"What Was She Thinking!?!"

If you think this photograph looks like a mug shot, you're right. Meet Lesa Lynn Ledesma. Ms. Ledesman is the mother of son Shawn, who on a September evening in 2007, decided that he wished to pick up five of his friends for an evening out on the town. He requested the use of the family's automobile, where upon "Mom" turned over the keys. Problem. Son Shawn had only just the month before been granted a learner's permit, and, at age 15, was not permitted by law to operate a motor vehicle after 1o p.m. or without a licensed 21 year old driver in accompaniment. Result. Shawn lost control of the vehicle, plowed into a tree, injuring four of his passengers and killing a 14 year old female classmate.

Son Shawn was charged with vehicular homicide. Mother Lisa this week was arrested on the felony charge of second-degree manslaughter, on the surface a rightful conclusion of indifferent and reckless endangerment of another human being. "Legal experts" are already weighing in with the opinion that the charge may be difficult to prove. I have learned a long time ago never to confuse justice with the law, but if it goes to a jury trial, I'm putting my money on a "guilty" verdict outcome. Sorry "Mom." Callous stupidity doesn't deserve a pass this time around.

Viewing this story from a dispassionate distance, one cannot help up assign tragic consequences for all the parties involved. Two separate families have been decimated for a life time. For what? Because some misguided parent wishing to find favor in her child's eye failed to adhere to the most basic principle and tenets of being a parent: remembering who is the adult in a parent-child relationship. Thankfully there are thousands upon thousands of responsible parents who diligently practice the basics of common sense by not allowing their emotions to dictate their decision making process when it comes to raising their children. It is hard enough to do the job right in the best of circumstances. Giving your child the opportunity to do bodily harm to themselves and others is, for me, beyond the pale of comprehension. I am quick to feel genuinely sorry for victims of events beyond their control. But I have absolutely no pity for consequences that result from sheer stupidity. Mrs. Ledesman...I am sorry that your moment's lapse of good judgment has brought you and your son to this point in your lives. But I take no pity on either of you for the results of those decisions...all of which were profoundly irresponsible and tragically unnecessary.