kandi,
i am proud of your son too! (but you already knew that) and i am proud of YOU and your family for bringing up such an outstanding american who is willing to fight for my freedom, unlike some other families who want to do the exact opposite- take away my freedom....

do i feel sorry for this other family? no! i'm sorry of this seems cold and crass or if it offends anyone, but i am being honest. that's why these stupid laws get passed- everyone feels sorry for the family! why should i have any sympathy for people who would take away my freedom? truthfully, i can't! nobody forced ryan to do something stupid, he did this all on his own, and he paid (a steep) price for it as many people do when they decide to do stupid things. i am tired of feeling sorry for people who want to selfishly pass laws to ease their conscious that would hurt me in the end. i refuse to hop on their bandwagon "pity party". i know it is not politically correct for me not to feel bad for the family. so be it.

i expect to lose some respect from other members for writing this post, but this is not a popularity contest, and i have to say what's on my mind. everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions and feelings and i respect everyones thoughts. please, don't hate me for expressing mine.

love to all.

sincerely, angel