARY public statement, and go be parents to your own kids, even if you think they are "perfect"- you'll be kicking yourself when the cop is on YOUR doorstep! "

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living in sac cont. wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:28 AM:

" Also, you people need to realize that this is a personal matter the family and police are dealing with, and the suspects are minors (which means their records are confidential). Everyone is making a witch hunt out of this, and trying to make it sound like the kids intended to go on a shooting rampage. They made a mistake, and got caught. But as an alumni of a Lodi high school, I can tell you that on any given day, you could arrest a student for drug possession, carrying a concealed weapon.. "

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living in sac wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:19 AM:

" I hope for the kid's sake this experience has opened his eyes. I made a mistake in high school that got me arrested, and also wanted to be in the criminal justice field (he wanted to be ATF, but he can wave goodbye IF he's convicted of a felony). I can speak from exerience that he now faces an uphill battle to get a job in law enforcement, just as I did. Hopefully, he will now see that you need to consider how every step and decision you make each day can affect the rest of your life. "

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wondering wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:08 AM:

" Are some of you, who are ready to cut these boys slack for their pepper spray stunt, the same people that wanted to crucify the Tokay kids for splattering paint at school during spirit week? Where were all of you "understanding" citizens when the Tokay kids were getting bashed about the paint? What should be cancelled at LHS due to the acts of these boys? The football program? What a difference a day makes, hmmm? "

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mistake wrote on Nov 5, 2007 2:02 AM:

" The biggest mistake the parents made was to write this article. They have been attacked by many as if they have created a monster. I'm not saying that their son didn't make a bad choice, but cut them some slack. No one was seriously hurt thank God. The kid is not an axe murderer. This was just a high school prank that went bad. "

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Woodbridge Resident wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:14 PM:

" ...continued Get off their back. I don't know them, but I respect how they have responded! Hang in there! "

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Woodbridge Resident wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:13 PM:

" Give the parents a break! The letter is just letting you all know that they have been doing a great job raising their son, and teaching him morals and values. They are a FAMILY! I don't feel they are making any excuses for their son, or have taken this incident lightly. They have expressed remorse, and apologized. What more can you expect THEM to do? I am sure this is a very difficult time for the whole family, and they probably have to endure the "whispers" from their friends, family & neighbors. "

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dogbark wrote on Nov 4, 2007 9:45 PM:

" A word of warning to the parents of these pranksters. The "found the canister" story stinks. The PD and Courts in this town go ape when they think a kid isn't rolling over on his accomplices. They will trash your kids future without a thought. It's been done before. If the kids really know who provided the canister and the fireworks for their own future they need to fess up, no matter who it was; parent, friend, neighbor or even Jesus walking thru. "

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caligirl wrote on Nov 4, 2007 9:38 PM:

" To oh man, It might get old, but I guess you'll just have to get used to it. "

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dogbark wrote on Nov 4, 2007 9:21 PM:

" Do we know if this was a commercial pepper spray? If so,your local beat cop, mail-man, and any goodly number of women are carrying this spray. A hallway, even an alleyway where this gets sprayed affects anyone equally as badly as what happened at school. I don't minimize what happened, but some who were sent to the hospital may have been in mass hysteria; it happens. Like when one kid pukes, soon you'll get several others. Unfortunately for this family, we don't know how badly these sprayed kids were affected until their lawyers tell them. "

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the log in your eye wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:53 PM:

" reading these 124 posts was 15 minutes of my life I'll never get back. The lynch mob mentality of 70% of you people is utterly disgraceful. I wonder if any of the more self righteous ones in this blog even know the family they are talking about? Or are you getting your information solely from the newspaper and making asumptions? My daughter was effected that day in the hallway, we accept the appology he wrote on his myspace to the students he hurt. Let it go people. "

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sick of parents wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:40 PM:

" Lodian, I think I know who you are, I have seen you tear down good kids on the blogs and support Tokay for spirit day. I know who your son is, and you need to clean off your own back doorstep before you tear another kid apart. This was a stupid thing that these kids did, it was not done with malice a forethought! These kids will pay fot their mistakes...let them. May you all have perfect kids, that don't do stupid pranks. "

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nita wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:19 PM:

" Well we have made generation of people that think they can get away with any thing unless they get caught. There is nothing wrong with correcting children when they are little and teaching them that you must respect outhers no matter their age or color. Kids today need to get out and earn their cars, laptops etc. They do not need everything that you did not have when you were a kid. All the fancy cars, homes,clothes ect will not make you a person with class. "

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TO Lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:16 PM:

" I am a football players mom - an active mom of a football player. I know all 4 of these boys - ONLY ONE was a football player! You are obviously misinformed! It does not matter which sport these kids play or if they do not play. They are all good kids, that made a mistake, none of them are the types of kids that would viciously hurt other people on purpose. Get a life all you people, get active at school, volunteer, do something positive instead of tearing down kids. "

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well said wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:16 PM:

" Well Said Lodian on your Nov 4th post! It IS true that if anyone other than a Caucasian were involved, it would be "Throw him in jail indefinitely for hurting our kids!" Or one of my favorites..."Send him back where he came from. He's probably an illegal anyways." "

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most of you people wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:01 PM:

" should be ashamed. Do you think that these boys really meant to hurt anyone. It was a huge mistake, and I hope the kids of all you people that are whollier than thou don't have make a mistake. I am not a parent of anyone of these boys, but I know all four, and they are not the kind of kids that would viciously set out to hurt other people. Get off the blogs and tend to your own! "

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To Continued... wrote on Nov 4, 2007 7:38 PM:

" Your daughter could have EASILY died??? You are overstating the case. If so, she needs to be out of the San Joaquin Valley. What kind of parent are you, exposing her to the elements of the WORSE area in the U. S. for asthmatics? I don't know the students, but they learned a lesson. We all make mistakes, let them back in school ASAP. I'm sure they are sorry. "

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PAL wrote on Nov 4, 2007 7:02 PM:

" Second, why do you think your child is good just because he has his "original" parents, goes to church, eats dinner sitting down with family? There are families who's kids are great and they are being raised by single mothers or fathers, playing both parts, step parents, dont have time to sit at the dinner table with their kids becuase they have to work, etc? A good person thinks of other people first and what consequences will happen by their action. Thank goodness that no one with asthma was there. "

