is this the same type of "tragedy" that occurs when a child drowns in a family's swimming pool? Some parallels have been drawn to other "similar" types of "accidents" or "tragedies" and I have been trying to sit on my hands but just can't any longer. Is this different than that?
Sure it's different. Though it's not any less tragic or heartbreaking or guilt inducing.
With a 30 second drowning the parent knew the child was there and simply looked away, or went to the bathroom, or didn't realize they could open the door.
The parent is aware of the child's presence and simply looks away long enough for that to occur.
With a hot car death the parent believes that the child is safe with another caregiver. The parent believes that they dropped the child off and the child is playing happily.
The parent is unaware of the child's presence in the vehicle and believes they are elsewhere, until it is too late.
I think that's really the main, huge difference. In one the parent simply looks away from the child. In another the parent believes they do not have the child with them.
yes but justice isn't about how the perp feels.....who cares about how hurt someone who has committed a crime actually feels.....his actions have consequences for him as well, and he can deal with them feelings himself....but what about the rest of the family? what justice do they get?
Good question, what about the rest of the family?
I'm guessing that putting their father/husband in prison and taking away his income isn't going to help them.
Would they have to move? Would the child have to live in an less safe area? What kind of stress would the trial itself put on Mom and big brother?
I'm guessing that the 4 year old visiting Daddy in prison isn't their idea of justice.
I'm guessing that paying 25 cents a minute for phone calls for the next several years isn't their idea of fair.
Putting this father in prison would punish his wife and son as much or more than it would punish him. Dad would have his immediate needs taken care of. He wouldn't need to worry about food, housing or utilities. Mom however would need to worry about how she would keep a roof over her child's head, food on his table and heat in their home. Alone.
This is something many people don't really put a lot of thought into, because the family suffering is just a side effect of people going to prison. But in situations like these where people are advocating prison as justice FOR the family... I think it's a huge part of the big picture and should be factored in.
So, if we are worried about justice for the rest of the family? I think they are the ones who would know what that looks like to them. Right now, they appear to think it looks like Dad remaining with them, as a unit... what is left of their family.