Yesterday defense attorney John Henry Browne announced that Colton Harris-Moore, who is affectionately known as the "Barefoot Bandit," is currently in solitary confinement in Walla Walla State Penitentiary.
After confirming that Mr. Browne is correct, a Department of Corrections spokesperson stated that high-profile convicts are normally put in solitary confinement for their own protection.
Mr. Browne stated that Colton Harris-Moore has been in solitary confinement since April 11. He neither wants or needs this type of protection. Mr. Browne said that it is "absurd" that a non-violent felon is being housed with the hardened men on death row. He expressed his concern about how solitary confinement might affect his client's mental health. Mr. Browne indicated that he has spoken with officials in Governor Gregoire's office on Colton's behalf.
What should the prison officials do about Colton? Whether or not Mr. Browne wants to admit it, his client isn't just an infamous, modern-day outlaw. The Barefoot Bandit is a celebrity. At 21, Colton Harris-Moore is so well-known that he presents a problem for the Department of Corrections.
Do Walla Walla's inmates want to harm Colton? I'm sure that there are many people who feel envious of him because his two-year crime spree attracted international attention. Twentieth Century Fox movie studio paid $1.3 million for rights to the Barefoot Bandit's life story -- monies which will be used to pay restitution to his victims. Author Bob Friel has already written a book about him. That type of publicity is bound to cause some jealousy.
When a defendant is convicted and sent to prison, people often post comments in the newspaper, cheering that he will soon meet "Bubba" and become a sex slave. They don't realize that if an inmate is raped, injured or dies in prison, he and/or his family may sue the Department of Corrections for failing to protect him. If they win, any monies awarded to them come out of our tax dollars. Years ago, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was murdered by another inmate in a Wisconsin prison. I admit that I felt relieved when I read that Dahmer was dead. I felt that the inmate who killed him had done what the State of Wisconsin should have done. But I don't want Colton to share the same fate because he isn't a monster. A modern-day Robinhood, the Barefoot Bandit stole from the rich and gave to the animal shelter. He only injured his victims' pocketbooks.
I'm sure the Department of Corrections has also taken into consideration the type of crimes that Colton committed. When I was reading about the Barefoot Bandit in the newspaper, I felt that I was reading about a highly trained and talented circus performer -- an escape artist as great as Houdini. He was able to elude law enforcement for two years. Perhaps prison officials still consider him a flight risk. That might explain why the warden is reluctant to put him with the general population.
Like Mr. Browne, I am also concerned about how solitary confinement will affect Colton's health and well-being. I hope that Mr. Browne, Christine Gregoire, and the Department of Corrections find a better way to protect the Barefoot Bandit soon.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Meet Bob Friel: The Tale of Barefoot Bandit
On April 7, 2012, Kate and I had the honor of meeting author Bob Friel at a book signing at the Joint Base Lewis-McCord BX. Mr. Friel was there to promote his new book, "The Barefoot Bandit: The True Story of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw."
When I purchased my copy of his book, Mr. Friel promised that it was full of the flavor of Washington. Yes, he does deliver. He and his signficant other, Sandi, resided in Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands, during Colton Harris-Moore's crime spree. Mr. Friel knows and understands the people who live in this rural area -- whether they are the impoverished residents of central Camano Island or wealthy homeowners who only stay at their beachfront properties on weekends or during the summer. The amusing anecdotes and details he provides bring the San Juan Islands to life.
Bob Friel's book opens with a 17 year old boy breaking into a small plane hangar in Orcas. Although he has never had any flight instruction, he steals a 1999 Cessna 182 and flies it over the Cascades during a storm. After crash landing on a hillside in Mill Creek Ridge, he steps out of the plane and eludes the authorities. The swashbuckling adventures of Colton Harris-Moore, affectionately known as the Barefoot Bandit, have begun.
Mr. Friel discusses the bandit's childhood on Camano Island. Colton's entire clan was fond of going barefoot, which they attributed to being descended from the Sioux Indian tribe. His mother, Pam Kohler, drank heavily and was involved with a number of unsavory men. Colton grew up in poverty and lived with his mother in a run down, old trailer. Overall, I felt that Mr. Friel was sympathetic toward Ms. Kohler. I'm not sure if other writers would have been as kind to her as Mr. Friel was.
