Without definite proof and concrete evidence...leave New Jersey's U.S. Senator Robert Menendez alone when it comes to prostitutes...and stop smearing his name!

     The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America.  We all, of course, know that fact.  We also all know that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives

Americans "freedom of speech." 

     That being said, I've got to believe that President James Madison... nicknamed the "Father Of Our Constitution"...President George Washington... known as the "Father Of Our Country"...plus Benjamin Franklin and other well respected "founding fathers"... are spinning in their graves today...because of how some conservatives have used their First Amendment right to smear people without just cause or the proper evidence.

     Case in point...is how certain right-wing rags have bad-mouthed United States Senator Robert Menendez by accusing him of participating in sex parties with prostitutes.

     Shortly before election day in November 2012, a conservative on-line publication cited three unidentified sources who claimed Menendez had flown by private jet to the Dominican Republic - and while in the Caribbean nation - the New Jersey Democrat was allegedly engaged in paid sexual interludes.

     In an exclusive interview with CNN on Monday, February 4th, 2013, Senator Menendez told Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash on Capitol Hill that, "The bottom line is all those smears are absolutely false."

     Menendez is disputing allegations of improper travel to the Dominican Republic by flying in an airplane owned by Dr. Salomon Melgen - a Florida ophthalmologist - whose generosity made him the senator's biggest political donor in Menendez's re-election campaign in 2012.

     The writers of The Daily Caller - a right-wing blog that was founded by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and by Neil Patel, who once served as an adviser to former Vice President Dick Cheney - are apparently trying to ruin the life and career of a decent American - who has served this country well - as they are pointing the finger at Senator Menendez by claiming he would take journeys to the Dominican Republic for trysts with hookers.  The Daily Caller's "tall tales" are supposedly based on interviews with two women and one Dominican Republic official - all of which have been unidentified.

     Despite the fact that prostitution is legal in the Dominican Republic, Menendez vows that he has done nothing wrong and describes "anonymous, nameless, faceless individuals" - who have written bogus articles - for manipulating mainstream media in to reporting this non-story.

     The Senate Ethics Committee is investigating this entire case as Menendez takes on the duties of chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - succeeding former Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, who is now Secretary of State in the Obama Administration.

     Meanwhile, a prominent attorney in the Dominican Republic denies allegations that he arranged for outings on his yacht for Menendez and prostitutes.  Lawyer Vinicio Castillo-Seman is seeking a criminal investigation in to the source of the reports by The Daily Caller, which Castillo-Semen calls "absurd."  Castillo-Semen, who is the son of a presidential adviser and the brother of a member of the Dominican Republic Congress, says he's known Menendez for about 15 years and he has "never seen (the senator) behave in any way that was not impeccable and dignified."

     As for flying to the Caribbean on Dr. Melgen's private plane, Menendez has acknowledged that he initially failed to properly pay for the trips, but that he has reimbursed about $58,500 from his personal funds after it came to his "attention" that the money had not been paid.  Menendez says it was unfortunate that the trips "fell through the cracks."  He states that when he was made aware "that payment had not taken place, I personally paid for them in order to meet my obligation."

     So why would The Daily Caller post unsubstantiated stories on its blog?  And who are these so-called "unidentified" sources who aren't named in The Daily Caller's published reports?  Where are these people?

     I'm not the only one who is asking questions and who is puzzled.  Senator Menendez has obviously stated that, "Nobody can find them.  No one ever met them.  No one ever talked to them."

     There was one woman who had been accused of being one of the prostitutes allegedly involved with Menendez, but she has denied any such claims and told the Spanish language television network, Univision, that she has "never participated in those activities" and adds, "I don't know that man." 

     New Jersey voters re-elected Menendez last November with a landslide win and a recent poll by the Monmouth University Polling Institute shows that, at least so far, none of the allegations against Senator Menendez seems to matter much to voters in "The Garden State."

     In the interest of full disclosure, I am a longtime resident of New Jersey.  Although I don't live there now, I grew up in Bergen County and will always consider New Jersey as my home.  Also, it's no secret that I'm a liberal.  However, all that being said, if the matter discussed in my commentary today involved allegations of a conservative politician from a state other than New Jersey - without definite proof and concrete evidence - I'd feel the same way as I do about Senator Menendez.

