The problems of parenthood

Since time immemorial parents have argued over what is best for their children. It does not matter whether the argument is about choosing Eton or Harrow or Coco pops or Frosties parents have their child’s interests at heart. Sometimes, however, such arguments can get a little heated.

So it was that an argument between Joseph Manzanares and his girlfriend over the future of their four year old became somewhat lively. Sandoval was arrested in Commerce City Colorado after he stormed into the video store where his girlfriend worked, threatening to kill her and knocking over several video displays and a computer. He subsequently pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced to a year of probation.

Arresting officer Joe Sandoval explained that the couple had been arguing about the upbringing of their son and which gang he should belong to. The teen mother is a member of the Crips. Manzanares on the other hand belongs to the Westside Ballers gang. "They have different ideas on how the baby should be raised. Basically, she said they cannot agree on which gang the baby would 'claim,'" he said.

Choosing a gang is one of the biggest choices a child can make and it is simply not acceptable for a parent to turn violent over the matter. If the parents cannot agree to initiate the child in one of their “alma maters” then they should consider a suitable compromise. Better still they could teach the child about the relative virtues of the Crips and the Westside Ballers and let him make his own mind up.

Another story culled from the Breaking News section of the Fortean Times.

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