Fresno tree incident offers a parable of our society
Posted at 09:38 PM on Saturday, Mar. 20, 2010
RecommendFive Central High School seniors thought they were pulling a prank: cutting down two mature trees in the quad to deprive junior classmates of shade.
Actually, they were committing at least $7,000 of vandalism and igniting a story that has become a parable on what's right and wrong with America.
Their act and the responses of their parents and the school district offer several threads for legitimate public debate -- as well as the kind of blind anger that is the trademark of anonymous Internet commentary.
Helicopter parents? Publicity seeking lawyers? Where to draw the line for punishment? Portraying yourself as a victim instead of owning up and accepting consequences?
Every issue has at least two sides, as we have seen in news coverage of the students' suspensions, their attempt to return to school, the hiring of attorneys and the sidewalk shouting outside Central.
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Central High tree-cutting case delayedSome of the outrage is genuine. Some of it
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