     So why must gutless cowards stay in the dark and not come forward with proof - if they have it - about Senator Robert Menendez?  The obvious reason is...because their allegations against Senator Menendez...are simply not true.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

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PENN STATE UNIVERSITY'S THON RAISES 12.37 MILLION DOLLARS TO FIGHT PEDIATRIC CANCER; A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 100 MILLION DOLLARS IN 41 YEARS

     I first became aware of THON when my niece and goddaughter, Sydney, was a freshmen at Penn State.  As a member of the university's Lionettes Dance Team, I saw how Sydney - along with thousands of other Penn State students became vital parts of THON and how they are compassionately involved with this extraordinary and spectacular event.

     Sydney graduated in 2009, but she and so many other alumni continue to give from the heart and come back each year to Penn State to help wherever they can with THON; and, as her uncle and godfather, Sydney's energetic enthusiasm has contagiously given me an emotional connection to this grand phenomenon, which is affectionately known as THON.

     The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, according to the THON Web site, is to "conquer pediatric cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers and staff of The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital."

     THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.  From beginning to end, more than 16-thousand students give their all in a year-long effort to raise funds and awareness - as their motto proclaims - "to help conquer childhood cancer for the kids."  Including this past weekend - where a record 12.37 million dollars were donated - THON has now raised more than 100 million dollars since 1973. 

     On Friday night, February 15th, 2013, 710 Penn State students began their 46-hours of movin' and shakin' with no sittin' and no sleepin' at the Bryce Jordan Center on the PSU campus in State College, Pennsylvania.   They'd lindy, they'd limbo...they'd jitterbug and twist.  They'd hustle and bump; and dance every step imaginable while triumphantly succeeding with their incredible endeavor.  As a two-time cancer survivor myself, I applaud the organizers and participants of THON and I personally appreciate their magnificent efforts.

     In its 41st year, there are thousands of college kids - (dancers and those giving moral support to the dancers) - who are committed to the cause of THON; and numerous visitors come to Penn State for THON weekend.  Alumni - especially those with past volunteer involvement such as my niece, Sydney - frequently return for this glorious and impressive celebration that covers part of three days.  Every contribution...every penny...goes to The Four Diamonds Fund to help families and their children beat cancer.  And since 1977, all THON donations have gone directly to The Four Diamonds Fund.

     Penn State students - and alumni - do not become involved with THON for reasons of ego.  Instead, they participate for a common purpose...and to do whatever they can to help find a cure for pediatric cancer.  There's a dedication and a loyalty by these students and alumni that is unbelievable.  It's a long road to fight the disease of cancer, but these Penn State kids are truly some of the most special people America has produced.  They are selfless individuals who have reportedly stated, year after year, that they don't participate in THON for recognition; and I admire each and everyone of them for their loving generosity, their sympathetic devotion and their outstanding altruism.

     The only controversy in my commentary today is the wonder why this terrific event doesn't receive more nationwide attention and the acknowledgment from people all around the world.  The Penn State students may not want recognition for themselves, but I, however, think they deserve it.  They are part of a thoughtful community that genuinely cares about others.

     It's truly a shame that some people will criticize the young people of our country.  The students of Penn State University are some of the gems of this nation who are the treasures of a new generation.  The students of Penn State are what this educational institution is all about.  The students and alumni are awesome and are worthy of tremendous accolades; as they work so very hard and should be extremely proud of their achievements and accomplishments.

     In the Frank Capra inspirational motion picture classic, It's A Wonderful Life, we learn that each and every person makes a difference, as we touch the lives of so many others - even when we don't know it.  Just as Jimmy Stewart's character, George Bailey, the students and alumni of Penn State University touch the lives of countless people - children...and adults too... with THON.  As the students of Penn State will tell you..."One day we will dance for joy...until then...we dance for LIFE."

     It is often - yet mistakenly perceived - that someone has to be wealthy in order to be considered a philanthropist.  But anyone can be philanthropic regardless of how much money they make...or how much money they give.

     Americans are unfortunately often criticized for being greedy...but actually, Americans are unparalleled for our generosity - and we are the most charitable people on Earth.  And the students of Penn State prove that every year...with THON.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.   

