Bullying Not A Problem? Really?

It amazes me how the topic of bullying, which people have endured since Cain slew Abel, has divided the popular crowd.  To further complicate the matter, we have people who claim bullying any time someone hurts their little snowflake's feelings.

And then we have this.

SAVANNAH, Mo. — A teenager appeared in court Monday for allegedly pouring gasoline on a child and then setting that child on fire.

The child sustained first- and second-degree burns on his face, right arm and in his nose and throat on April 19. The child was transferred from Heartland Regional Medical Center to the Kansas University Hospital burn center for treatment.

The state charged Joseph Gardner, 17, with first-degree assault for the alleged burning. Court records alleged that the teenager threatened to hit the child in the face unless he let Mr. Gardner pour the gasoline. Mr. Gardner allegedly threatened to murder the child and his family if he told anyone about his bullying.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Tommy Hudson, an Andrew County sheriff’s deputy, after allegedly setting the child on fire, the defendant stood there and laughed.

I really don't think kids are born evil, but this has to be the exception that proves the rule.  This is more than hormonal aggression, or mommy issues.  This goes so far beyond bullying that I don't think it belongs in the same ballpark.

Still, maybe cases like this will bring  about change. Maybe this is what it will take, which is scary but if it works I'll call it a victory.