Fran Larson

Richard Heene and Wife, Mayumi Face Jail in January For Balloon Stunt. Is 90 Days enough Time?


Posted: Wednesday, December 23, 2009

by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/

Ninety days in jail, beginning January 11th is not sufficient for Richard Heene. The whole world stopped that day in prayer and concern for a 6-year-old little boy a boy who was taught to dupe the public by pretending he was in a balloon floating into space. The public cried and worried while Richard Heene and his wife, Mayumi Heene smiled as they carried out a plan that supposedly would propel them into a reality show.

This stunt was planned down to every detail, so that the balloon launch would be successful. They chose Oct. 15 because the weather was cooperating and the kids were home for school with parent-teacher conferences, allowing the Heenes to report that 6-year-old Falcon had floated away, Richard Heene's Attorney stated.

Richard and Mayumi were sentenced to jail Wednesday and given strict probation conditions that forbid them from earning any money from the spectacle for four years. What happens after four years? Are they then allowed write a book, make a movie you know the usual things that people prosper from when they go against society and do something questionable or immoral.

As for Mr. Heene's jail time, he gets to work at his construction job during the day and only spending nights in jail (Of course, if he didn't work, taxpayers would end of footing that bill, also)

Jay Leno said it best when he said, "This is copycat game.' And people will copycat this event. (The Heenes) need to go to jail so people don't do that."

Speaking of money, did I mention that although the attorney for Mr. Heenee confirmed to AFP he had received an e-mail from the Larimer County District Attorney Office demanding repayment ($40,000-$50,000) for the rescue operation? He said the Heenes were not in a position to pay the bill. What a surprise.

Reports stated that Richard Heene choked back tears as he said he was sorry, especially to the rescue workers who chased down false reports that his 6-year-old son had floated away in a balloon on Oct. 15. It was a stunt designed to generate attention for a reality TV show.

"I do want to reiterate that I'm very, very sorry. And I want to apologize to all the rescue workers out there, and the people that got involved in the community. That's it," said Richard Heene, whose wife did not speak at the hearing.

This Reality Show Craze seems to be sweeping the nation and causing some to stoop to desperate and crazy measures, so that dreams of riches and fame are accomplished. This is done (as in the case of Mr. Heene) without regard for others and certainly not regarding the thousands of dollars spent trying to locate his son.

Clever, huh? If people like Richard Heene would concentrate on finding employment, instead of pursing a reality show, my bet is that he (and his wife) could have found some kind of job. (In the past I have done menial and yes degrading things to help support my family).

A bum asked me "Give me $10 till payday." I asked "When's payday?" He said "I don't know, you're the one who is working!"

- Henny Youngman

Francine Larson:

Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.

She is a freelance writer

Francine Larson has a new book that just came out, "The Lure of Annabelle Key Lighthouse," an exciting Christian Teen Novella. You may view it at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/115229

See more articles by Francine Larson at:http://www.examiner.com/modern-love-in-tampa-bay/francine-larson

She also writes for The Highlands at Scotland Yards. She writes poetry and short stories. She is a contributor for Yahoo (http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/685738/francine_larson.html)

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