NEWS: Ohio does even more to embarrass drunk drivers

Ohio has become a leader in embarrassing drunk drivers. It first instituted a law that forced drivers with multiple DUIs to buy a special yellow and red plate, that actually stands out pretty well in traffic.

On Tuesday, it passed legislation that made an online database of drunk drivers mandatory by the end of this year. The database will be sorted by the name, address or birthday for those who are convicted of driving drunk five times over a twenty year period. 

The Columbus Dispatch interviewed Scott Woodworth, 49 who is serving time in jail for his thirteenth drunk driving conviction. Woodworth supported the legislation saying, "People deserve to know who is a drunk around them."

Agreed. This really won't do anything to make me feel safer, but it may still deter people from repeatedly driving drunk. I supported the yellow plates simply because people can tell on the road who is a drunk driver, however I'm not sure this database will have as close of an impact. Still, those people who are dumb enough to drive drunk multiple times should be punished somehow (Scott Woodworth, remember has 13 drunk driving convictions, is only serving a five year sentence).

ENTERTAINMENT: Springsteen to perform at Super Bowl thanks to Janet Jackson

I write this not to offend Bruce Springsteen, or any of his fans. Congrats on being this year's Super Bowl half time show Bruce. Shame on you NFL.

Janet Jackson has ruined Super Bowl entrainment forever. Ever since her nipple flash (which no one wanted to see anyway) in Houston, the Super Bowl has had a snore-fest of a half time. All the names that have played are big names, who make great music, but are terrible choices for a half time show.

The Rolling Stones

Paul McCartney

Prince

Tom Petty

If they weren't musicians, they'd most likely be playing bingo at a local retirement home. I can understand that the NFL wants to be cautionary after Jackson's "malfunction", but this is too extreme.

If you went around the NFL and asked players what they listen to before a game, I doubt any would say Paul McCartney or Prince. They listen to rap or rock, music that will hype them up.

Football is a contact sport, that fans enjoy getting their adrenaline pumping for. When you put on  a show with a man and a piano, you might want to go to bed rather than knock someone out of their shoes.

The NFL needs to reconsider its half time show stance, and start putting on acts that will make the players and fans pumped for the second half. I doubt bands like Foo Fighters, or rappers like Kanye West will expose themselves or rip off a girl's shirt. They should wisely choose a band, or performer that will put on a worthy show without the producers sweating over the phone directly connected to the FCC. 

SPORTS: Matt Bryant wins game despite death of son

The NFL has been full of feel-good stories, but none are as touching as Matt Bryant's. Bryant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' place kicker made three FGs today in route to a 30-21 win against Green Bay.

Bryant's three month old son died Wednesday. He missed practice the rest of the week, and head coach Jon Gruden left the decision of playing today up to Bryant.

Playing a game of football usually is the last thing most people want to do after losing a son. Football is a mental sport, especially at the kicker position. Coaches will attempt to freeze kickers to get into their head before a kick. Bryant took the field in front of 65,000 and kicked a game winning field goal knowing he had just lost his son. 

Not enough can be said about what Bryant did. He won't gain the publicity Brett Favre did after losing his father, but he surely deserves it. Losing a son is a difficult. Losing a son and going to work four days later is noble. Losing a son and kicking a game winning field goal, well I just don't have words to describe that. 

Its hard to think of NFL players as real people sometimes. That they can feel the same pain we have. That their lives aren't picture perfect. Watching Bryant kick today, point to the sky after every field goal and hearing the support of 55 players alongside 65,000 fans was touching. It reminds us that a community can come together to support someone in need, and that sports are more than wins and losses. 

NEWS: Russian Rebound

Russia has flexed its military muscle in front of the U.S., as they gave Venezuela $1 billion in military loans. 

Venezuela is famous for Hugo Chavez's declared stance against the West. Just two years ago Chavez spoke after President Bush at the U.N. and called him the devil, stating that the podium still smells like sulfur. 

Russia's agreement came right after the announcement that by 2020 they will rebuild their fleet of warships, and will construct new nuclear-capable submarines. Also promised, and already seen is an unspecified space program.

Russia hopes to behave like a, "world power." Venezuela became part of the equation when the two nations noted their similar anti-west sentiments. 

Russia has been upset since the recent Georgian conflict, when the West "intervened" in the conflict. Venezuela then went on record that the two will team up as a "colossus being born."

