Topic : 03/16 Cheerleader Scandal

If you are interested in Daniel's side of the story, Stephanie's been trying to get it out there.  I suggest you review all of her postings:  stephyg 

I just saw this show last night (10/20) while at my sister's house. I was riveted. I work with incarcerated women and with juvenile delinquents who have narrowly escaped the prison system by being placed in a drug/alcohol awareness program. What captured my interest most was the situation with Josh, who is dealing with the fallout of the situation as a child who was once an "A" student and now is sidelined by this tragedy. Dr. Phil addressed this by pointing out that Josh and Brandi's parents are so crippled by events that they are losing Josh. Everything is about Brandi. 

One of my closest friends has written a book called The Prodigal Brother. She grew up in a family where everything revolved around her drug-abusing brother. Her parents were consumed with taking care of him and they unintentionally ignored her needs because they believed she was strong enough to take care of herself. I'm not implying this is the same situation; however, my friend's anger at her parents for focusing their entire lives on her brother's crises is so pertinent. The book is a reference to the story in the Bible of the prodigal son. There were two sons in that story. The older son had no party thrown for him for being a dutiful kid. She calls that older son the prodigal brother. He's not the prodigal son, but he has unforgiveness that must be addressed. Both sons have to find a path to forgiveness. 

And that's what struck me about Josh. He is the "good" kid affected by this horrific tragedy. Daniel's sister is suffering, too. Who is looking out for them? Like my friend's parents, they glance over and they say, "Oh my, our other child is suffering," but they can't bring themselves to get up and take care of him. My friend (Sue Thompson) had to forgive her mom and dad for their inability to refocus. That unforgiveness nearly whipped her. I always appreciate that Dr. Phil urges parents to take a look at those "lost" children. Brandi's in jail, Daniel's gone, and there are children here who need their parents. 

no.  i think everyone knows she meant that on a toyota corolla year 2000 and above, the lights automatically come on when the car is started (as many newer cars are made this same way for safety purposes). 

but, does anyone know if you can turn them off? 

I agree totally with your comments.  I can't believe why after watching that show, many of you people out there are still so blinded.  I've read over half of the comments here and I am so flabergasted over how little people value life.  Yes this child was young, but she was well aware of her actions and should be punished accordingly.  This is why we are so engrossed with so much chaos in our society - people just think they can do whatever and get away with it, which they do.  I think her punishment was a slap on the wrist.  Come on people, wake up and smell the coffee. 

Oh man, I typed a response once and seem to have lost it.  Grr.  I'll try again - sorry if it posts twice. 

Brandi's mom brought up this issue to refute whether reports that Brandi sat in her car down the street wtih the lights out revving the engine just before hitting Daniel.  I asked Stephanie, who was a witness that night to the event, about it and she replied with the following post: 

"That was one point Brandi made to the police which is in the police report......they investigated it and as explained to me the lights have 3 setting on the 2000 toyota corolla   

1. the yellow lights...forgot the name of them   

2. the headlights  

3. day and night settings...which you can leave it on so that the lights will come on by sensor " 

I also asked my husband, a mechanic, without explaining why I wanted to know and he said that most cars with automatic headlights have an override switch which would let you turn them off.  But in fairness to Brandi's mom, who clearly doesn't believe it could be done (and it was her car - so you'd think she would know!) I'm still checking.  I've found sites by Corolla owners who go under the hood and disconnect the automatic feature there, but theres no way to know if Brandi's family would have done that on a very new car in 2000 when this occurred.  I myself am calling the issue a draw.   

I agree 100%........ 

My heart goes out to both families.  I believe both families could use support.  

I do believe Brandi made bad choices and she is paying for them and in a sense will always live with the consequences. I do not believe she chose to be where she is and in a sense, I feel she was railroaded by our legal system she because she could not afford to partipate fully/  I feel there are people who have committed more voilent crimes who are walking the streets because they have money to afford the "best legal guideance" and can afford to put on a "better show" for either a judge or jury.   I do not believe enough was shown in the show to make a judgement, however, a full trial would reveal details and it could be judged.  It appears she was pushed into admitting something because the attorney felt unsure or unable to defend her. 

Daniel's family is obviously unhappy with the out come too! 

It's unfortunate, both sides didn't have a day in court. 

Unfortunately, nothing will bring back Daniel.  I believe his legacy could be one of forgiveness and guidance to others. 

My love and prayers are with all involved.