9news.com

Wow! There is a very heated debate going on on 9news.com about this case. It's funny how opinionated people can be when they have no idea what they're talking about. When we (Lisa and I) first found this last night I was so pleased to see people that were surprised about the outcome. When all of this first happened I ended up in a heated debate on a link like this one, where everyone commenting believed that everyone drinks and drives and that it's just a tragedy that Dan got caught in such a bad way. I was baffled and irritated that people could be so stupid.

Well now, everyone is surprised that he got off with such a light sentence. Again, I am baffled and irritated that people are so stupid. Here are a few facts that might be important before you make up your minds about what's right in this case.

Lisa is incredibly forgiving. She said in her speech to the judge she decided she needed to forgive not for Daniel, but so that she could mother her children without being angry or bitter. She is not "Fine" with what happened. When we found out he was technically incompetent for a second time it was a bitter pill to swallow. I know he's damaged but we also know he did it to himself! I can tell you without a doubt that Lisa and Aprel would take Steve back in the same incompetent condition if they could have him. The Steven's have been very lucky.

They have their son. They have his freedom. And they have a victim who is so kind and considerate, she constantly worries for them before worrying about herself.

The other side to this is that he could have been released. Charges dropped with no consequences whatsoever for the fact that the state declared him incompetent. He decided with his family to ask to be charge in the Juvenile system. He wanted to have some punishment. He couldn't just walk away.

Is it the perfect answer? Or the best situation? GOD NO! None of it makes a damn bit of sense, but it's simply what we are left with. It's difficult to dig through the shit to find the rainbow, but it's there. I believe it's always there. Maybe if we knew all of the stories of the kids listening in that court yesterday we would have our perfect answer. Maybe just one of those kids will think about what they heard on a night when their plans are similar to what Dan' s were, and decide to let someone sober drive. Or maybe he just won't take the drink.

Are our courts too lenient on drinking and driving? You bet they are! When Lisa and I were in court one of the last times, I overheard an attorney, out in the hall talking to her client. "Since this is your tenth DUI, you're going to spend some jail time." Are you shitting me?? Some jail time after TEN?!! Maybe the laws need a little adjusting.

But in this case... we have to conclude that it's done, with what has to be the best possible answer.