Russia said the United States shouldn't feel threatened, and that they only aspire to have a permanent combat readiness. Said Medvedev, "We should seek superiority." 

I'm not trying to make you fearful of World War III, or Cold War Part 2 but the U.S. should start watching out. The West (especially America) has a growing resentment, and if a power like Russia starts pouring enough fuel on the fire, the flames may become powerful enough to engulf the fifty states. 

POLITICS: It's on

THE DEBATE: Round 1 Foreign Policy & National Security

McCain: 72 years old. AZ Senator (R)

Strengths- National Security is his knockout punch. Serving in the army and former POW, McCain knows he has the edge on national security issues. In a time of terrorism and war, he hopes to win over voters with his war experiences and tactics. 

Weaknesses- The perception of his age has hurt McCain in some respects. Many believe he is representative of yesterday's policies, not tomorrow's hopes. Also, the ties to Bush and the Iraq War may backfire on his war experience. 

vs.

Obama: 47 years old. IL Senator (D)

Strengths- Charisma has attached his face to hope and change. His former law background has given him the smarts to speak of foreign and domestic policies. The knockout punch will be that he voted against the war, and that he represents new politics of foreign policy rather than hardline war policies.

Weaknesses- Inexperience. Obama hasn't been able to articulate plans to create change and has struggled in former debates. Obama has no national security experience, which will surely be an easy target for McCain.

UPDATE: McCain will participate in the debate.  The debate will start at 9:00 P.M. 

POLITICS: Tentative Agreement on $700 Billion Bailout

Was anyone aware that Congress was putting on the concert of the year? Check out the set list:

Wake Up Call-Maroon 5

Congress takes the wake up call that our country is in trouble, that something needs to be done as the economy is slowly collapsing before our own eyes.

Free Bird-Lynyrd Skynyrd

Its the government, they were elected by the people-so they can do whatever they want. Free to spend the people's money and come up with the "best" solution for the country.

Got Money-Lil Wayne

"If you got money, and you know it, take it out your pocket and show it." Well apparently we have $700 billion. Why not show it?

Oops I did it again-Brittany Spears

A rushed decision by the government, sound familiar? Iraq. Patriot Act. Is it third time's a charm? or strike three you're out?!

Well if you don't make it out for the concert, just be aware that a $700 billion dollar plan is about to be passed by Congress to buy frozen stock that is "clogging" our economy. I sure hope the government has it right this time.

$700 billion is nothing to mess with. $250 billion would be available to spend immediately, with $100 billion more left in Bush's discretion. The rest would be slowly dispersed if necessary. 

Maybe I should get my passport before the lines get too long...

POLITICS: Debate on Friday

This is an announcement for the presidential debate on Friday. WATCH IT! I'm not going to tell you who to vote for, just make sure you vote. This election is pivotal, our country is struggling and it needs a change, whether it be McCain or Obama.

Make sure you listen for the candidates' stances on the important issues.

The war- The Iraq War has dragged on six years since it was declared, "Mission Accomplished." The U.S. is fed up sacrificing its own young citizens to fight a war that we possibly should've avoided. A withdraw will help the U.S. save lives and tax dollars (war is really, really expensive)

The economy- Some economic analysts are calling Wall Street "dead." Our country needs an effective (not fast and ill-thought) plan to re-stabilize the economy and help those Americans that are losing their jobs due in part to the recession. 

The environment- I've come to learn from my POLS 150 that so much can be done, and that the U.S. has simply refused to do anything for the fear of a "weakened" economy. Its about time the U.S. steps up and at least signs the Kyoto Protocol (the U.S. is the only developed country not to sign). It may even help the economy since Americans seem to be buying foreign cars with better gas mileage. Not to mention, we could all use cleaner air.

Change- This is a big one. Obama especially needs to step up and explain how he will actually change this country. Reading through papers and doing research I have found some of his actual proposals, however general America still does not know how he wants to change (and I still don't know much about his ideas for change). McCain needs to prove how he will change the White House from the Bush Administration. Early on, McCain had attracted a huge population of Democrats and Republicans. However, in the past year through his campaigning, McCain has lost many votes because of the closeness to Bush type policy. Statements such as , "I know a lot less about economics...I still need to be educated," have been damaging. He needs to show the leadership and charisma for change in America.