     And you can still donate to THON by logging on line to www.thon.org.  I hope that you will please do that today.

     Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Will the peanut butter go "boom?" Nope. So an Arizona man wants 5 million bucks for being held by airport police.

     Should an Arizona man have been detained by law enforcement officers at LaGuardia Airport in New York City - FOR 25 HOURS - for jokingly calling his jar of peanut butter - "explosives?"  Frank Hannibal doesn't think so - and therefore - he is suing an agent of the Transportation Security Administration and a Port Authority cop for 5 million dollars.

     Officials hauled off the 50-year old, law abiding American citizen in handcuffs after he sacastically told his wife and twin 6-year old daughters, "They're looking to confiscate my explosives."

     While attempting to pass through a TSA checkpoint, Hannibal was stopped because he carried a 16-ounce jar of gourmet peanut butter.  A TSA agent questioned Hannibal about the jar of "Crazy Richard's Natural Peanut Butter" and reportedly inquired about the natural separation of oil inside the jar.  As for the size of the jar...the TSA prohibits passengers from carrying liquids in containers that are larger than 3 ounces, which the U.S. government states is to prevent the possibility of "explosives" being taken on board an airplane.

     Instead of asking the agent to throw away the peanut butter, the former New Yorker made the "explosives" wisecrack, which he privately kidded about with his wife and kids.  Unfortunately, the TSA agent overheard what Hannibal said and Hannibal has since told The Daily News, "It sounds laughable now - but at the time - to be led out of there like a terrorist - was unbelievable.  My whole life was up in the air.  It was a nightmare.  My children were overwhelmed.  It was crazy."

     On February 8th, 2013, Hannibal filed a five million-dollar lawsuit in Brooklyn Federal Court against the TSA agent - who didn't find Hannibal's "explosives" comment to be funny - and the Port Authority officer who arrested him for "falsely reporting an incident," which is a felony.

     Hannibal's attorney, Alan B. Levine of Queens told The Daily News, "It's a sorry state of affairs in this country when sarcasm is considered a felony."  Crazy Richard's Natural Peanut Butter is sold in supermarkets throughout the United States and the liquid oil in Hannibal's jar of peanut butter had separated due to the science of preservation.

     This is TOTALLY AND ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!  It is very easy to detect whether a jar of peanut butter has any elements of "explosives" inside.  Hannibal didn't make a scene about his jar of peanut butter being taken away, but quietly jested with his family - with obvious sarcasm - that the peanut butter was "explosives."

     Should Hannibal have been detained for a short period of time while the peanut butter was scanned to determine that it was nothing more than an innocent food product?  Yes.  Should Hannibal himself been checked out?  Yes again.  But none of that takes 25 hours.

     I have had to carry items of a medical nature through airport security and - most often - I'm not ever questioned about the products - although I am prepared to present letters from two doctors.  However, when a TSA agent has asked - it has taken less than 60 seconds to thoroughly analyze an item to determine it is safe and, therefore, able to be taken on board the airplane. True, I've never made a stupid comment about "explosives" - but again - it doesn't take 25 hours to investigate a person's history and realize that Hannibal was just joking.

     Come on, everybody...let's have a little common sense.

     Clearly...in a post 9/11 world...Americans and visitors from other countries need to recognize, understand and accept that law enforcement officers are rightfully skittish when someone uses the words "explosives"... or "bombs"... or "guns"... at an airport.  But to lock up a man for 25 hours because of a sarcastic remark about a jar of peanut butter - that can take less than a minute to identify its contents - is somewhat far-fetched and going overboard.  That said, the Transportation Security Administration and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have, to date, not commented on the case.

     Hannibal has stated that the jar of peanut butter - that caused him to be busted - was returned to him after he was released from jail - and he reportedly..."ate it."

     Ironically - while in the slammer - Hannibal was given to eat...yeah, you guessed it....a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

     Hey...at 7 bucks a pop - five million dollars will buy Hannibal a whole lot of Crazy Richard's Natural Peanut Butter.  And I hope he gets the money... and spends it whatever way he wants.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Equal Rights For All...Including Gay Boy Scouts

     Should the Boy Scouts of America welcome gays to join its organization?  Absolutely!!!  That's not only MY opinion, but that of the President of the United States.

     CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Scott Pelley asked President Barack Obama, in an interview on Sunday, February 3rd, 2013, if the Boy Scouts should permit homosexuals - who are openly gay - to become members.  The President responded with a simple..."Yes."

     Mr. Obama told Scott Pelley, "My attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does, in every institution and walk of life.  The Scouts are a great institution that are promoting young people and exposing them to opportunities and leadership that will serve people for the rest of their lives.  And I think nobody should be barred from that."

     The debate of gays in the Boy Scouts has unfortunately been a controversial issue for many, many years and the organization's national leadership is debating this week whether to eliminate the ban on gay members.  Executives of the scouting fraternity are also discussing to allow religious and civic groups that sponsor separate troops to decide how to address the matter of gay scouts.

     However, on the other side of the fence, Texas Governor Rick Perry emphatically opposes any softening of the Boy Scouts' "no gays" membership policy.  "The Lone Star State's" chief executive dismissed any thoughts of revising the Scouts' "conservative values."

     Perry is an Eagle Scout and the author of On My Honor: Why The American Values Of The Boy Scouts Of America Are Worth Fighting For.  In the 2008 book, Perry explains why the Boy Scouts should continue to embrace the traditions and history of the 103-year old youth organization - including - excluding openly gay members and leaders.  Perry feels "to have popular culture impact 100 years of their standards is inappropriate."

     Meanwhile, Fred Sainz of the national gay rights group, The Human Rights Campaign says, "It's a shame that Governor Perry has chosen to be on the wrong side of history.  Governor Perry and the Boy Scouts are both completely out of touch with where America is going on this issue.  There should be one national non-discrimination policy.  We can't quite wrap our heads around why that is so difficult to do in 2013."

     It's tragic that in 2013 there continues to be - by some people - the bigotry and prejudices towards gays, African-Americans, Jews, Hispanics and other minorities.  We in the United States have thankfully and luckily elected - twice - a black president.  And just as it was about time that we did that - we will someday elect a Jewish president, a Hispanic president and yes... whether some of you believe it or not...we will someday elect - a gay president.

     There are numerous actors and other celebrities who have "come out" about being gay.  There are gay politicians, gay doctors, gay lawyers, gay teachers, gay firefighters, and gay people fighting for our country as members of our armed forces.  There are gays, bisexuals and lesbians everywhere in this country and everywhere in this world.  And there ARE gay Boy Scouts.

     Homosexual Boy Scouts deserve to be open with their sexuality...and they deserve the same rights and opportunities - provided by the U.S. Constitution - for every other male youngster and male adult.

     It boggles my mind that some ignorant people still believe that homosexuals think of nothing but sex.  There are organizations that include boys and girls, and men and women, and not everyone of them is jumping in to bed with each other.  Homosexuality is not about having sex; just as heterosexuality is not about having sex.  Homosexuality is about the sexual attraction that one person of the same gender has for another.

     Boys and girls go to school together everyday and a straight teenage boy can sit in a classroom and think about the girl - or girls - he wants to "hook up" with.  But not everyone does.  And when they do...it's almost always consensual.  The same applies for gay teenage boys. 

     Now don't go getting all huffy with me - I am not condoning that every teenager has to have sex.  That's not what I'm talking about.  But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published it's National Health Statistics Reports on August 16th, 2012; and in that report the CDC stated that almost half of high school students are having sex of one form or another.  The CDC wrote, "Among teen and adolescent girls ages 15 to 19, rates were similar between those who had vaginal intercourse (47 percent) and those who had oral sex (48 percent) with a member of the opposite sex.  For teen males, 44 percent said they had vaginal intercourse, and 49 percent reported oral sex."

     Other statistics from poll after poll and survey after survey...prove that teenagers will find a way to have sex if they want to...and many are going to have sex...whether they're told "no" by the adults in their lives.  And if a gay teenage boy - who just happens to be a Boy Scout - wants to have sex - he's not going to do it with a Scout who is straight.  By the time a teenage boy reaches an age where he wants to be with another person in a sexual encounter - he knows whether he wants to do it with a girl...or with another boy. 

