I put these examples out there because until just recently, society and the judicial system talked a really good game about the best interests of the children, even going so far as to give parents quite a bit a leeway when it came to protecting their offspring from sexual predators.

The first case happened on the family ranch, when the girl's brother saw the predator grab his sister and head off towards an outbuilding on the property. He went and got his father, who ran to start checking the sheds and whatnot. The rapist had dropped his pants and was forcibly attempting to rape a 5 year old girl. I imagine there isn't a jury in Texas that would convict a parent under those circumstances. More to the point, under Texas law, deadly force is allowed to prevent a forcibly felony, such as rape. The father in this case was not only morally in the right, but was legally justified in legitimate defense of an innocent third party.

The other case, where a father gunned down a pedophile months after the episode could qualify as murder, in that:

1) Months later, it is a little difficult to claim "heat of the moment";

2) Someone must have provided the father with a bit of intel, since he knew which flight, which terminal and what time to intercept the man accused of indecency with a child (the father's child).

and 3) His actions were methodical enough, and planned enough to be evidence of someone who knew exactly what he was doing. Premeditation, months of planning, and carrying it out in a very rational, methodical manner would make it first degree murder.

The point is that although the legal system used to make a pretense of looking after the children, that is no longer the case. Parents have a legal right and moral duty to protect their children. Every once in a while, there will be a case where the parents get in trouble because of not preventing, or even actively allowing their offspring to do something illegal. The charge is usually "contributing to the delinquency of a minor." An example would be having a party at the house and allowing underage drinking to take place. Parents these days are getting nailed on that one all the time here in this former Land of the Free.

30 years ago, it was no big thing. One of my co-workers threw a high school graduation party for her daughter. Alcohol was present; underage drinking was taking place, but this was in a controlled environment with parental supervision. No problems occurred, even when some of the cops showed up - they had handled an accident down the stfeet and noticed all the cars parked in front of the house. A small, suburban town about an hour west of Chicago with about 6,000 people. Sounds crazy, but this was 1988; you could still cut loose a little bit, so long as things were being watched over by the parental units.

My parents allowed my sister and I to have a glass of wine with dinner at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas at the age of 12. We were also allowed a glass of champagne as we watched the ball drop in Times Square on TV on New Year's Eve. In 30 years, the roles of parents and government have swapped places. Parents had a great deal of latitude, so long as things were under their supervision and control - government involvement only came about if there was evidence of neglect, abuse, or ongoing criminal activity. Now, parents have limited authority, and basically have to look over their shoulder for Uncle Sam's approval. You watch. Soon, little chores such as mowing the lawn, washing the car, or walking the dog to earn an allowance with be subject to regulation. Think I'm joking? In Austin, Texas, it is a violation of City Ordinance to wash your car by hand. The garden hose and 3-gallon bucket of soapy water can't be used for washing your own car on your own property. These neo-fascists require you to wear a helmet for riding your bicycle. A little itty-bitty bike that weighs less than 50 pounds and can maybe go 40 miles an hour if you're really cranking it, and you are required to wear a helmet under City Ordinance. Meanwhile, a motorcycle rider does NOT have to wear a helmet.