This election needs as many informed voters as it can get. Be a good citizen, use your power to vote and make a smart decision.

NEWS: Ohio Casinos

OHIO

Developers in Ohio are planning to construct a $600 million casino. Currently, Ohio law does not permit gambling despite many recent ballot attempts to overturn current legislation. 

The twist. Indiana's three casinos have attracted many Ohio gamblers for that past years. Argosy Casino specifically has taken an extreme stance against the potential Ohio vote to legalize gambling.

Argosy Casino's owner Penn National in Pennsylvania, has stated that they will be launching a $35 million ad campaign against the upcoming vote.

MyOhioNow.org is urging voters not to believe the misleading campaign that the legislation would only allow the one casino in Wilmington. The problem at hand is that Penn National can outspend MyOhioNow on their campaign. Ah, the power of money. 

Argosy reports that 50% of their profits come from Ohio, and that passing legislation would severely damage their casino. 

If Ohio is losing tax dollars now to its neighbor states because of 'immoral' gambling, then it makes no sense why no to allow gambling in Ohio. If the Ohio residents are going to gamble anyway, the state might as well benefit from its people. In a time where Ohio desperately is attempting to maintain a budget, and is struggling to do so, then it makes plenty of sense to allow gambling as an extra source of revenue. Not to mention the casino will employ more than 5,000 people and create a revenue to all 88 Ohio counties. 

emPOWER You can make a difference too

The night before I left for college, I sat in my friend's kitchen shooting the breeze for the last time until I'd see him again on winter break. Our families have gotten close through the years, and we've each been adopted into the families. 

During conversation, his mom walks in to send her farewells to me and wishes me the best of luck in Athens. I was left with a piece of advice. "You're above average." Ok, the real advice I left with was, "You both are special people and I want to see you guys make a difference in the world." 

So, two weeks later I moved into the wonderful city of Athens, and began the next chapter in my journalistic career. I had applied to Scripps hoping to be a journalist focusing on political and international issues, but had changed my mind to focus on public relations (PR as the journies call it). I joined ImPRession, Ohio University's own public relations firm. (Ranked 1st in the nation, most notable client is Bob Evans)

Now to today's story. Of the organizations we could represent I chose emPOWER, a non-profit organization offering assistance to Africa. I got my e-mail confirmation today that I would be working with emPOWER and help represent them to spread the word of their cause.

Its funny how things come full circle. Looks like I may be able to make a difference after all, while working with international issues and become a determined PR student. It just all happened a lot quicker than expected. So I leave you with an informational video about emPOWER, and remind all that you too can make a difference in this world. You just have to try.

SPORTS: Sportscenter will have plenty to talk about today

-RYDER CUP-

After nine years, the United States has finally won back the Ryder Cup from the Europeans. For those that don't know, the Ryder Cup is a golf tournament set up as a Europe vs. U.S. match. It is played every two years*, and the U.S.'s last win was in 1999.

As a young golfer, I never saw the United States win. I have great pride in my country, especially in events such as the Olympics, Ryder Cup, etc. I am ecstatic to see the United States take its claim as best in the world again.

The United States team managed to pull off the victory without the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods. Woods has been out with an injured knee that he suffered while winning the U.S. Open. 

Going into the tournament I gave the Tiger-less United States a slim chance to win. However, they managed a convincing victory over Europe 16.5 to 11.5 improving their overall Ryder Cup record to 25-10-2.

*the 2001 Ryder Cup was delayed due to the 9/11 attacks

-YANKEES-

The boys in pinstripes won't be playing in October this year, and today's game against the Baltimore Orioles marks the final game ever to be played in Yankee Stadium. 

Media outlets across the U.S. have been providing viewers with packages showing 85 years' worth of memories. Clips of DiMaggio, Ruth, Jeter and Mantle. Memories of rock concerts, the pope and boxing matches. The clip of the first NFL game to go into overtime that was played in Yankee Stadium. Clips of fans trying to find their normal life again after the 9/11 attacks. 

The House that Ruth built will be torn down, along with its memories. The greats will live on. The clips will remain in storage. The fans will reflect on all the games. When its all said and done, come next spring the Yankees will be playing in a new state of the art stadium, attempting to match the accomplishments held in the old Yankee Stadium.