I was slightly disappointed that Mr. Friel's book did not include more about Colton's defense attorney, John Henry Browne. Mr. Browne is one of the best attorneys and most fascinating characters in Washington. According to the Seattle Times, Mr. Browne accepted Colton Harris-Moore's case for one dollar because he sincerely believed that Colton needed help. He claims to be on the verge of bankruptcy because he devoted so much time to Colton's case. Although the Barefoot Bandit was accused of 67 crimes, he was sentenced to only seven and a half years in prison. The court accepted this plea bargain after Mr. Browne described how Colton was abused and neglected as a child. While the court proceedings were taking place in Coupeville, Pam Kohler threatened to put Mr. Browne out of business. I would have liked to have known Mr. Friel's opinion about why Ms. Kohler was so angry at the man who did so much to help her son.
John Henry Browne is currently defending Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the Fort Lewis soldier who is accused of murdering 17 civilians in Afghanistan. Mr. Browne is also writing an autobiography called "Music, Metaphysics, and Murderers." While we are waiting for his memoir to be published, Bob Friel's tale about the Barefoot Bandit is an excellent read. Try it and savor the flavor of Washington.
When I purchased my copy of his book, Mr. Friel promised that it was full of the flavor of Washington. Yes, he does deliver. He and his signficant other, Sandi, resided in Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands, during Colton Harris-Moore's crime spree. Mr. Friel knows and understands the people who live in this rural area -- whether they are the impoverished residents of central Camano Island or wealthy homeowners who only stay at their beachfront properties on weekends or during the summer. The amusing anecdotes and details he provides bring the San Juan Islands to life.
Bob Friel's book opens with a 17 year old boy breaking into a small plane hangar in Orcas. Although he has never had any flight instruction, he steals a 1999 Cessna 182 and flies it over the Cascades during a storm. After crash landing on a hillside in Mill Creek Ridge, he steps out of the plane and eludes the authorities. The swashbuckling adventures of Colton Harris-Moore, affectionately known as the Barefoot Bandit, have begun.
Mr. Friel discusses the bandit's childhood on Camano Island. Colton's entire clan was fond of going barefoot, which they attributed to being descended from the Sioux Indian tribe. His mother, Pam Kohler, drank heavily and was involved with a number of unsavory men. Colton grew up in poverty and lived with his mother in a run down, old trailer. Overall, I felt that Mr. Friel was sympathetic toward Ms. Kohler. I'm not sure if other writers would have been as kind to her as Mr. Friel was.
I was slightly disappointed that Mr. Friel's book did not include more about Colton's defense attorney, John Henry Browne. Mr. Browne is one of the best attorneys and most fascinating characters in Washington. According to the Seattle Times, Mr. Browne accepted Colton Harris-Moore's case for one dollar because he sincerely believed that Colton needed help. He claims to be on the verge of bankruptcy because he devoted so much time to Colton's case. Although the Barefoot Bandit was accused of 67 crimes, he was sentenced to only seven and a half years in prison. The court accepted this plea bargain after Mr. Browne described how Colton was abused and neglected as a child. While the court proceedings were taking place in Coupeville, Pam Kohler threatened to put Mr. Browne out of business. I would have liked to have known Mr. Friel's opinion about why Ms. Kohler was so angry at the man who did so much to help her son.
John Henry Browne is currently defending Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the Fort Lewis soldier who is accused of murdering 17 civilians in Afghanistan. Mr. Browne is also writing an autobiography called "Music, Metaphysics, and Murderers." While we are waiting for his memoir to be published, Bob Friel's tale about the Barefoot Bandit is an excellent read. Try it and savor the flavor of Washington.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Happy Easter!
On March 31, 2012, DuPont hosted its first "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny." A fundraiser for the DuPont Fire Department, this event was held in the fire bay. Tickets cost ten dollars per person, but children two years and younger were free. About 100 people attended the festivities.
The buffet-style breakfast was served in the fire bay. Bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fresh fruit, pancakes and muffins were served. Orange juice, milk, and hot chocolate were also included.
After breakfast, families were encouraged to take photos of their children with the guest of honor -- the Easter Bunny.
Children especially liked having their photos taken on the fire trucks at the fire bay. They thought it was great fun when the firemen turned on the lights and sounded the siren.
