22nd of January 2010 - Whipping Boys

7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
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Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/


22nd of January 2010


Dear Sir/Madam,

WHIPPING BOYS

I have been disgusted at the vindictive and vengeful public outcry following the sentencing of the two young brothers from Edlington to a minimum of five years for grievous bodily harm against two children of similar age. In our modern liberal and caring society, capital punishment or "feeding them to the paedophiles" is surely not an option.

These young people are victims of the failures of others and need caring support rather than a good whipping.

As Mary Bell (who murdered Martin Brown and Brian Howe) and Robert Thompson and Jon Venables (murderers of Thomas Bulger) have shown, it is possible for "toxic" youngsters to turn out as responsible and valuable members of society, leading a normal and productive life as well as being able to raise their own children in happier circumstances.

We should condemn a little less and care a little more.

Sincerely,



John Eoin Douglas