-The Bengals-

Yes, the Bengals lost yet again. They made it to overtime, but with what appeared to be a lack of urgency the offense ran two runs and an incomplete pass. It appears nothing can go right for this team now, even though the offense was repeatedly called the "old Bengals offense we're used to" by the announcers. 

I hope we can manage a ten game win streak, or pull of a miracle playoff birth. I'm not going to maintain my expectations for the season because I can't afford to be continually let down. Maybe we should just hope for the first draft pick, and scream 'Who Dey!' next year. 

NEWS: 65,000 without power

OHIO

65,000 people are still left powerless in Ohio. Energy companies and the government are scrambling to restore power to everyone in Ohio after a massive wind storm left many families without power.

For three days, my family was left without power. The only contact I had was to reach them on their cell phones. They managed to wait out the three days without power, but there are plenty of other families going on an entire week without power.

Just imagine what life is like without power.

No school (about the only plus)

No phone (except a cell which only lasts as long as its charge)

No food (maybe chips, but you can't last long on just those)

No warm water (why even shower?)

No TV (un-american)

No news (better hope you're on a paper route)

No reading this blog (WHATEVER WILL YOU DO?!?!)

Life wouldn't be a ton of fun...

NEWS: Strickland orders more budget cuts

COLUMBUS

Governor Ted Strickland has ordered a $540 million budget cut in response to the terrible U.S. economy. During an interview, Strickland seemed genuinely concerned about Ohio's economy as well as the budget.

"While it may be raining now," Strickland said in an interview with Jeff Bell. "I fear a much larger storm is looming ahead of us."

Strickland believes Ohio is one of 29 states that are projected to face continual budget cuts. He wrote to President Bush asking that Washington does something in response for the states that are being damaged by the overall economy drop off.

-What this means for us-

Though massive cuts are being made, Strickland promised that the money toward tax reduction for seniors, children's health care, college tuition freeze and funding for local schools would be untouched. 

I was not aware, and still am not of a college tuition freeze or the continual increase for school funding. When Strickland ran for governor, his cornerstone was education. Admittedly, I have been outraged at Strickland because the cost of college went up thousands of dollars before my freshman year at Ohio University and I saw my high school still making pointless budget cuts due to a shortage of funding. 

I promise to write an update when my second year of college bills begins, and we'll see if he holds to his word. Being smart about the budget is a necessity in this country, especially in these difficult times. Education should be the number one priority, always.

Students should not be forced to scrape their way through college, and parents shouldn't have to stress over $20,000 in-state tuition. Schools should be able to have paper supply rooms with actual paper and pens in them. 

If Strickland can keep to his word, uphold education in Ohio and keep it away from the budget chopping block, than I may have to reconsider my anti-Strickland stance. Thats a big IF. 

NEWS: Mugabe delays new government

ZIMBABWE

Many people aren't educated on the current conflicts in Africa, especially the Zimbabwean genocide. With the Rwanda (Sudan) genocide getting most of the press coverage, other atrocities get covered up and go almost unnoticed.

Robert Mugabe, currently Zimbabwe's president, has been voted out of office. Zimbabwe elected a new government and have been making strides to put the new one in place. However, Mugabe continually delays the process because he still holds unbelievable power. 

The reason why someone should care is simple, Mugabe in his 28 years of control has killed millions of people. He accumulated so much power that he was able to control food in the country. He would keep food from opponents and other people that displeased him, and ultimately killed millions of people by starving them to death.

Connecting back with the Rwandan genocide, one of the main reasons Mugabe was allowed this power and control was China. China is a major contributor to African nations and works on a strictly oil basis. This means that Chinese funds have been fueling nations to buy more guns for genocide, or in Mugabe's case more funds for power to eliminate opponents.

Once Mugabe was finally eliminated from power earlier this year, many Africans saw it as one less evil regime ruling over the people. However, within the new Zimbabwean government will be obvious fragility. 

As seen already, Mugabe is still delaying the process and even is demanding that he should have the power to choose the new cabinet. If Mugabe is allowed to continually disrupt the process toward a new government, then no change will occur in Zimbabwe. 

Zimbabwe should be a lesson. Though it is not the most publicized nation in conflict, Zimbabwe can be a stepping stone for the rest of the African nations. The world can assist Zimbabwe by disallowing Mugabe's continual interruptions. This will allow for a peaceful establishment of a new government, one created and elected by Zimbabweans. 

