Tim Blair

So,we have the why of Ritter's grudge.

What I'd like to know is -- what is it with underage girls and older men? When I was twelve the last thing on my mind was running away from home to meet some over-thirty-year-old who thought I was "eighteen or nineteen." I just don't get it... And get the girl's parents. I know that if that had been me, there would not have been smiles wreathing my mom's and dad's faces, and there would have been a belt waiting for me when I got home.

amen to that andrea.

Concur.
Equally, old men lusting after children is no less mystifying.

Yeah, it's not as healthy as beating your meat, and not as much fun either.

On that topic, have a read of this document.

Personal favourite quote:
"Some of the commentators writing in that issue said that there is little or no proof that sex with adults is harmful to minors. Another mental-health expert argued that society should not discriminate against adults who are attracted to children--noting that many beloved authors and public figures throughout history have been high-functioning individuals who could actually be classified as pedophiles."

So aparantly that makes it all right.

He should move to Iran where girls are lawfully married off at age nine (a legal change instituted by the orginial Ayatollah K. back during late 1970's once he was back in power).

CBS News is reporting that the FBI found child porn on Studebaker's home computer and that email evidence clearly indicates he knew the girl was only 12, not 18 or 19.

And "The High-Functioning Pedophiles" would make a really good name for a rock band. Or, uh, not.

I'm thinking not.

But what is it with anyone, of whatever age, that prompts you, after meeting some guy over the internet only, to decide to drop everything and travel to another country with him without telling anyone?

No matter how strong your feelings are for this fellow (or vice versa), this seems a little bizarre.

Personally, I blame the Democrats.

On one hand, I wish he still *were* a marine. I think military justice can be harsher than civilian. Also, all those fellow-marines who have 12 year old daughters. Hmm.. wonder how they'd treat him?

On the other hand, he's enough of an embarassment to the US, perhaps it's best he's an ex-marine?

I hope they ship him to the US for trial. Perhaps Germany is different, but some of the European countries don't have what I consider long enough sentences for various crimes. Although, since he's an American, perhaps I don't need to worry he'll get off easy.

Andrea Her parents put the girl up to it, some will do anything to disparage the USA.

Tim,

Could you change the text of your story to:

What is it with ex-Marines and underage girls and Internet chat rooms?

All my USMC friends would appreciate the distinction. It doesn't help much, but in this case every little bit....

Perhaps Ritter didn't watch John Wayne movies, the marines are no place for woftam pogos. Kevin , General Tommy Franks is all John Wayne material and , hoping anyway this reads the compliment, a reflection of a fine fighting Regt.