If your community is looking for a fundraiser to benefit your fire department, police department, or museum, I recommend hosting a "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny." This event is wonderful for families with children. We had such a good time that I'm already planning to take the children again next year.
The buffet-style breakfast was served in the fire bay. Bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fresh fruit, pancakes and muffins were served. Orange juice, milk, and hot chocolate were also included.
After breakfast, families were encouraged to take photos of their children with the guest of honor -- the Easter Bunny.
Children especially liked having their photos taken on the fire trucks at the fire bay. They thought it was great fun when the firemen turned on the lights and sounded the siren.
If your community is looking for a fundraiser to benefit your fire department, police department, or museum, I recommend hosting a "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny." This event is wonderful for families with children. We had such a good time that I'm already planning to take the children again next year.
Happy Birthday, Korinna!
April 7th was my youngest daughter's 11th birthday.
I would like to thank Korinna for being the joy of my life. I hope her dreams of becoming a professional dancer come true.
I would like to thank Korinna for being the joy of my life. I hope her dreams of becoming a professional dancer come true.
Farewell to America's Beloved Painter of Light
What do Thomas Kinkade, Donald Rumsfeld and the Barefoot Bandit have in common? All of their lives have been the subject of books featured at book signings hosted by the Joint Base Lewis McCord BX.
Shortly after my husband returned from Iraq in 2005, I had the honor of meeting Thomas Kinkade at the Joint Base Lewis McCord BX. His artwork and books were so popular that the line of people waiting for his autograph was huge. My daughter and I waited for about an hour to purchase a print called "Heading Home." "Heading Home" was different from Mr. Kinkade's usual style because it didn't feature cottages, lighthouses or flowers. The print simply featured an American soldier in uniform. I liked it because I felt it represented our soldiers coming home from war.
Pleasant and courteous, Mr. Kinkade signed the copy of the print I purchased. I proudly gave it to my husband for Father's Day. It wasn't framed, so my husband put it in a cardboard tube for safekeeping. Months later, I decided to have the print framed. I searched high and low, but I couldn't find it. My husband couldn't find it either. Sadly, he finally confessed that he may have accidentally put the cardboard tube (and the print) in the trash.
In 2009, I purchased a framed painting of "Heading Home" from the PX. The painting doesn't have Thomas Kinkade's signature, but I wanted to replace the lost print. I gave it to my husband when he retired from the army. He hung it in our living room. No, I don't mind that other military families may have "Heading Home" hanging in their living rooms too. Because of Mr. Kinkade's marketing strategy, hundreds of other military wives may have paintings of the happy day their husbands came home from war too.
Sadly, Thomas Kinkade passed away on April 6, 2012. He was a devout Christian who passed away on Good Friday. May America's beloved "Painter of Light" rest in peace.
Shortly after my husband returned from Iraq in 2005, I had the honor of meeting Thomas Kinkade at the Joint Base Lewis McCord BX. His artwork and books were so popular that the line of people waiting for his autograph was huge. My daughter and I waited for about an hour to purchase a print called "Heading Home." "Heading Home" was different from Mr. Kinkade's usual style because it didn't feature cottages, lighthouses or flowers. The print simply featured an American soldier in uniform. I liked it because I felt it represented our soldiers coming home from war.
Pleasant and courteous, Mr. Kinkade signed the copy of the print I purchased. I proudly gave it to my husband for Father's Day. It wasn't framed, so my husband put it in a cardboard tube for safekeeping. Months later, I decided to have the print framed. I searched high and low, but I couldn't find it. My husband couldn't find it either. Sadly, he finally confessed that he may have accidentally put the cardboard tube (and the print) in the trash.
In 2009, I purchased a framed painting of "Heading Home" from the PX. The painting doesn't have Thomas Kinkade's signature, but I wanted to replace the lost print. I gave it to my husband when he retired from the army. He hung it in our living room. No, I don't mind that other military families may have "Heading Home" hanging in their living rooms too. Because of Mr. Kinkade's marketing strategy, hundreds of other military wives may have paintings of the happy day their husbands came home from war too.
Sadly, Thomas Kinkade passed away on April 6, 2012. He was a devout Christian who passed away on Good Friday. May America's beloved "Painter of Light" rest in peace.