If that can be accomplished, it will be far less likely that another ruler will be able to repeat the injustices that have already occurred. 

NEWS: Yahoo! $100K report

Yahoo! News is rarely real news. When I sign into my e-mail account there are always four headlines on the Yahoo! front page. One of the four will be news that matters to the world, while the other three give me kissing tips, a report that I should eat healthier and something about a two headed panda.

I have yet to see the panda headline, but you get the picture that there is never political coverage or international news.

Today when I signed in there was only one real news story, giving readers an update about Hurricane Ike. One of the other headlines still managed to catch my eye.

"The Quickest Route to a Six-Figure Job"

Journalist was not one of them. 

If you want to know how to make some coin, see the list at http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-the_quickest_route_to_a_six_figure_job-518

I'll make my point quickly-Yahoo! is smart because they have the "news" people want to read. The majority of people would rather learn how to be a good boyfriend than learn about the conflict in Georgia or hear about the newest legislation going through Congress. An important aspect of media is that the media needs an audience, and the "news" Yahoo! reports is for the average American. Too bad the average American doesn't care more. 

NEWS: Where is this country going?

NEW YORK

I love it when the media does its job correctly. I've already spoken of the house with smoke and mirrors that is Washington, but some great journalists help people find the answers they need.  

You don't need to be an economic genius to recognize this is not a great time for our country. Driving past a gas station, checking your account balance everyday to see how close to red figures you are or even reading a newspaper will tell the story. 

Matt Lauer, Ohio University alumnus helped me find the answers in his most recent interview.

John McCain has gone back and forth on the economy, saying we are in crisis but the fundamentals are strong. McCain believes the fundamentals are the American workers, and that they are holding strong.

Obviously American workers are the base of the economy. Without us nothing is made or bought. However, McCain seems to be failing to notice the cracking foundation. The American worker is beginning to scrap for money. They can't afford the gas. They can't afford the new car. They can't afford the new house. They can't afford college. 

I don't want to seem bias, I'll admit I am more liberal in my views. However, McCain can only point to 9/11 as the problem and seeks to only make a commission to study 9/11 and report their findings from its effects.

"We are in total crisis," said McCain. "We need a 9/11 commission, and we need a commission to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it."

I cannot believe in a solution to 2008's problems by looking back to 2001, the tragedy it held and find a solution in it. A commission will not only be costly, ineffective but will also take too long. McCain admits, "America is in crisis today." Today needs to be studied, not September 11, 2001. 

I can't help but agree with Obama's response. "Senator McCain offered up the oldest Washington stunt in the book - you pass the buck to a commission to study the problem. But here's the thing - this isn't 9/11. We know how we got into this mess. What we need now is leadership that gets us out." 

The 9/11 commission proposal will only find how we got into this crisis. It will not get us out. By the time anything will done, the future american worker will be out of the job, out of cash, out of college and America will be out of luck.

POLITICS: What IF firefighters ran the world?

ATHENS

As I was watching the Bungals play football yesterday, I came across a commercial from Sprint. It has firefighters in Congress on their phones taking vote on various issues. 

The Budget: All in favor clean water?    I!... done

Streets? Need new streets?    I!... done

If only Washington ran this smooth. 

Maybe we should elect our local fire chief, send them to Washington with a direct connect phone and let them get things done. I've always wanted to be a politics columnist, but the fact that politics is nothing more than a mere game in Washington has scared me away from ambitions.

Associating yourself with the dirty 'P' word gives an image of being a sly, corrupt, old white man with money. I've always wondered what goes on in that white building because seldom do I see results. Even when something does get accomplished, it usually takes years because of the convoluted corn maze Washington has become.

So my vote this year goes to Dan Shroyer, Springdale fire chief. 

Vote for change! Shroyer 08! He's a firefighter, he'll get things done!

SPORTS: Who dey...? Power of sports press

CINCINNATI

Cincinnati is terrible. Even the press thinks so. 

I know its week 2, I know it was windy today, and I know I should be patient. I also know the Cincinnati Bengals are terrible.

The one prayer they had was the offense, and its simply not there. The once explosive Palmer looks like he is playing to stay alive, the WR core doesn't scare defenses and the line isn't much of one. Once the offense fails, our defense stands no chance. They have been consistently bad, and there seems to be little hope for the year.

Since I am already considering selling my Bengals gear on eBay and just wait until February to watch football again, I figure I should focus on something I still have faith in. The media.

