Dear Editor,

Are they terrorist or criminals? This is the talk going around two small towns in Central Texas. I can tell you I don’t know either of these two young men personally or their families, but, I have seen both young men and their parents during sporting events and school functions at Blanco H.S over the past few years. I find it hard to even have someone say they are terrorist.

I served this great country for over 21 years in the USAF; I spent time during the first desert war supporting our combat troops who were fighting what I would call terrorist.

I find it hard and insulting to these two young men and their families to be considered in this category.

Yes, I was surprised, as was everyone else, that this event happened, especially in the current dry conditions we’re experiencing. I can honestly say I don’t think either one of these young men would make this mistake again.

Were they wrong in what they did. Yes. Should they be punished? Yes. Should they have jail time? Come on, these were two young men living in a small town pulling pranks.

I can only imagine where most of us dads would be if we got caught 20 years ago for some of the things we did. Give them some community service, have them pick up litter, work with the street department etc…

I read something that the city wasn’t sure what damage the water has cause to the streets. Come on, they can’t get any worse then they are now. I don’t think the city has done much to repair half the roads in either town.

Let’s not put the street conditions on these two families. I’m not condoning this, I’m just saying let’s be real. It was water, I would rather have these kids letting water out of the fire hydrants then doing drive by shootings, rapes, gang violence etc…

Just drive 30-60 miles south on 281 any night of the week and see what those kids are up to. I know someone will say what if there was a fire etc… There wasn’t, so we won’t know what would have happened.

I just want to say these two young men made a mistake, let’s not punish them for life. I’m sure both these young men have learned a lesson. We all deserve a second chance.

Steve Klein

Blanco, TX