Quote from: RodeoX on March 10, 2015, 04:13:06 PM

Quote from: QuestionAuthority on March 10, 2015, 04:00:22 PM

Seriously though, doesn't it seem a little silly for a great and powerful nation to run in fear of a 17 year old child? Are we that fragile? Should I be packin heat every time I visit the grocery store? lol

I have worked training troops and a 17yo. is the scariest solider you will ever face on the battlefield. That is the prime age for a fighter to enter the fight. They are young enough to be excelent learners in good physical shape, and inexperienced enough to not recognize the danger of fighting. it's hard to know what a 17yo. is going to do next in a battle. They can't be counted on to play it safe. They might just foolishly attack and die, but kill you in the process.
There are thousands of kids like this currently fighting in Syria, Iraq, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, etc...

I regard age as a minor factor. Yes you can't hold kids responsible for all their actions, however someone who has the capacity to know what they're doing and is in full control of their actions should be held responsible for whatever it is they have done.
This guy deserves whatever punishment he gets. He'll probably get off lightly but I believe he should be treated just like a 30 year old would be in the same situation.