Some would call it a tired cliche. I’d say that it’s a simple truism that bears repeating.
“It’s easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble.”
If you’ve read this column for any amount of time, you know that I see things in a mostly “black and white” perspective.
It comes from my upbringing. Parents, relatives, neighbors and teachers who didn’t stand for a lot of foolishness. Years spent in schools that constantly repeated a theme of accountability and responsibility. A career spent doing things wherein the consequences of actions taken or avoided were presented on a fairly regular basis.
All of this is said as an introduction to my thoughts on the upcoming trial of Colton Harris-Moore.
My “druthers” as regards Mr. Harris-Moore is that he needs to be shown that his actions weren’t funny, that there are consequences to be faced, and that others who might want to emulate him need to know that his isn’t a path they should take.
Which is to say that I think - having once been the victim of a home burglary - that he should spend a fair number of years behind bars.
Continuing on the topic, I recently read an article in this newspaper regarding the path the defense might take in this case. Said path being that they might try to mitigate Mr. Harris-Moore’s actions by pointing out the tough time he’d had while growing up.
Fine. Have at it. It’s probably his best shot.
I don’t know the particulars of the way in which he was raised, but - in counterpoint - I’d offer that he seems to be a fairly intelligent individual. Bright, quick, and adaptable.
Intelligent enough that, somewhere along the way, he could’ve started behaving in a manner that would’ve been productive rather than destructive.
Intelligent enough that, somewhere along the way, I believe that he could’ve said something to a teacher, minister or counselor that would’ve opened doors for him.
Intelligent enough that, somewhere along the way, I believe that he could’ve joined groups, clubs, or organizations dedicated to steering young men down paths that build (rather than attempt to hand out) character, confidence and self-esteem.
So, even though I might have some sympathy for what he faced while growing up, it doesn’t change the fact that he had choices.
He could’ve chosen to stop or not even begin to do the things he did. He could’ve spared his victims the mental, emotional, and monetary strain he placed upon them. After starting, he could’ve summoned up some courage, turned himself in, and faced the consequences of his actions before they ran to the length of a phone book.
In other words, he could’ve chosen to do the right thing. Unfortunately, he didn’t and, now, a number of choices will be made for him.
There are scales that need to be balanced. There are wrongs that need to be set right. There is restitution that needs to be made. In short, Mr. Harris-Moore needs to face the consequences of the actions he took.
I accept the fact that he shouldn’t be buried in some dungeon for the remainder of his days even though I have a darker side that keeps whispering otherwise. That said, neither do I don’t want to see his trial turned into either a circus or a Kleenex tissue advertisement.
Too, I’d offer that any money that comes from any movies or books recounting his escapades should go to reimbursing his victims for their losses. That there will be books and movies doesn’t really sit well with me but, times being what they are, I guess it’s to be expected.
Like many, I’ll follow the trial hoping that some measure of justice is meted out to him and, should he get to spend a few years behind bars, I hope that he uses that time to contemplate all that’s happened.
But that’s up to him.
And that’s what it’s always been about, hasn’t it? Part of growing up is learning to accept that we are responsible for the things we do.
It’s just sad that the emphasis society once placed upon that idea - and others like it - sure seems to have gone missing lately.
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