Land of the free....

There is no doubt in my mind that we are too lenient with youth in New Zealand. The justice system is set up to keep them out of court for as long as possible, often for crimes against person or property, crimes which in the past would have been dealt with more severely. We also ignore the role and responsibility of the parent to the point that they may as well not exist.

BUT when I read a story about a mother, Elisa Kelly, who served beer to 15 and 16 year-olds at her son's 16th birthday party so they wouldn't drink and drive, confiscated all car keys, supervised them, didn't drink herself, half of the boys didn't drink and none were intoxicated (which was established when the police raided her property), is going to jail for 2 years and 3 months (reduced from eight years on appeal), is now bankrupt from over $150,000 of legal fees and will be separated from her sons......

well, I am very glad to be living here and not in Virginia, USA.