Words fail me

[gerisullivan]

Apparently parts of this have been reported in the news and around the blogosphere for the last couple of weeks, with the current story breaking on Friday, May 15^th:

"TALLAHASSEE -- A total of 43 children were directly and indirectly shocked by electric stun guns during simultaneous ''Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day'' events gone wrong at three state prisons, according to new information provided Friday by the Florida Department of Corrections.

"Also, a group of kids was exposed to tear gas during a demonstration at another lockup."

Coverage in The Miami Herald.

AOL's AP coverage, with video with Corrections Secretary Walter McNeil.

It's not on Snopes yet; it appears to be real. The current stories say no kids were hospitalized; an earlier story says one was taken to the hospital. (And was therefore presumably then treated and released if the report was accurate.)

Comments

[dinogrl.livejournal.com]

Have you sent Barbara the info so she can fact check it? She does reply to emails.

[nkcmike.livejournal.com]

I saw a news article that said there were a total of five firings and resignations over it. If it's phony, news outlets are running with it.

WTF?

[buttonlass.livejournal.com]

Who does this? How screwed up do you have to be to think stunning your own children as an example is a good idea?

I realize they probably didn't mean any harm but it's still called child abuse I'm pretty sure and I can only hope they get prosecuted. If nothing else maybe they'll have to talk to a professional about what's appropriate behavior for an adult.

First person who tries to stun my child gets kicked in the cajones. I would be livid as a parent.