No more slaps on wrist

After reported bomb threats at Parkersburg and Parkersburg South high schools that caused evacuations and searches of the buildings, authorities believe it's the same individual causing the public panic.

A few years ago, Wood County schools went through a similar series of threats that eventually ceased when authorities made arrests and the juvenile offenders were taken to court. Unfortunately, they were taken as juveniles instead of adults, which would have sent a stronger message to other teens wanting to disrupt school, cause law enforcement, fire officials, school officials and parents to take actions as if there were the potential for dangers to students and staff.

There is NO excuse for students or adults to act with such callous disregard for public safety. There is no reason for such persons to be treated like anything other than terrorists when apprehended, and there certainly is no reason for the courts to treat those who call in bomb threats as anything less than adult offenders.

If these individuals are going to commit an adult act or terrorism, let them be treated as an adult terrorist and put in confinement until they prove they can return to society and conduct themselves in an orderly, legal manner.

Yes, that is a harsh attitude and harsh treatment, but it will take harsh treatment to put a stop to such moronic, illegal and potentially dangerous acts.