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PAL wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:47 PM:

" First, hiding your name already shows you are not accepting responsibility. What, you afraid your neighbors are going to find out. "

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continued wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:45 PM:

" And to remind you again, I hope these victims sue you and your husband for your sona actions. I bet you'll keep better track of them if you're held accountable. Now run along and hire yourself an attorney and get ready. My daughetr was minding her own business and at school to get an eduaction, not encounter your miserable 16 year old punk. "

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continued wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:42 PM:

" You could be shopping amongst bloggers in there that think your letter and yo9ur sons actions were deplorable. You dont sound remorseful at all. You sound defensive and rude. You sound like you are full of excuses and you sound like you think all teenagers are thoughtless little monsters. Don't lump my teenagers into the same catagory with yours. A 10 yr old child would know better than to do this. "

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If this letter wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:40 PM:

" If this letter were a true apology you wouldn't be minimizing your sons actions and that [part about "you bloggers think what you want" You have a bad attitude mam. This is the only forum where people can speak their minds and be honest about how we feel as its anonymous, We havent committed anty crime. So next time you are shopping at Raleys you need to realize "

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I hope these wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:35 PM:

" I hope these parenst get their a**es sued off by each and everyone of the victims and their families. I hope they have to lose their house and are forced to move away from the area and start their lives over. These kind of "accidents" and "mistakes" could have cost some innocent child their life that day. Can't kids even be safe at school????? "

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To; continued wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:02 PM:

" Quit whining about your daughter with asthma nobody cares we dont know her. "

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To all the people wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:55 PM:

" That thought the spirit ralley was no biggie, this event is a perfect example of where things escolate to when they aren't treated right early on. We go from washable paint to tear gas, whats next? agent orange? I mean where does it stop Lodian? You thought the washable paint was no big deal and here we are a few weeks later with a noxious gas. You must be one of those parents who does nothing at all until its out of control and innnocent students are put in harms way. "

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TO SICKENED wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:46 PM:

" I agree with you 100% "

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hmmm wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:46 PM:

" This line bothers me..."He will be forced to read the blogs to see just how hard-hearted and judgmental people can be." We are judgemental and hard-hearted because we expect 16 year olds to obey the law? Are you aware that according to California law your son committed several felonies? Your statement leads me to believe that when he breaks the law you just write it off as just a poor decision. "

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I think the police wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:44 PM:

" should be investigating where these kids really got the pepper spray from. They found it? Hmmm sounds fishy to me. And to the people saying the mother of this monster is brave for making an apology? Get real, she is hiding behind the law and not revealing her identity. She is using the local paper like a soapbox. Enough with the theatrics. I've listened to it for the past 2 days, 4 hrs and 16 minutes....LOL "

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African American Student wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:41 PM:

" I am a student at Lodi High School. Would any of you defend me if I commited this crime? "

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Commonsense wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:30 PM:

" I would guess the parents of this teenager now wish they had never sent a letter to the LNS. I appreciate and understand your anguish, embarassment and anger of your sons actions. I'm certain you will handle this situation responsibly and this will be a very painful lesson for your son. Sorry for you and those who suffered from this stupid, immature act. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 4, 2007 4:32 PM:

" To Lodian: Put down the Gin and Juice and think for a moment. THIS WAS NOT A MISTAKE! HE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT HE WAS DOING! DING DONG, is any body home? Reality check one, two. Stop making excuses for these people! "

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Griot wrote on Nov 4, 2007 4:14 PM:

" To Shane on some of you: Congradulations! You have never committed a felony! That means you can still vote... "

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Griot wrote on Nov 4, 2007 4:10 PM:

" To continued: From what I have read, a majority of these bloggers don't give a damn about your daughter. They only want to defend the felony mommys little baby commited! This is sad. But, this is the community that we live in. These bloggers want to post "haven't you done something wrong", "you aren't perfect", "don't judge". And at the same time your daughter could have died. "

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M2CW wrote on Nov 4, 2007 4:02 PM:

" to: "to the families of these boys"... excellent post. and to the "oh good" I don't think the C/O 1982 post was meant to take you down memory lane, I think it was to enlighten you that these kids PROBABLY won't turn into adult hardened criminals. I agree with the poster who said they will more than likely be enlightened by their actions and less likley to screw up down the road. And to Griot..... you come across as a really bitter angry person at EVERYTHING! "

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Out of state Aunt wrote on Nov 4, 2007 4:02 PM:

" For those that insist he be the one to apologize, he has. And for those that have not received that apology yet, they will. Somebody said that my nephew will suffer far more then the victims of the spray and that is one of the truest statements on this blog. We don't need your criticisms and stones. Prayers and words of encouragement would be a better use of your time. "

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Aunt out of state wrote on Nov 4, 2007 4:02 PM:

" My sister was totally in the right keeping anonymous for the safety of the family and her son. And for those that are suggesting they quit their job and home school,or get a good lawyer or PR person please mind your own business, because TRULY that is none of your business. "

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Out of state Aunt wrote on Nov 4, 2007 4:00 PM:

" Some might want to re-read the letter my sister wrote. She isn't excusing actions and she isn't asking for mercy, she understands they will be facing consequences, she humbled herself to let those who are casting judgment know that they are sorry. She wanted to let you all know that our family is not out of the ordinary. My nephew is a loving, friendly, funny, good kid, who takes great care of his younger cousins has a blast with his older cousins and is well behaved. "

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nylodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 3:52 PM:

" Wow -I haven't checked in for a while and read this. I would have more sympathy for these parents had their child not PLANNED to bring the canister to school beforehand. There was some thought to this, and anyone with access to a tv today knows what pepper spray does to people. It was more than a thoughtless prank - it was sadistic act. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 4, 2007 3:49 PM:

" To JD: I don't know if these young men are headed to Federal Court. My only wish is that they are punished to the fullest extent of the law. "

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For those of you wrote on Nov 4, 2007 2:49 PM:

" who say convict him, throw the book at him, give him "hell"...what if it were your child? Would you still be saying the same thing? "

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to Griot 12:48 wrote on Nov 4, 2007 2:22 PM:

" Great post. I agree. I too am curious as to how this "wonderful" student showed respect to his teachers and fellow students by releasing a toxic gas? "

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to wow 11:04 wrote on Nov 4, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Read California law. It is a felony for a minor to even possess pepper spray, let alone release it it as a joke in a crowd of innocent people, just for giggles. And yes, you do go to jail for breaking the law. "

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Shame on some of you wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:40 PM:

" To Griot......I too have never committed a felony but I don't see myself perfect an any regard. So nice of you to asking. "

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To Griot wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:29 PM:

" From "To JD". You're right, most teenagers don't commit "Federal" crimes but that doesn't change the fact that most teenagers do ACT thoughtlessly. So, these boys are headed to Federal Court? "

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continued wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:19 PM:

" Should be seeking counseling right about now, not on some stupid blog cramming down the throats of his victims what a great family you guys are. I am glad this is not my boy. You have your hands full. have you taken his car away yet? what have you really done? READING A BLOG IS NO PUNISHMENT. mY DAUGHTER HAS ASTHMA AND SHE COULD HAVE VERY EASILY DIED, I FRANKLY DON'T CARE HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK YOU GUYS SIT DOWN AND EAT DINNER TOGETHER. "

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Read and re-read wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:15 PM:

" I have read this letter 3 times now and it doesn't sound like an apology to me. It sounds more like a plea to the public to support the parents of the kids who did this. I am offended by all the generalizations. Most teenagers WOULD NOT do this. My advice to the letter writer is Give it up. Your "good son" could have killed several students and your pyunishment is to make him read this blog? GET A LIFE. Your family "

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To JD wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:11 PM:

" JD....from what I've seen and read in the news for more than a few yrs. now, most of the human race falls into YOUR CATEGORY of "borderline sociopath". I don't agree with your definition of thoughtless, stupid, idiotic and borderline sociopath and guess what I have to. As you have a right to your opinion so do I. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:48 PM:

" To GovAgent: You sound as dumb as that criminal you claim you have taught! First of all, the only reason mommys little baby confessed is becaues he got busted. He was arrested, then he confessed. You speak as if he turned himself in and confessed. How in the hell did he show the utmost respect to his teacher and fellow students? Stop questioning my intelligence! "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:10 PM:

" I'm surprised that my earlier comment, noting that these boys were all football players, didn't make it through the censors...yet posts with the boys real name have been posted. Seems odd to me that the paper would post the boys name on two separate occasions here. What's up? "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:03 PM:

" Pam T.: Yes, I'm sure many of us on many occasion have uttered the words, "If I knew then what I know now..." "

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student wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:01 PM:

" I honestly think that they are remorseful when after going home one of the kids was bragging an laughing saying that what had just happened was the funniest and best thing ever. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:01 PM:

" T & C: On the surface that doesn't seem like a bad idea, but isn't that something the gangbangers actually like to see? They want their names in the paper so they can get "credit" for their crimes, right? And then there is the other extreme where the kid may have done something stupid, but not heinous. Should the later get a second chance as a youth that made a mistake? Just more questions I guess. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 11:55 AM:

" To: Lodian (7:58am): I doubt that these kids will only get a slap on the wrist, but I guess that's relative to what you personally feel is only a slap on the wrist. And why the racist remark? "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 11:52 AM:

" hey: I agree with you, although most of the students already know who the pepper spray kids are as word travels fast. "

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wow wrote on Nov 4, 2007 11:04 AM:

" first, at least the parents are brave enough to make an apology. yes teenagers do stupid things. he'll pay the consequences so why are all of you so hateful? some of you act like your so perfect. second, it would be unneccessary to have him do jail time, this is not something you go to jail for when your under 18. third, noone could of died or blinded, its pepper spray ! cmon!! anyone ever think that the kids jus play more sick than they really are ? "

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SICKENED wrote on Nov 4, 2007 11:02 AM:

" "Police arrested the two students, ages 16 and 17, who told authorities they found the unmarked aerosol can while trick-or-treating on Halloween. Investigators aren’t sure what was in it." These idiot children didn't even know what it was they were releasing into the air....Just because YOU think you raised a good kid, does not make it so.. be glad it may have only been pepper spray. your apology is not one. It's a bunch of bologna. a true apology wouldn't have you defending how well or not you have raised this future terrorist. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:55 AM:

" I honestly don't give a damn what the parents have to say. There child commited a crime, a felony, and he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Now if any of you have a problem with that, So Mote It Be... "

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Friend of Parent wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:41 AM:

" I have known the mother of this kid for many years. I have met her children, but don't really know the boy personlly much. I can say, though that everything the mother said in this letter is true. I do think that he should write a letter of apology. I'm glad everyone is okay from this. Hopefully the experience will prevent other kids from ever doing anything like this. As to the family of this boy, my heart goes out to you and you will get through this with God's help. Hang in there!! "

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oh man wrote on Nov 4, 2007 10:19 AM:

" Wow,,we have Bob Marley quotes to live by,,that'll help,,,oh,,and Caligirl,,get over yourself,it gets old having people like you tell others not to make judgement when someone does something ignorant. "

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excuse me.. wrote on Nov 4, 2007 9:08 AM:

" to Lodian 10:33 pm post: Excellent post. "

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Pam T. wrote on Nov 4, 2007 9:03 AM:

" We have all made decisions that, if armed with the knowledge that comes seconds, minutes, hours, or days later, we would never make again in a million years. The boys made a bad decision...no argument there, but they will pay the consequences and move forward,hopefully as much smarter members of society. I applaud the parents for their position. "

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T & C wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:09 AM:

" The editors son and the ex-chiefs daughter are two examples. They are constantly buying their way out with their mommy and daddy's influence.The big dogs of Lodi at work with your tax dollars! "

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T & C wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:06 AM:

" But then of course, the good old boys and their kiddies would be exposed to our community as being just as accountable for crime as anyone else. "

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T & C wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:03 AM:

" It's a beautiful day here in New York City, in the 60's and here on some business. The point I'd like to make is that here in the media the names of the juvenile offenders and their immediate families are always printed in the newspapers, along with their crimes and their names and ages. Lodi needs to adopt the same practices and let readers know who their real criminals are, regardless of their age. "

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Delta Penguin wrote on Nov 4, 2007 8:02 AM:

" At 16, he was fully aware of the consequences and had thought them through. He just got caught and now wants pity for ignorance. He will not live with this for the rest of his life. In a few years, his slate cleaned as he enters adulthood. Then, the only thing he will live with are the laughs as he reminisces about doing it. I say arrest him, convict him and make it hell for him. "

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lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 7:58 AM:

" I am glad to hear that this stupid kids will pay for what they have done. And I am sure that if they were other than Caucasians more people would be complaining about them but since they are not its just a slap in the wrist and everything is all right. "

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NSN Lodian wrote on Nov 4, 2007 6:57 AM:

" Apologies in the modern day are often ended with a "but", turning it from an apology to an excuse. I read this letter twice, looking for the "but"... and the only thing I could remotely find was (but) "..as most teenagers don't" (think through the consequences). But to me that is more a fact than a "but". So I believe these parents are truely mortified by what happened, and are sincerely sorry. The rest of us should be glad to see such contrition in today's society. "

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GovAgent contin. wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:55 AM:

" These parents are making their son accountable for his actions, this is a good lesson for all parents who always defend their child regardless of what the child did. too many parents today do not make their children accept responsibility for their actions. Young man, the best thing for you to do regardless of what the school or police do, is find all the people who got sick from this and write each of them a letter expressing your sorrow and asking forgiveness. Thank you parents for being parents and thank you young man for taking responsibility for your actions. "

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GovAgent wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:43 AM:

" As a father and teacher I commend you for accepting the responsibility for your son, you are good parents. Your son does have integrity for confessing to his responsibility. Thank goodness for your integrity. Your son, I know him and have taught his classes, he is a good young man and showed the utmost respect to his teacher and fellow students. I think we all learned a lesson here! "

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to Native Lodian 2 wrote on Nov 4, 2007 2:38 AM:

" I wouldn't call this parent's letter "stepping up" at all. This letter starts out defensive and flip. Not a good start to addressing this issue. "

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to the families of these boys... wrote on Nov 4, 2007 1:54 AM:

" I hope the court system will deal with your sons compassionately. It is highly likely that your boys will grow up to be more open minded and finer citizens than some of the examples set by bloggers on this post, directly as a result of this misfortunate experience. Keep loving and supporting your teenagers,God Bless. "

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wow wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:09 AM:

" I am glad my son did not have this happen to him for he was in class when this happened. These parents i hope have to pay for the fees for the medical expenses. I am sure they meant no harm just wanted to have fun. But come on they should have known better. Pepper spray is not fun to experence. "

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hey wrote on Nov 4, 2007 12:05 AM:

" yes the son needs to write a letter of how he feels and have someone else read it to all the students. The family needs to keep their names out of it. For others will do something stupid to get even. Those kis have learned a lession the hard way. They just wanted to have fun not thinking it would do harm. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:37 PM:

" The parents that have kids that were hurt/hospitalized by this pepper spray may want more than just an apology and reimbursement of their medical bills. "

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PWS wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:37 PM:

" First of all, if it makes your day putting down a few teenagers who made a bad mistake, try growing up. I know one of the kids who was involved in this ordeal and i also know that he is a polite, and respectful student as well as friend. I feel the teens should have to pay the consequience and then get back to living life! "Dont live in the negative way, make way for the positive day!"-Bob Marley godbless to theese kids and their families. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:33 PM:

" To: Mr./Mrs. Parent: You made some very good points in your letter to the public. And I certainly do not claim to have perfect children so I can understand what you have to say. I must tell you that if this was supposed to be a letter of apology (I couldn't tell) it was not so apologetic. Why are you writing this letter and not your son? Make him take responsibility. Stop running interference for him. Perhaps you do too much for this young man? "

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mike G wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:32 PM:

" Grow up. stop making it racial.You talking about how different it would be if it were a teenager of any other etnic background then white. this why whe still have so many racial problems. Let go of the past. And no Im not white. I'm American! As are all of you playing the race card. My father wasnt born in this country but yet i was. When u act stupid you get in trouble. no matter what race. Many people of all colors get falsely accused. "

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WY wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:30 PM:

" Hi Jeremy!**== "

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WY wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:29 PM:

" Leonard.. can pepper spray be lethal dispersed in manner? People get it in the face and don't die. What's all the death talk about? And NO I don't think this was OK, I just want to know if you can die from pepper spray. "

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to not gang related wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:37 PM:

" give me a break. Have you been over to lodi high they are most of the trouble one time its not are your crying racist. Geez "

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Iknow wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:17 PM:

" Kids have more influence on their friends then they realize. Kids, try harder next time your friends are making a bad choice. "

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YouKnow wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:04 PM:

" You know this plot wasn't hatched in total secrecy. Others knew. "He has a multitude of friends that come to the house that are GOOD kids" yet none stopped them. The letter writer asks us to "talk to your kids about the consequences of one prank that can go bad". Also talk to them about stepping up to stop friends from making bad choices. One friend willing to push the issue could have prevented this whole thing. "

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DES wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:02 PM:

" The point is if teens have a good, SOLID Christian faith, that teaches right from wrong they will not choose to do dangerous things. These 'pranks' are done out of a selfish appetite for "fun" at any cost. They need a faith that teaches them God is watching and that they will be held accountable. Kids need to be taught to honor their parents, too. Public schools never teach this any more. If kids were taught to love and honor their parents they would think twice about doing things that would bring shame to their family. "

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California Law wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:32 PM:

" In California it is a felony 1) for a minor to possess pepper spray, 2) for a person to possess more than 2.5 oz, 3) for a person to dispurse the spray as a joke or prank, and 4) for a minor to dispurse the spray period. This kid is guilty of a few serious crimes. Sounds like more than an Ooops to me. "

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caligirl wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:05 PM:

" lodian? wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:46 AM: " Wow..where did you guys buy your rocks? I'd like to throw some too, when I'm feeling unmerciful and gloriously righteous. Must be great not to experience error in one's life. " I have to agree with you on this one! I know of only one that was perfect and he was crucified! "

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Equality of the system? wrote on Nov 3, 2007 7:17 PM:

" If we're going to get control of our schools, we've got to take a look at the justice of how punishment is handed out. On one hand, there are the Franklin football players who reaped the severe punishment brought about NOT by physically injuring anyone but by the unethical adults around them. In this case, we have teenagers who,perhaps unintentionally, physically injured other students. There DOES need to be punishment with at least as long-lasting impact as bestowed on the other innocent Franklin kids on that team. There could have been very serious injuries at LHS. "

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oh good wrote on Nov 3, 2007 6:36 PM:

" Everytime someone does something stupid we get to reminisce about how wild Lodi girl and her class were,,and how they turned out to be leaders "

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JD wrote on Nov 3, 2007 6:03 PM:

" M2CW, twenty years ago people people expected teenagers to act like adults. On my first day of school my parents warned: "You get in trouble at school, you get in bigger trouble at home." Now, it's "you get in trouble at school, I'll make you read a few blogs, write a letter to the whole town about how you're still a 'good kid', shield you from public accountability for as long as possible, and then in all likelihood get a high-priced lawyer to keep you out of the jail in which you legally and morally belong." "

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Mother of 3 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 6:00 PM:

" Work community service, work for the families of those who suffered they need to do something physical so they get it and feel it. Are you as parents raising boys or men. They read and the back of the poison states what the stuff is used for and if used inappropriately they can be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Men know that little boys should! "

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Refrigman wrote on Nov 3, 2007 5:58 PM:

" It will be interesting to see which group gets worse punishment. These kids, or the ones at Bear Creek that killed some Oak trees. Both are stupid pranks. It seems that in the last few years trees are more revered and protected than people. I wouldn't be surprised if the LHS kids get a much lighter punishment than the tree killers. "

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to anonymous wrote on Nov 3, 2007 5:58 PM:

" If he would have just exposed himself to the gas I would not be saying a thing. His choice was to expose a crowd of innocent people. And I am sorry you think it is the norm to have family members and friends doing prison time. How sad for you. "

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Mom of teens wrote on Nov 3, 2007 5:55 PM:

" As a parent how many of you would not want to protect their children? How many would also punish them too? If a kid gets into a fight at school they could be expelled even if they did not throw the first punch, so why shouldn't someone that harmed others in a way they were sent to the hospital? These boys used up city resorces and cost us tax payers a lot of money. As parents you will need to pay the bills. Good parent will require your boys to stand up and be men. "

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Mom of teens wrote on Nov 3, 2007 5:51 PM:

" If these young adults did this in a tunnel they would of called this a terrorist act so I do see where some are calling this a terrorist act. Nor all teens do something this stupid where others R harmed, but adult/teens alike do drink and drive that is stupid too! "

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Native Lodian 2 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 4:33 PM:

" I don't know who the kids or families are that committed this crime. I have children though and I try to raise my kids the right way but there is only so much we can do. Some of these comments are brutal. I do feel sorry for the victims and their families hope they get better soon. I do respect the fact that these parents have stepped up. Yes, their kids will be punished but its not the parents fault. This whole situation is so sad. "

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not gang related wrote on Nov 3, 2007 4:20 PM:

" I have been reading many comments on different stories for the past three months. Many of the stories were about how bad Mexicans are and how most of you dont like them. Many things about gangs as well. I agree gangs are bad but this crime was committed by white kids. There is good and bad in all nationalities, but I agree if this crime was commited by Mexican boys or others they would have been jailed immediately. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 3, 2007 4:14 PM:

" Midtowner: I'm with you. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 3, 2007 4:14 PM:

" Jeremy: Well said. "

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John Brown wrote on Nov 3, 2007 4:11 PM:

" To many years to count, in Chemistry we would burn sulphur and pipe the fumes into a jar of water, it smells like rotten eggs. Then take it into study hall open said jar and leave...What they did was wrong.No kidding!!!!They will take the hit and that will be that... About some of the comments,it's no big deal!!There are a lot of really small people who hide behind their key bord and don't have the Cajones to say it to your face,tiny little people...I don't have that problem Amigo!!!!!! "

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C/O 99 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:35 PM:

" When I was a Sr. at LHS, there was a smoke bomb in the boys locker room, fires in garbage cans, poop in the pool, graffiti, oh yeah and it was Spring of 1999 when Columbine happened, so because of 'stupid' teenagers our Sr. rally was cancelled, or delayed (I can't remember now) and there was talk about moving the graduation in doors. Kids are kids, everyone lived, they'll be alright, I know this is Lodi, but try and find something to do besides ridicule a stupid teenager and his family. Something else will happen next week. "

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M2CW wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:25 PM:

" I truley hope these families can remain anonymous. 20 years ago if this had happened in Lodi, it would've been ok to sign that letter because everyone knew everyone, but everyone also knew that the punishment from mom and dad was enough. It hard to parent kids these days because EVERYONE else wants to tell you how to do it. If something goes wrong, then everyone wants to tel the parents what a rotten job they did. Give me a break, this incident is no different than kids spiking punch at a party, and that's been going on for years. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:18 PM:

" To Shame on some of you: I have never commited a felony. So yes, I am perfect in this regard. Are you? "

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Griot wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:14 PM:

" To JD: Hey JD. What planet do you live on? Most teenagers "DO NOT ACT" this thoughtlessly. Most teenagers don't commit "Federal" crimes! If you are wrong, you stand corrected! Have a nice day... "

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From an Old Friend wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:13 PM:

" Like so many of US, we are quick to judge people. This is TRULY a WONDERFUL FAMILY. They do teach their children right from wrong. But as a parent myself of two boys, I can't be there for every smart or dumb decision they make. I can only hope that what my husband and I have taught them, they use. "

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Griot wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:06 PM:

" Well said Pippy Longstocking! I couldn't agree with you more. They will likely face felony charges of suspicion of releasing a gas in a public building and assault by gassing. "This was a malicious act upon others." Three years in prison sounds fair to me. "

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Weezer wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:06 PM:

" He did not think through the consequences of his actions, as most teenagers don't.---I was a teenager once. It would be the height of hypocrisy to say that I NEVER committed an act that I did not think through. To Excuse Me, perhaps you were one of the chosen few who walk on water that were blessed not to be part of "most teenagers." "

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JD wrote on Nov 3, 2007 3:02 PM:

" "To JD"--Sorry, but no. "Thoughtless" is forgetting to do your homework because you were out late. "Stupid" is getting your date home three hours after curfew. "Idiotic" is getting drunk and spending the next day puking your guts out. Spraying an unidentified aerosol of unknown origin in school where hundreds of students are present, KNOWING that there will be some kind of unpleasant effect on those students (even if the degree is not fully understood) and KNOWING it will disturb the functioning of the school, is beyond thoughtless. It's borderline sociopathic. "

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lodi girl wrote on Nov 3, 2007 2:57 PM:

" Get over it already!! KIDS R KIDS!! Im the parent of four boys, 1 adult one adult teen, and the others are 11 and 13. Ive seen a lil bit of everything over the years but none of em can match the *ell I raised when I was a teen. To the parents...just make sure you see that they follow through with whatever disapline is ordered. "

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Refrigman wrote on Nov 3, 2007 2:55 PM:

" I don't really care what the parents say or write. I am much more interested in reading a letter from your son. My parent's would never write a letter for me. In fact, my dad's favorite saying was "If you work your way into jail, then you can work your way out" "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Nov 3, 2007 2:34 PM:

" Come on- I can not believe you played the race card. Are you saying that if these kids were "ethnic" they would have been in jail Thursday night? My two LHS kids say these are two normal kids, not "trouble makers." IMO, they need a long 3-4 day wknd in Juvi, and a ton of community service work @ Lodi High. "

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Pippy Longstocking wrote on Nov 3, 2007 2:09 PM:

" A bad decision is putting too much water on your petunias or ordering a Big Mac at Taco Bell. This was no bad decision, this is pure and simple bad behavior that was intensified by three guys who thought they could get away with it. "

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Pippy Longstocking wrote on Nov 3, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Ask yourself this, If the perps would have gotten away with this act, would they have the conscience and balls to confess? It is only a crime or tragedy because they got caught. To Mom, dont lump "most teenagers" into the category of thoughtless or bad decision makers, A bad decision is not the same as a Malicious act upon others. "

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To JD wrote on Nov 3, 2007 1:45 PM:

" What planet do you live on? Yes, Most teenagers DO ACT this thoughtlessly. Most just don't have these results. "

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Shame on some of you wrote on Nov 3, 2007 1:28 PM:

" Wow, it's so nice to hear that so many of you are so perfect and never done, much less even thought of doing, anything that later would seem stupid. "

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to M2CW wrote on Nov 3, 2007 1:23 PM:

" I have to agree with you. After reading some of the postings I have concerns for this families safety. Doing it anonymously was the only way. Some people here would love to have their name and address. For those here that walk on water, everyones feet get wet at some point. "

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Lodi Class of 1982 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:35 PM:

" When I was attending Lodi High (in the dark ages), some boys brought a bottle of something called "Everclear" and mixed it in the punch at a football rally. There were several of us that were sick as dogs (I know I drove the porcelein bus for 5-6 hours that evening). They didn't mean to try to kill us (we found out later that the stuff is lethal), they were just being stupid teenagers. Both boys are still in Lodi and have medical degrees hanging on their walls and both men have made countless contributions to this community. "

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Been there, done that. wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:23 PM:

" I am a HS senior and labeled as a mature teenager. However, in the past I have made mistakes that I absolutely regret. We teenagers have a characteristic that we're notorious for: when the spontaneity of the moment takes over, and we toss all rationality out of the window. We don't think it through when we're in that moment. Then once the action is done, it starts to sink in, register itself in our heads. The regret by then would have already started to set in. Believe me when I say that I know. "

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Anonoymous wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:23 PM:

" Kids will be kids, no one is perfect and once again parents in Lodi seem to think this was the end of the world that this happened. The parents that are repremanding the parents and child probavly have a child themselves in prison or have been in jail for something 10 times worse. WOW. Very smart you guys are. Quit, Get a life and worry about yourself "

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M2CW pt 3 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:19 PM:

" Kids need discipline, period. You can't remove it all together from the parents as society has done, then cry FOUL when they step out of line. The kids that did this, don't need jail time or labeled "terrorist", they need their little a$$es whipped, then grounded, then they need to work their "stupiness" off cleaning the garage, scrubbing the hallway at Lodi High, scaping gum off the sidewalk, whatever. The parents need to be able to punish these kids without the whole town breathing down their neck. "

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M2CW pt2 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:15 PM:

" My own teeage son tried to tell me (ONCE) that he'd call CPS on me if I spanked him, I told him that was fine, one of us would be going to jail, the other would go to the hospital. He hasn't said it since, but after he got his well deserved SPANKING, he hasn't done anything to warrant another trip behind the old woodshed either. No his sister...... that is another matter all together... "

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Griot wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:14 PM:

" To Come on: I agree with you 100%. Had this been a minority student, he would be in jail, without bail. This would be both national and international news. This is the world we live in. I hope the parents of these "thugs" have good insurance. They better get a lawyer... "

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M2CW wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:13 PM:

" Kids are hard as *ell to raise these days. Discipline has pretty much been taken away from the parents thanks to our society teaching them to call CPS. A LOT of kids these days could benefit from a good old fashioned a$$ whooping, (but as parents we can't do it). Kids these days will tell their parents "You can't touch me" (I've heard it out of the mouths of babes) and we as society wonder why we can't get out kids to behave? "

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lshark44 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:09 PM:

" It's refreshing to see parents forcing a teenager to take responsibility, and taking responsibility themselves, for a stupid act. That's pretty rare these days. Enough has been said about just how stupid and callous and careless and mean-spitied the act was. I'm just glad these two parents are, with their son, facing up to it. "

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To Griot wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:07 PM:

" If it were you, would you do it again? "

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Anon wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:05 PM:

" Regardless of the heartless comments that some readers have made, I must say the parent who wrote this letter seems genuinely remorseful. I see this whole thing as a joke that some kids thought would be funny, not knowing that the outcome would be what it was. Since 9/11 people deem everything a "terrorist act". What ever happened to kids pulling pranks? I understand that kids went to the hospital, but that was obviously not the intentions these kids had. It sounds like this kid has a close, loving family and supportive parents. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. "

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lacking something? wrote on Nov 3, 2007 12:04 PM:

" As a parent of a high schoolers ,I can't believe that he didn't know that others would be hurt by releasing pepper spray. Sounds like the parent is making excuses after the fact.We all see the affect of pepper spray has on people, shows like Cops, Dog the bounty hunter and so on. The kid still participated in this act, knowing it would cause pain of any kind, really shows what kind of character he has... As a parent, you must have forgot to teach compassion for others. "

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Hey Mom wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:57 AM:

" Perhaps your time would be better spent offering your assistance to the people your son injured rather than sitting on a blog trying to do damage control. Are you even the slightest bit concerned how the victims were affected throughout this attack or are you too concerned with repairing your families reputation to be bothered with the 45 lives your son put in jeopardy? Maybe you should go hire yourself a good attorney and a good PR person, as the lawsuits are coming your way! "

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Griot wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:50 AM:

" To M2CW: How do you know they wouldn't do it again? Can you see into the future? I guess your god has blessed you... "

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Griot wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:45 AM:

" To Parent: Your child knew exactly what he was doing and thought he could get away with it. But your poor little baby got busted. I hope he is punished to the fullest extent of the law. Have a nice life... "

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Ignacio wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:41 AM:

" the police use pepper spray as as a non-leathel way of controlling crowds or a person. nobody had in their face contact, nobody died. As a student at Lodi High who experienced the pepper spray "attack", most students were wanting to run back in the hall to expose themselves to the coughing. It was a stupid thing to do, but in reality, it just added some excitment on a thursday afternoon. "

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student from lodi wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:27 AM:

" as a teenager i know that if we dont want our parents to know something they wont. Question: you, as a parent, knew absouletly every little miniscule thing that your kids did as teenagers? you need a serious reality check. The kid had one thoughtless moment, he thought it would be funny.I know he is definately regretting the decision he didnt think through. Yes he needs to be repremanded for his actions, but this wasnt a terrorist attack, it wasnt meant to be one! his parents arent going to let him off easy, he is going to pay. "

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LONG GONE wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:15 AM:

" Stop casting stones,possiably your own window could get broken.this parent is sincere apologizing for her sons stupid and thoughtless stunt.He endangered lives,and that was a terriable choice he made.True he should have to pay the concequinces,and should apologise for what he did.But leave his parents alone, I'm sure it was no fault of they're raising him.They are most likely good parents and people. "

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M2CW wrote on Nov 3, 2007 11:00 AM:

" After reading some of these blogs, I have to agree with the parents for remaining anonymous. Teenagers do dumb *hit all the time, but adults are ruthless. If this were my son, there is NO WAY I'd let his identity be published. I'd be too afraid of the fallback from "fine upstanding adults". These kids did something stupid, and given the chance, they wouldn't do it again I am sure. I pray that their lives are not ruined from this. Too often people are ready to discipline KIDS as hardened criminals, and it serves no point. "

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Parents of teenagers wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:58 AM:

" It's nice to see parents genuinely allowing their sons consequences to take place. Do I think these KIDS need to be excused from their actions? No, but I don't think they need to go to jail & have their lives ruined. Teenagers make mistakes & by these mistakes they learn. I understand that judgement is a part of our culture to keep our community civil, but that doesn't mean that we need to condemn these young men. I do think the word 'terrorist' is being used too loosely & some people need to look it up in the dictionary!!! "

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Come on wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:54 AM:

" you know if this would have been done by a minority student he would be in jail. Instead parents are jumping on this blog trying to justify this young mans' crime as being just a stupid "prank". This is sad. He commited a serious crime and put many students' health at risk. This should not be taking lightly. "

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JD wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:15 AM:

" By the way, parents, you do understand that California uses the felony murder rule, right? That if, during the course of this felony assault that your kids committed, one asthmatic had had a particularly bad reaction and died from the consequences, your kids could also be prosecuted for first-degree murder? "

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JD wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:05 AM:

" Asking for mercy on the grounds that teenagers sometimes act stupidly doesn't quite cut it for me. Most teenagers do NOT act THIS thoughtlessly. I didn't. My friends didn't. The teenagers I know today don't. "

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Not from Lodi wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:53 AM:

" To the parents: You made it clear that you DO understand and are ready to accept the consequences of your son's actions. During this adversity, you are now learning the true character of your friends and peers, and that will be the most hurtful of all. Most parents think that they know, but really have no idea, the things that their teens are getting into, and sometimes those who speak the loudest are those who are the most clueless. "

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Mom of 3 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:49 AM:

" I agree with "excuse me". I think if your son was so remorseful and saddened by his actions this letter would have been written by him, to explain that he had a terrible lapse in judgement, as teenagers sometimes do. and that he had committed himself to accept all punishments given by all parties and maybe do some volunteering to help repay his community, school, and peers for the cost of his actions. "

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lodian? wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:46 AM:

" Wow..where did you guys buy your rocks? I'd like to throw some too, when I'm feeling unmerciful and gloriously righteous. Must be great not to experience error in one's life. "

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To responsible parent wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:25 AM:

" No matter what these knee jerk idiots on this blog write there are alot of Lodi High parents out here on your side. A stupid prank, yes terrorist action cmon gimme a break. I know both of these boys and know they will probably suffer more than any of the victims. "

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excuse me.. wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:12 AM:

" Midtowner, I guess I set higher standards for my kids, grandkids and students. I believe if you set your expectations and standards high and make the rules clear, kids will thrive and grow into educated, thoughtful, respectful adults. I also believe a normal, well adjusted 10 year old would know that releasing a poisonous gas in a crowd is wrong and would cause harm. "

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Yeah Right wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:12 AM:

" I am sure your precious son has been an absolute angel up until this event. Parents need to realize YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR KIDS ARE DOING. Stop making excuses for their lack of judgment an actually be a parent and get involved in their life. My favorite part, "He did not think through the consequences of his actions, as most teenagers don't." NO! MOST TEENAGERS DO, THATS WHY THEY DONT DO THINGS LIKE THIS. "

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stupid but not evil wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:11 AM:

" ALL teenagers are dumb. that is a time of life when they think stupid things are funny and they are oblivious to others around them. i don't believe this boy was trying to kill someone. i believe he was just being a dumb boy. but I guarantee he will think things through after this... "

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Hey Lady wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:08 AM:

" Don't lump my teenager in when you say "most teenagers" dont think about the consequences. Your kid could have blinded or killed other students. Go get him in counseling and quit trying to do damage control. "

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Jelly Jihad Brigade wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:07 AM:

" Your son's hope to become an ATF agent may be gone in the wind if he is convicted of a felony. You are civilly liable for your son's actions. If there is a monetary judgement awarded, you have to pay it..not your son. I agree with a previous blogger, if your son is so upstanding and responsible, why can't he write a letter of apology on his own? "

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Jeremy wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:03 AM:

" Sometimes it will take a mistake of this severity to wake a child up, so they dont become a worthless adult. Usually someone dies, but in this situation we were lucky. I hope your son learns from this, and remembers the pain, and possible fatal consequences this could have had. "

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lodi parent wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:02 AM:

" i really had a laugh when i read this story. i know plenty of people from broken homes, parents abusing alcohol & drugs, did'nt attend church and rarely had a family meal, including myself. pulling a stunt like this would never have entered our minds. at 16 this young man should have developed some common sense and regard for others. glad he's not my boy. "

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To His Parents wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:01 AM:

" Stop hiding. Anyone who hides behind the law just because they can, isn't sorry at all. Do you really believe nobody knows who your little punk is? Do you really think the neighbors don't know who you are? If you, your husband or your son were sorry you would be making a public apology. You are teaching your kid to manipulate the law and hide behind a technicality.You are hiding because his action is a reflection of Your parenting skills and you are afraid of what other incidents people will bring up if they know your identity. "

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countryside wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:58 AM:

" The kid should be the one making this statement. Sometimes things like this do happen to good families. But, when kids do dumb stuff like this it bothers me to have to see the parents having to be the ones to clean it up. "

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To His Parents wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:53 AM:

" Whichever one of you wrote this letter I am disgusted. Stop hiding. Anyone who hides behind the law just because they can, isn't sorry at all. Do you really believe nobody knows who your little punk is and who you are? Do you really think the neighbors don't know who you are? If you, your husband or your son were one but sorry you would be makingf a public apology and not anonymously. You are teaching your kid to manipulate the law and hide behind a technicality. "

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Excuse Me wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:53 AM:

" It sounds as if working with teens for 30 years plus has made your heart very hard. Perhaps, it might be time to do something else before the rage kills you! "

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motoracn116 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:53 AM:

" As a parent of a high school senior, I know that kids make stupid choices and some can actually think ahead to realize consequences, but not all... This comes with maturity. I appreciate your letter and believe you're all ready to face what happens next. Trust in your friends, family and of course God to see you through it. "

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S & W 500 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:47 AM:

" This was a horrible act! The kids who committed it will feel the reprocussions for a long time!! If found guilty, I think they should have to do community service (HARD MANUAL LABOR) everyday after school & weekends for 2 months. They should also have to personally apologize to all victims, face to face. Expulsion is NOT the answer, in this case, in my opinion. If they intended to hurt people with mallice in forethought, my opinion would differ. "

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Trish wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:39 AM:

" To Excuse Me: Terrorist act?? Get real! This letter spells it out real clear. This kids parents are not letting him get away with this. They came out right away with an public apology, yet the other parents haven't? One thing I would like to suggest to the parents is to have your kids go to the local police training center and under controlled and supervision by professionals, get pepper sprayed themselves. I know when they spray the Cadets we stay CLEAR!! "

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Terrorist-like action? wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:31 AM:

" Give me a break! It was certainly a stupid and thoughtless action that could have had dire consequences but terrorist-like? I don't think so! Anyway, when all is said and done, these kids will thank their lucky stars nothing worse came of it and continue on through life (hopefully) never making such a dumb mistake again. "

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Midtowner wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:23 AM:

" To Native Lodian: those who fail to judge become victims. Think about it. "

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Midtowner wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:21 AM:

" To excuse me: why are you offended by a statement which is most likely true. Kids do and say things without thinking of consequences, that come with maturity, something you should know as a grandparent. I don't belive the parent is trying to rationilize the incident, rather, she is making a point that teenagers sometime pull stupid moronic stunts. "

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To native Lodian wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:19 AM:

" Are you NUTS??? Those who judge don't matter? Our system of judging people for right and wrong decisions is what keep this society civil! Without judgements (our system of values) we'd have chaos! "

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Wake Up wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:17 AM:

" This GAS kid is guilty. His actions could have killed someone. This was an act of terrorism. He knew what he was doing. He is just sorry now that he got caught. And NO, most teens would not do something this stupid. His parents need to quit making excuses for him. He should have written a letter of apology, not his parents. He is not a baby, nor a child, rather a stupid, selfish young adult, unconcerned about the well being and safety of his fellow classmates. "

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Good Parents wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:16 AM:

" This incident won't brand your children for the rest of their lives but please do carry through! Why not keep them out of school for the remainder of the school year (even if one of you has to quit their job and stay with them) and home school? This would give them plenty of time to think about the severity of their prank but wouldn't hinder their progress. "

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Midtowner wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:15 AM:

" To both sets of parents: You will need to accept the punishment, what ever it may be, and not challenge it. This will also teach your children that they are responsible for their actions. "

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Midtowner wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:06 AM:

" Responsible Parent: I read your letter thoroughly and beleive that you are truly remorseful and sorry for your son's actions. With that said, your son needs to make a plea to the public and his fellow students who he poisoned and not do it anonomously. We are a forgiving society. I understand that teenagers make stupid decisions as we all have. The best that could come from this incident is that the perpetrators learn consequences. "

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excuse me.. wrote on Nov 3, 2007 7:54 AM:

" your statement "He did not think through the consequences of his actions, as most teenagers don't" offends me. I have spent 30 plus years working with teens. The majority would NEVER think of doing anything like this. Your son needs help. Quit making excuses for his moronic action. I hope he gets expelled along with jail time for his terrorist-like action. I believe he deserves a label for the felony he committed. (AND I am a parent and grandparent.) "

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Native Lodian wrote on Nov 3, 2007 7:49 AM:

" Teenagers sometimes do stupid and thoughtless things. They always have. Put the bat away and quit beating yourself up. Just remember...Those who matter don't judge those who judge, don't matter. "

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