Angry about the Casey Anthony Trial?
My facebook and twitter feed is bursting at the seams with everyone and their mother's opinion on the Casey Anthony trial, mostly angry sentiments.
The Casey Anthony Trial wasn’t something I was following all that closely, just the key points. Once it got to the point where the media was graphically describing the horrific condition that the child was found in, I tuned out.
Here’s what we knew for sure. Caylee's disappearance went unreported by her own mother for a month. The child's decomposed body was eventually found in the woods near her grandparents' home six months after she was last seen. A medical examiner was never able to establish how she died.
Was her death accidental or was it a murder? I certainly don’t know. Two people do, though one is now among the angels.
This case, thanks to the media, brought with it many strange aspects. What I found quite disturbing were the spectators that paid thousands of dollars for hotels, such as one who spent more than 100 hours standing in line to wait for tickets to get into the courtroom.
"True crime has become a unique genre of entertainment, her stories are so extreme and fantastic, and it’s hard to believe they're true, but that's what engrosses people. This case has sex, lies and videotapes - just like on reality TV."- Robin Wilkie
Ugh. When did people forget that this wasn’t a show or entertainment but rather as real life situation involving a dead little girl? And all that time spent for what?
And for those lamenting the verdict and frustrated at the judicial system, how about as a functioning society we all worked together to do something PRODUCTIVE. (Uh oh, I’m using the caps.) STOP SHAKING YOUR HEAD COMPLAINING AND GET OFF THE COUCH AND PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.
There were 63,075 indicated reports of child abuse or neglect in New York State involving 79,356 children.
There are also hundreds of empty volunteer positions seeking concerned people, like you, who want to make a difference. Check out this New York site, Prevent Child Abuse, to see how.
Even if you aren't able to donate or volunteer, you can still make a positive impact in the life of a child who is hurting.
Voluntary reporters (for example, neighbors, relatives and concerned citizens) may also use the following toll free number to make reports. If you suspect a child has been harmed or is at risk, please dial 1-800-342-3720, to report what you have seen or heard. You can make a difference.
Child Abuse Hotlines:
- To get help or report abuse in the US or Canada, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
- In the UK, call 0800 1111 (NSPCC Childline).
- Australia: 1800 688 009 (Child Abuse Prevention Service)
- New Zealand: 0800-543-754 (Kidsline)
- Or visit ChiWorld.org for a list of other international child helplines
The younger the child, the more dire the need to help.
Even if all you take away from this post are the numbers above, I do hope many of you are able to use your anger and energy for good.