     And for those of you who wrongfully assume that a gay Boy Scout is going to attack a straight Scout who is sleeping in the tent with him - there is no truth whatsoever to that kind of bogus scuttlebutt.  After all, violent sex - rape - whether towards a female - or towards a male - has nothing to do with being straight or gay.  Sexual violence and abuse are about power, domination and control.  It's not about sexual attraction.

     In a world where television, radio, newspapers and magazines have provided us with everything from mainstream news stories to tabloid gossip - and in recent years with the Internet - where we can read about everything - whether true or false - I just have one more very important point to make - followed by two equally important questions. 

     Gays have been members of the Boy Scouts for years and years - probably since the organization was founded in 1910.  Certain Americans may not have known it, but based on percentages, there's no doubt of that fact.  For those of you who - for your own unthinkable reasons - believe that gay teenage boys - even gay men - are sex addicts who cannot control themselves in a tent, cabin or out in the woods - here are the two questions for you to ponder.  When was the last time you heard of a Boy Scout hopping from sleeping bag to sleeping bag?  And...have you EVER heard...of sexual molestation between tent mates during a Boy Scout campout?  Believe me...with a planet filled with every means of communication available - we'd know - if anything of the sort - had happened.

     It is truly a shame that in 2013 there are still bigots and haters who won't open their eyes, open their minds and open their hearts to gay men and women, and gay boys and girls. 

     Heterosexuals didn't choose to be straight...and homosexuals didn't choose to be gay.  It's just what they are; it's what God made them.

     America is a land of equal rights.  And the Boy Scouts...should join the club.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

How Do Police Handcuff A 7-Year Old Boy For A Scuffle Over Lunch Money? The Child's Family Sues For 250 Million Dollars.

     After 58 years of life on this planet - including nearly 40 years in one form or another - as a professional broadcaster and/or print journalist - it is now apparent to me - after reading stories of what I'm about to comment on - that nothing else will ever shock me.  I'm beyond being shocked.

     How on God's green earth did trained and educated law enforcement officers from the New York City Police Department handcuff an angelic looking 7-year old boy after the child allegedly started a scuffle with a 9-year old boy over lunch money?  I am absolutely appalled by such action by the NYPD.

     As a result, the family of Wilson Reyes has filed a lawsuit against the City of New York and the NYPD for 250 million dollars.  If it was me...and my 7-year old son was handcuffed because of a boyhood tussle...I'd sue for 250 BILLION dollars. 

     The lawsuit also claims that young Wilson was interrogated by police for 10 hours after the boy - a student at Public School 114 in the Bronx - reportedly got in to a fight in December 2012 with another kid after Wilson was accused of taking 5 dollars that had fallen on the ground in front of him.

     Frances Mendez is the mother of Wilson Reyes and she reportedly told the New York Post, "Imagine how I felt seeing my son in handcuffs.  It was horrible.  My son was crying - 'Mommy, it wasn't me!  Mommy, it wasn't me.'  I couldn't believe what I was seeing."

     The lawsuit blames the NYPD - among other accusations - of false imprisonment, physical, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse plus deprivation of Wilson's constitutional rights.  Police had responded to P.S. 114 following a complaint by the school's safety officer.  The youngster was reportedly charged as an adult and was booked for robbery.  All charges were later dropped.

     This is mind-boggling and unheard of to think that any cop would handcuff a 7-year old boy for allegedly doing something - fighting with another kid - that so many other children have done for centuries.  Since when does a playground altercation mean that a child can be held in handcuffs and questioned by police for 10 hours?  Granted, he was accused of stealing another boy's five dollars in lunch money...but 7-year old kids do not belong in handcuffs.  This is insane.  If this happened to my child or my niece, nephew or grandchild - I would in no way stand for it.  Would you?  To traumatize this particular boy - Wilson Reyes - is more criminal than the alleged punch in the nose that Wilson was being accused of doing.  

