[martin_a]

> What we have here is a child who was failed by society.

I really embrace your faith in humanity and trying to understand and explain what might have led to this.

But in the end, he chose organized crime. That's where really terrible stuff happens, you know that, if you choose it.

[DrWumbo]

Yeah there's obvious reasons why organized crime is dangerous, but it's designed to lure people in with quick money/protection/sense of identity and then trap them.

The same goes for any behavior where one knows adverse consequences beforehand. I remember I bummed my first cigarette from a stranger one day when I was stressed out as a teenager. When I got hooked on the addictive properties and irreversibility damaged my lungs should there have been no room for empathy?

I'm not saying choosing to view this kid as a victim solves anything or that people should share my view. I want more voices spreading it so people can see there's another way to see the world.

And fwiw like most people my attitude flips 180 when I'm the victim of a crime. I am after all, only human.

[ChoGGi]

> When I got hooked on the addictive properties and irreversibility damaged my lungs should there have been no room for empathy?

The only person hurt in that scenario was yourself.

I feel bad for the kid, but he's talking to the FBI, so at least he learned his lesson relatively easily (he's still alive).

[selfmodruntime]

I agree. People who are born wealthy routinely choose crime, if sometimes for no reason other than adrenaline rush or pure greed.

[KennyBlanken]

Judging from the photo, the kid has fetal alcohol syndrome. He likely came into the world with few choices.