John de Graaf, co-author of the film and book titled Affluenza, is just one of the many appalled by the Ethan Couch sentencing decision late last week. Mr. Couch, who is just 16 years old, faced up to 20 years in jail for driving under the influence and causing the wreck in June 2013 that resulted in four deaths. He was sentenced to 10 years probation and treatment at the Newport Academy, a luxury rehabilitation facility.
It appears that Ethan Couch, once again, will escape suffering the full consequences of his actions from the criminal courts. He and his family may not fare as well in the five civil cases that have already been filed by the families of his victims.
The judge hasn’t explained the rationale behind her sentencing decision, so we don’t know what role the “affluenza” argument played. But there is evidence that Ethan’s thought process, even that awful night, was one of privilege and indifference. A passenger in his truck reported that he said, “I’m Ethan Couch. I’ll get you out of this.”
As the facts about Ethan emerge, it’s clear that there were warning signs of trouble ahead in this boy’s life. He was caught just a year ago in a parked truck with a naked 14 year-old girl who was passed out. He had a reputation for partying, drinking, and smoking marijuana. He lived mostly unsupervised in a 4,000 square foot house, registered in his mother’s name. He has been driving since the age of 13, and had full access to a powerful pick-up, leased to his father’s sheet metal company.
And his role models? The two people responsible for parenting him have 20 arrests and citations between the two of them. But aside from some minor fines and a six month community supervision order, neither Fred nor Tonya Couch have been held accountable for their behavior. And many of the more serious charges against Fred Couch were dismissed.
Did the judge in this case resist punishing the child for the sins of his parents? Would she do the same if the child suffered neglect and lack of supervision due to “poorfluenza?” Would she be as lenient to a disadvantaged youth with absentee parents? And if the child isn’t to be held responsible in the criminal courts, shouldn’t we expect that the parents will?
Ethan Couch’s defense attorney used “affluenza” in the context of a child that loses the capacity for responsible behavior due to over-indulgence. This argument makes Ethan a victim. And is often the case, we’re left with figuring out what to do when a victim victimizes others.
Four people lost their lives. One teen is severely brain injured and will likely never walk or talk again. We know that the people Ethan hit suffered and their families will be forever impacted by his actions the night he chose to drink and drive. Where will they be in ten years after Ethan’s probation sentence is completed? Where will Ethan and his family be? Justice has nothing to do with making people whole, but it would be a grave miscarriage if the victims continue to suffer while Ethan’s life of privilege continues.
Image source: http://www.simplystephen.ca/
John de Graaf, co-author of the film and book titled Affluenza, is just one of the many appalled by the Ethan Couch sentencing decision late last week. Mr. Couch, who is just 16 years old, faced up to 20 years in jail for driving under the influence and causing the wreck in June 2013 that resulted in four deaths. He was sentenced to 10 years probation and treatment at the Newport Academy, a luxury rehabilitation facility.
It appears that Ethan Couch, once again, will escape suffering the full consequences of his actions from the criminal courts. He and his family may not fare as well in the five civil cases that have already been filed by the families of his victims.
The judge hasn’t explained the rationale behind her sentencing decision, so we don’t know what role the “affluenza” argument played. But there is evidence that Ethan’s thought process, even that awful night, was one of privilege and indifference. A passenger in his truck reported that he said, “I’m Ethan Couch. I’ll get you out of this.”
As the facts about Ethan emerge, it’s clear that there were warning signs of trouble ahead in this boy’s life. He was caught just a year ago in a parked truck with a naked 14 year-old girl who was passed out. He had a reputation for partying, drinking, and smoking marijuana. He lived mostly unsupervised in a 4,000 square foot house, registered in his mother’s name. He has been driving since the age of 13, and had full access to a powerful pick-up, leased to his father’s sheet metal company.
And his role models? The two people responsible for parenting him have 20 arrests and citations between the two of them. But aside from some minor fines and a six month community supervision order, neither Fred nor Tonya Couch have been held accountable for their behavior. And many of the more serious charges against Fred Couch were dismissed.
Did the judge in this case resist punishing the child for the sins of his parents? Would she do the same if the child suffered neglect and lack of supervision due to “poorfluenza?” Would she be as lenient to a disadvantaged youth with absentee parents? And if the child isn’t to be held responsible in the criminal courts, shouldn’t we expect that the parents will?
Ethan Couch’s defense attorney used “affluenza” in the context of a child that loses the capacity for responsible behavior due to over-indulgence. This argument makes Ethan a victim. And is often the case, we’re left with figuring out what to do when a victim victimizes others.
Four people lost their lives. One teen is severely brain injured and will likely never walk or talk again. We know that the people Ethan hit suffered and their families will be forever impacted by his actions the night he chose to drink and drive. Where will they be in ten years after Ethan’s probation sentence is completed? Where will Ethan and his family be? Justice has nothing to do with making people whole, but it would be a grave miscarriage if the victims continue to suffer while Ethan’s life of privilege continues.
By: Peggy Lee
Originally Posted on Peggy Lee’s site: HERE
