Third Graders Plot Gruesome Murder of Teacher

Where to begin...where to begin. It's like something right out of a crime novel. Earlier this week, police in Waycross, Georgia, uncovered a gruesome plot to attack and kill an elementary school teacher. The attack was masterminded by, get this, nine third graders, ranging in age from 8-10. Upon first hearing this incredible story, my initial reaction was to laugh from disbelief.

According to news reports, the alleged students brought the weapons to school, and had planned to knock their teacher unconscious with a crystal paper weight. The plot was foiled when another student, who refused to take part in the attack, reported the intentions of the other students to an administrator of the school. The students involved brought a broken steak knife, handcuffs (wonder where and how they got those), duct tape and other items to carry out their mission. The "children" even went so far as to assign tasks that included covering the windows so no one could witness the attack, and cleaning up afterwards.

Apparently, the students were upset because of the way in which the teacher had disciplined one of this miniature mob's friends. I find the most fascinating aspect of this story, not the plot itself, but the fact that everyone is ranting about how well behaved these little terrorists are, and that they didn't realize the gravity of the situation. There was even a reference about some of them thinking this was like a cartoon. Put these kids on Prozac, lock up all the televisions, and by all means, keep them away from any Bugs Bunny cartoons. Come on people, get real!

Once again, I have to ask, what on earth is wrong with the parents? Didn't the parent notice that these objects were missing from their home? If any one of these kids were my child, I would be afraid, very afraid, to go to sleep at night. The depth in which these children planned the attack was extremely intricate. Every detail had been planned methodically. Couldn't the parents tell something was wrong? This whole situation reminds me of the movie, "The Bad Seed." If you haven't seen it, rent it.

It truly sickens me to think that these kids came very close to accomplishing their goal. It also sickens me to know that these brats will be taking care of us in the future. The question now remaining is how will or should these children be disciplined? Also, I for one would like to see the parents disciplined in this case. What do you think? Drop a note to voice your opinion.