No, that’s not a quote from the editor of the New Republic. This is from the so-called “Barbie Bandit:”
MARIETTA, Georgia (AP) — One of the two young women dubbed the “Barbie Bandits” after a videotaped bank theft pleaded guilty Wednesday and apologized in tears. “I regret what I did. I wish I could take it back every day,” Heather Johnston, 19, told the judge. She said she decided to plead guilty to felony theft and misdemeanor marijuana possession because she wanted to take responsibility for her actions. She did not have a deal with prosecutors. Surveillance video showed Johnston and Ashley Miller wearing sunglasses and laughing as they appeared to steal nearly $11,000 from a Bank of America branch in Acworth, Georgia on February 27. Authorities later said the bank teller was in on the plot. According to authorities, Miller and Johnston went on a shopping spree afterward and even gave money to the homeless. They were arrested two days later. Charges against Miller, the bank teller and another man are still pending.
And, the kicker:
Johnston, who had no prior criminal record, and her parents asked Cobb County Superior Court Judge Mary Staley not to send her to prison… To her family and friends, she said, “If I’ve embarrassed you or hurt you, which I know I have, then I’m sorry.”
Right. Because all it takes is to own up to what you done and everybody’d be cool with that. Rob a bank? I take full responsibility: don’t send me to prison. Killed somebody? Yeah, I’m really sorry about that: let me go. Some things you can’t take back.
Well, I’m a firm believer in not doing the crime if you can’t do the time, but there’s a significant difference between non-violently robbing a bank and killing someone.
A significant difference.
True, but the same moral reasoning can be applied in that both are wrong and some things, like armed robbery, are potentially harmful. Apologies won’t cut it.
Have you followed this story at all besides publishing this snarky reaction?
There was no armed robbery. It was an inside job. Two teenagers were put up to it by someone significantly older than them. Heather plead guilty. The other three have plead not guilty.
“Moral reasoning,” my ass.
Yeah, Josh! You just keep your “moral reasoning” to yourself!
Mike Cane’s ass, indeed!
I think you’ve definitely lost a reader.
By the way, I’ve looked at Mike Cane’s website, which is rather creepily devoted to one of the bank thieves. Seems like she’s “material” for Mr. Cane.
[...] Masturbatory fantasies about certain felons aside, this woman’s reasoning could rejigger the thinking of the entire criminal justice system. If I victimize you, it’s your fault if I get in trouble because you let it happen. [...]
Gee, Mike: you really like posting pictures of Heather Johnston. I mean, your whole website is just picture after picture of Heather Johnston with almost no commentary. How can I tell from your website how your REALLY feel about Heather Johnston and her moral failings?
I’m sure Heather Johnston’s moral failings are Mike Cane’s private masturbatory successes.
That’s a zero sum game right there.
I’m sure he’s the type who just enjoys playing the game rather than numbering the dubious outcomes. Heather Johnston’s loss (of freedom) is his gain (in loads squeezed off into a dirty Arby’s napkin).
So to speak.