Friday, March 23, 2012
MOVE 2012 Dance Competition
I'm not one of those grandmas who carry a brag book everywhere they go, but I do reserve the right to brag about my children and grandchildren if they do something good.
On Saturday, March 17, 2012, the children who belong to Center Stage Dance Academy's Ultimate Dance Force dance teams competed in the MOVE competition at the convention center in Tacoma, Washington. My youngest daughter, Korinna, and my granddaughter, Alyson, competed in the tap dance and production categories.
The photo above is of Korinna in stage make-up with dark glasses.
Alyson and Korinna belong to a team called "Tap Time." Their team includes seven advanced beginners who are between the ages of eight and eleven. For the competition, Tap Time danced to the old Blues Brothers' song, "Soul Man."
Two boys, Jake and Carson, played the Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood. Korinna and Alyson were among the five girls who played gangster molls. When they spun around, those dark glasses went flying into the crowd. The smiles on their faces show that the kids are having a good time.
When Korinna was five years old, she and her older sister, Kate, took ice skating lessons. Korinna saw a group of preschool "ballerinas" taking a dance class at the rink. She begged and pleaded with me to enroll her in the toe, tap and tumble class so that she could be a "ballerina" too. That was the beginning of Korinna's dancing career.
Alyson began taking dancing classes in Louisiana when she was three years old. She also enjoys gymnastics. Her dream is to become a cheerleader.
Korinna and Alyson clown around back stage. Technically, Korinna is Alyson's aunt. But the two girls fight like sisters.
Exercise is important for children. I didn't want my daughters to become couch potatoes because a sedentary lifestyle is so unhealthy. I wanted my girls to think exercise is fun. That's why Korinna and Alyson are in competitive dance.
MOVE was the first time that Alyson and Korinna have ever competed in an Ultimate Dance Force competition. It was also the first time that Tap Time competed this year. Some of their teammates competed last year. I'm proud to announce that Tap Time won first place gold at MOVE.
On Saturday, March 17, 2012, the children who belong to Center Stage Dance Academy's Ultimate Dance Force dance teams competed in the MOVE competition at the convention center in Tacoma, Washington. My youngest daughter, Korinna, and my granddaughter, Alyson, competed in the tap dance and production categories.
The photo above is of Korinna in stage make-up with dark glasses.
Alyson and Korinna belong to a team called "Tap Time." Their team includes seven advanced beginners who are between the ages of eight and eleven. For the competition, Tap Time danced to the old Blues Brothers' song, "Soul Man."
Two boys, Jake and Carson, played the Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood. Korinna and Alyson were among the five girls who played gangster molls. When they spun around, those dark glasses went flying into the crowd. The smiles on their faces show that the kids are having a good time.
When Korinna was five years old, she and her older sister, Kate, took ice skating lessons. Korinna saw a group of preschool "ballerinas" taking a dance class at the rink. She begged and pleaded with me to enroll her in the toe, tap and tumble class so that she could be a "ballerina" too. That was the beginning of Korinna's dancing career.
Alyson began taking dancing classes in Louisiana when she was three years old. She also enjoys gymnastics. Her dream is to become a cheerleader.
Korinna and Alyson clown around back stage. Technically, Korinna is Alyson's aunt. But the two girls fight like sisters.
Exercise is important for children. I didn't want my daughters to become couch potatoes because a sedentary lifestyle is so unhealthy. I wanted my girls to think exercise is fun. That's why Korinna and Alyson are in competitive dance.
MOVE was the first time that Alyson and Korinna have ever competed in an Ultimate Dance Force competition. It was also the first time that Tap Time competed this year. Some of their teammates competed last year. I'm proud to announce that Tap Time won first place gold at MOVE.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Washington Files Charges Against Gunshot Victim
Washington has recently experienced a rash of shootings by child. On February 22, an 8 year old girl was critically injured when a gun in a classmate's backpack accidentally discharged. On March 12, the 7 year old daughter of a Marysville police officer died after a sibling shot her with a gun found in their parents' car. On March 14, a 3 year old boy died after he shot himself in the head at a Tacoma gas station.