     Those of you who have read The Controversy before know that I am generally a great supporter of local police departments throughout the United States.  As a journalist, I have proudly worked with police chiefs and police officers in states and cities all across America and I usually respect what they do to "protect and serve" the citizens of their communities.  But what were the cops from the 44th Precinct in the Bronx thinking when they slapped handcuffs on a 3rd grader?  And what about the school principal?  How did an educator allow police to perform such a despicable act on a small boy?  Have the police in New York City and the principal, teachers and safety officer at P.S. 114 in the Bronx never heard of "time-out" for a child?  Do the New York City Police not have anything better to do than arrest and interrogate a 7-year old boy over 5 dollars and a fat lip?  You have got to be kidding me!  What has this world come to?  This person is not an ax murderer.  He's a 7-year old boy and certainly NOT a hardened criminal.

     Meanwhile, the NYPD is disputing the amount of time that Wilson was in custody.  Reportedly, the police department is claiming that the boy was held for only 4 hours and 40 minutes.  Do they really think that makes a difference?  That's 4 hours and 40 minutes too long.  A 7-year old boy doesn't belong being questioned by police while wearing handcuffs - and definitely not without at least one parent present.

     The New York Daily News quoted a source from the NYPD who stated that, "He (Wilson Reyes) attacked someone and took his money.  He had to be handcuffed - he was a prisoner.  If we didn't handcuff him and he ran out the front door, then we would have had an escaped prisoner on our hands." 

     I'm shaking my head in disbelief.  The kid is 7 years old.  I realize I have emphasized the boy's age over and over and over again in this commentary, but it's an obviously important element in this case.  This is a child who is 4 feet 7 inches tall and only 75 pounds who was involved in a schoolyard skirmish.  He's not some killer who robbed a convenience store and murdered the shopkeeper.  HE'S 7 YEARS OLD!!!

     I can only imagine how terrified this child was when the police cuffed his tiny little hands and began to interrogate him.  The kid would have been frightened and panic stricken if he had been told to just go to the principal's office.  But to be taken away by police in handcuffs?  My goodness...an adult would be petrified.  I can't even begin to think how this 7-year old boy was feeling - especially when the youngster said he didn't take the five dollars.

     This whole matter is bizarre and the NYPD officers involved should be ashamed of themselves.  The police have reportedly stated that they were merely following procedure.

     Procedure?  Procedure?  How about a little common sense?  The boy is 7 years old!  And when his mother arrived at the police station, Mrs. Mendez was told she couldn't see her son.  However, when the police finally let Mendez see her child, she found young Wilson shaking like a leaf and a nervous wreck as he sat in an uncomfortably hard, metal-framed chair with the boy's left wrist cuffed to a pipe on the wall.  Mendez quickly snapped a photo as evidence to prove how the NYPD had treated her son.  The entire matter is being reviewed by the NYPD's Internal Affairs Department.

     Despite Wilson's protests that he was totally innocent of any theft, the police apparently wouldn't believe him.  Legal papers have now indicated that it was another classmate who later admitted to taking the money.

     Stealing is obviously wrong - and nobody - not even a 7-year old - should be allowed to get away from taking anything that doesn't belong to them.  But this was a matter for the child's parents.  P.S. 114 in the Bronx is responsible for this massive debacle too, as the school's safety officer should never have contacted the police.  If the boy was suspected of taking the five dollars, he should have been gingerly and gently escorted to the principal's office and his mother called by telephone IMMEDIATELY...NOT HOURS LATER - BUT WITHIN MINUTES. 

     For those of you who say that the police ordeal will "teach the boy a lesson" - as some people have reportedly stated...THAT'S A BUNCH OF CRAP!  All this did was scar a 7-year old child for the rest of his life.  You don't lock up a small boy for something so insignificant.  This is totally absurd.

     As for my comment of suing for 250 BILLION dollars - not just 250 million...please know that I don't expect or even think that anyone deserves a settlement for that amount of money.  But Wilson Reyes does deserve to be compensated for how the matter was handled and how he was treated. 

     I don't believe - but of course I could be wrong - that the lawyer, representing Wilson and his family, really thinks that any judge or jury would award the boy 250 million dollars.  However...this child has suffered greatly... and he will continue to suffer emotionally and mentally for years to come - if not for the rest of his life.  Therefore...a point has to be made. 

     To torment a 7-year old boy is beyond disgraceful and beyond contemptible.  The bottom line is that none of this with the police should have ever happened.  And the fact that it did...the cops and school officials involved...should have their heads examined.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.


Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.