Thursday Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati Enquirer columnist wrote of the downward spiraling Bengals. He noted that he hasn't seen fans enraged this much in twenty years and that the enraged fans are now simply throwing in the towel.

As a future journalist, I'm glad to see people reading and responding to such articles. Not everyone will agree with Daugherty, but his valid points open many eyes. He opened the discussion to fans, and got an interesting assortment of opinions. 

"The Bengals will be what we've been the last 20 years as long as the Brown family owns them. All that's left to do is pull myself away from the TV and...go outside and enjoy the fall."

"We've been a national punch-line for the bulk of my existence."

"I refuse to look like an idiot any longer."

Sports is an obvious target for media. Teams are made up of over-payed individuals. Entire cities glorify players and find faith in their teams. Sports has a solid presence in our country, as does the media. When they collide, it can get ugly because the truth isn't pretty.

As Daugherty said, "It won't stop. It never does."

SPORTS: You're my boy Boo!

ATHENS

Today was my first OU football game in Athens, and it wasn't too bad. OU took the lead in the first half, only to lose it on a punt return. The Bobcats and their fans seemed to of lost their energy until the 4th quarter when Boo Jackon once again made a huge play out of nothing.

Its Jackson's ability to use his elusiveness to escape defenders and keep plays alive. That kind of excitement revived a dead O-Zone. Thats right, the O-Zone was quieter than bingo night at the retirement home.

As a freshman, there was plenty of hype coming to OU, and how it has the #1 fan section in the MAC. All I saw today was 1/2 a fan zone sitting during the most crucial time, a time in which OU had lost its early momentum and needed something to go their away.

Cheering aside, Jackson brought the Bobcats within a field goal. Momentum swung in favor of OU after a mammoth sack on third down. Jackson led his Bobcats all the way to the one-inch line, where he fumbled the ball reaching out for the end zone.

For all thinking Boo Jackson lost the game, you are wrong. Jackson is the reason fans had something to cheer for, gave OU a chance, stayed in the game even when he was roughed up countless times, and ultimately fumbled because he went for the win rather than a game-tying field goal on the one yard line.

The one thing I can admire in a player is the desire to win. Jackson went for it all, and simply came up short.

POLITICS: Sarah Palin Interview With Charles Gibson

NEW YORK

Journalism veteran Charles Gibson sat down with VP candidate Sarah Palin for a interview that merely only showed her ignorance and inexperience. When asked about the Bush Doctrine*, Palin admitted she hadn't heard about it until yesterday and danced around questions.

Veteran Gibson stuck her in a corner on the doctrine, asked about the Middle East and her comments of the U.S. fulfilling God's will in the Middle East. Of course not recalling her exact quote (as seen below in video), rookie Palin fumbled her answer.

Why the GOP selected a VP candidate that has only been to Mexico and Canada, I will never know. All I know is I can see the 'deer in the headlights' expression on her face, notice her lack of confidence and assume she is not ready to lead this country. 

Final score:

Rookie Palin: 0

Veteran Gibson: 1

*Bush Doctrine: Bush's foreign policy post-9/11 attacks. It originally gave the US the right to invade Afghanistan, and allowed for punishment against countries that harbor terrorist or aid terrorists. 

NEWS: No prosecution for baby's death

CINCINNATI

Jodie Edwards, former mother to a 11-month old child will not be prosecuted by Hamilton country prosecutor Joe Deters after she left her child in a van for eight hours.

Edwards reportedly dropped her other child off at the day care but "honestly forgot" that she hadn't dropped of her other child. Instead she went straight to work and left the child in the hot van for eight hours. It wasn't until she turned around to back out of the parking lot that she noticed her dead child.

This isn't the first death in Cincinnati due to a parent leaving a child in a van, but this case stands out because of the dropped charges. The more tragic part of the story is that there is still another child in the care of a mother who could not remember her 11-month old child was in the car. When a child is young, they have no control over their life and the sole responsibility of care is with the parents.

Deters claims there is no punishment in Ohio for a parent who has a made an honest mistake. However, I would hope that one's morality would stand in place where the law comes up short. This death is merely a message to parents that if they can prove they didn't purposely kill their children, they shouldn't be punished.

Deters shouldn't allow Edwards to walk away. He should make a stance, and show all that they must cherish and protect the lives of their children.