In late January 2012, my 15 year old daughter, Kate, was involved in the first of this series of shootings by child. Kate and her 15 year old boyfriend were visiting a 14 year old boy whose parents were not at home. The kids were in the 14 year old's bedroom when he pulled out a gun from under his mattress. Moments later, the gun accidentally discharged. A bullet shattered the 14 year old's jaw, hit the upper bunk bed and disappeared into the ceiling.
Kate and her boyfriend did not desert their wounded pal. They telephoned 911 and the victim's mother. They stayed with the victim until the police and an ambulance arrived.
On March 15, 2012, we received a letter from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, Juvenile Felony Division. Charges have been filed against the 14 year old. He is being charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second d. We feel that the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney filed charges against Kate's friend in response to the other shootings by child.
Charges can be filed against Kate's friend because he is over 12. I am opposed to filing charges against him, especially felonies. I feel that a 14 year old is still a child. Teenagers don't make the best choices because their brains aren't fully developed. The incident was an accident -- the boy did not intentionally try to hurt himself or anyone else. He fractured his jaw, and his face will be scarred for life. He was hospitalized for almost a week and missed six weeks of school because of his injury. I'm also aware that some of his peers are teasing him about being stupid. I feel that this poor boy has suffered enough.
Kate does not know how or where her friend got the gun. It may have belonged to his parents. If it belonged to his parents, I feel that it was their responsibility to protect their son and others by keeping their guns locked up in a cabinet. Kate says that his parents did have a gun cabinet, but they didn't keep all of their guns in it. She saw the police confiscate the guns that were not locked up. Rather than blaming a 14 year old boy, the judge should punish his parents.
The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney indicated that we could write a victim impact statement. Neither Kate nor her boyfriend was injured in the accident. They were merely witnesses. I'm very grateful that her 14 year old friend survived and that no one else was hurt or killed. This was a traumatic event for all of the kids involved. I plan to write a letter to the judge on the 14 year old's behalf, requesting that the victim be sent to counseling.
Kate's older sister has suggested that all the kids involved take a course in gun safety. She feels this will help them make wise decisions about weapons in the future. I would like to suggest this to the judge too.
In late January 2012, my 15 year old daughter, Kate, was involved in the first of this series of shootings by child. Kate and her 15 year old boyfriend were visiting a 14 year old boy whose parents were not at home. The kids were in the 14 year old's bedroom when he pulled out a gun from under his mattress. Moments later, the gun accidentally discharged. A bullet shattered the 14 year old's jaw, hit the upper bunk bed and disappeared into the ceiling.
Kate and her boyfriend did not desert their wounded pal. They telephoned 911 and the victim's mother. They stayed with the victim until the police and an ambulance arrived.
On March 15, 2012, we received a letter from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, Juvenile Felony Division. Charges have been filed against the 14 year old. He is being charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second d. We feel that the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney filed charges against Kate's friend in response to the other shootings by child.
Charges can be filed against Kate's friend because he is over 12. I am opposed to filing charges against him, especially felonies. I feel that a 14 year old is still a child. Teenagers don't make the best choices because their brains aren't fully developed. The incident was an accident -- the boy did not intentionally try to hurt himself or anyone else. He fractured his jaw, and his face will be scarred for life. He was hospitalized for almost a week and missed six weeks of school because of his injury. I'm also aware that some of his peers are teasing him about being stupid. I feel that this poor boy has suffered enough.
Kate does not know how or where her friend got the gun. It may have belonged to his parents. If it belonged to his parents, I feel that it was their responsibility to protect their son and others by keeping their guns locked up in a cabinet. Kate says that his parents did have a gun cabinet, but they didn't keep all of their guns in it. She saw the police confiscate the guns that were not locked up. Rather than blaming a 14 year old boy, the judge should punish his parents.
The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney indicated that we could write a victim impact statement. Neither Kate nor her boyfriend was injured in the accident. They were merely witnesses. I'm very grateful that her 14 year old friend survived and that no one else was hurt or killed. This was a traumatic event for all of the kids involved. I plan to write a letter to the judge on the 14 year old's behalf, requesting that the victim be sent to counseling.
Kate's older sister has suggested that all the kids involved take a course in gun safety. She feels this will help them make wise decisions about weapons in the future. I would like to suggest this to the judge too.
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