Crime, Family

- November 30, 2008

Lori Drew Conviction Not About Cyber-Bullying

Megan Meier

Megan Meier

When Lori Drew was convicted on three misdemeanors, none of them dealt with so called “cyber-bullying.” If you read many of the headlines you would think that is what happened, but it wasn’t. She wasn’t even convicted of the conspiracy charge which was a felony. Instead all three minor counts dealt with violations of Myspace’s TOS.

While what happened to Megan Meier is a tragedy, her parents lack of parental over site in this case is even more tragic. In a post I published many months ago I highlighted what I felt to be the real sad part of this case.

1) Megan, with her parents consent and full knowledge, had a MySpace account even though it
violated the same TOS that are currently being used to charge Ms. Drew.
2) Megan had been sending mean messages herself to others including Ms. Drew’s daughter before
“Josh” entered the picture. Also in violation of the TOS.
3) Megan’s parents said they “closely monitored” their daughter’s actions online yet they allowed a
boy to call their 13 year old daughter “sexi” and allowed her to call him “sexi.”
4) Megan was being treated for ADD and depression.

I think what Drew did was also illegal and immature, but holding her responsible for Megan’s death is very short-sighted. Megan’s parents are the real villans in this case. Instead of trying to be parents, they try to be friends. Kids have enough friends, they need parents.

So go ahead feel good media, make Drew the monster, but if you truly were the unbiased outlets you want to tell everyone you are, you will also include the Meier’s. Like it or not, their daughter is dead because they didn’t protect her, even if that meant protecting her from herself.

Photos:

Megans Myspace page

Megans Myspace page

Meier\'s parents

Meier's parents

Dumbass parent Lori Drew

Dumbass parent Lori Drew

  1. 9 Responses to “Lori Drew Conviction Not About Cyber-Bullying”

  2. To me, one of the key points is the fact that an adult chose to act like a teenager, and an immature, dangerous one at that.

    Adults are supposed to protect children, theirs and everyone else’s. For Ms. Drew to take the actions she did IS at best reprehensible…I wouldn’t have any trouble if felony convictions had resulted.

    It is obvious that there is more than one problem in this case. But the simple fact is, if Ms. Drew had not taken the actions that she did, Megan would probably still be alive. People like her, and the actions they take will result in the freedoms everyone value about the web will be curtailed, and for the same reason we have speed limits, drug laws, drinking laws etc… If people are too stupid to regulate themselves and their actions, the authorities will step in.

    By Billy on Dec 1, 2008

  3. Great post!!

    Would you guys like a Link Exchange with our new blog COMMON CENTS where we blog about the issues of the day??

    http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com

    By Steve on Dec 4, 2008

  4. Steve,

    That would be awesome. Great blog you have there.

    Peace
    TTP

    By The Tampa Pirate on Dec 4, 2008

  5. I think one possibility is that the failure of the papers to demonize the Meier’s was due not to any so-called feel-good obligation but rather to the premise of journalism: that a side be taken, for better or for worse. It is not the media’s job to pander to every angle, nor would it be good journalism or good business to do so.

    But you’re right, of course. Her parents are certainly at least partially at fault. Still, I’m sure they’ve been punished enough.

    By Dan on Dec 5, 2008

  6. Dan,

    Thanks for the comment.

    I see your point about the media, but it isn’t their job to take a side. It is the medias job to report the facts of the case without bias. Of course that is not how it is done anymore, but it is their job. We have come to a place where we accept their bias and are not outraged by it.

    Again I appreciate the comment.

    Peace
    TTP

    By The Tampa Pirate on Dec 7, 2008

  7. I’m so glad you posted this. I remember when this first happened and my thoughts were the same as yours….Where were her parents when she was online? The internet is a wonderful tool when used properly and the social networking sites can be fantastic…but it opens us up to people in ways that we didn’t used to get exposed. As a parent it is my job to protect my children especially when it means protecting them from themselves. The whole situation is tragic but avoidable. There’s a reason why there are age requirements for certain activities. Why don’t people listen??? ugh… :-/

    By Anacris on Dec 27, 2008

  8. Anacris,

    Thanks for commenting. I hope you and the kids had a very Merry Christmas. I just want to say that I am sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. I got like 20 calls after you called that day with your new number and it processed off my call list. Please call when you get a minute. I would greatly appreciate it.

    Peace n Love,
    TTP

    By The Tampa Pirate on Dec 28, 2008

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