/// Ideas > Breaking News Comments [ 1 ] Likes [ 0 ] Nabbed Bandit Becomes Folk Hero Stephanie Martin Harbour Island, Bahamas -- The lengthy crime spree of Colton Harris-Moore, aka "The Barefoot Bandit," ended last weekend when police nabbed him during a high-speed boat chase. Harris-Moore, 19, has eluded capture since walking out of a halfway house more than two years ago. Harris-Moore's life of crime began at age 12. He's suspected of committing hundreds of burglaries throughout the United States and in other countries. His thefts include bikes, cars, boats, and at least five airplanes, which he flew -- and crash-landed -- without training. A high school dropout, Harris-Moore was raised by a single mother. He lived in the woods in Washington state and stole food to survive. "I did my best with him, but he has a strong mind," said his mother, Pam Kohler. "Kids just don't listen to their mothers." Kohler also expressed pride in her son's ability to steal airplanes. During his run from the law, Harris-Moore gained quite a following. More than 80,000 people have joined a Facebook fan page cheering him on with "Fly Colton, Fly!" A popular T-shirt reads "Momma Tried." Fan club founder Adin Stevens compared Harris-Moore to Robin Hood. "There are a lot of haves and have nots in the world," he said. "This kid would probably have never had the opportunity to fly airplanes." Authorities called Harris-Moore a "modern-day outlaw" who loved thumbing his nose at them. Criminologist Casey Jordan said the Barefoot Bandit is "the poster child for the disaffected American." People impacted by Harris-Moore's thefts disagree that his crimes were victimless. Washington resident David Peters, who started a Web site devoted to catching the bandit, created a T-shirt that reads "I support safe communities, not fake heroes." Sources: AOLnews.com, Christian Science Monitor, CNN.com Discussion Questions: How do you feel about the Barefoot Bandit's capture? Why do you think it took authorities so long to catch him? Do you agree that Harris-Moore was thumbing his nose at authorities? Why do you think he appears disaffected-and appeals to other disaffected people? In what ways, if any, is Harris-Moore different from other modern-day criminals? In your opinion, how big of a role did Harris-Moore's background play in his life of crime? Is society to blame at all for how he turned out? Why or why not? How might intervention by other adults-or a church-have helped the situation turn out differently? Does it sound like Harris-Moore's mom tried her best or kind of gave up on her son? Do you think today's parents expect their kids to be rebellious and disobedient? make excuses for them too easily? Explain. Why do you suppose Harris-Moore attracted so many admirers? What does it say about our society that criminals are viewed as heroes? How serious are property crimes, and why? Do wealthy people deserve to have things stolen from them, just to level the playing field? Why or why not? Have you ever admired or envied someone's sins -- and their ability to get away with them? If so, explain. What's the best way to deal with this type of feeling? Scripture links: Deuteronomy 21:18-21; 2 Samuel 15:1-12; Proverbs 23:17-18; Matthew 27:19-26; John 10:10; and James 4:4-10. Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado. share this article 1 of 1 /// Related Articles A Shot of RedemptionGhost Rider (PG-13) Scripture: John 21:10-19 Clip Location: 27:20 through 28:00 (DVD Chapter: 7) Synopsis: Mack is concerned because his friend Johnny Blaze is taking more and more risks in his stunt shows. Johnny asks Mack if he thinks someone should... Likes [0]Comments [0] Video Prank Blamed for Student’s Suicide October 4, 2010 New York City -- After reportedly being humiliated by an online video, Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge last week. His body has been recovered from the Hudson... Likes [0]Comments [0] Learning (and Living) to WorshipThose of us who coordinate or lead small groups are often guilty of focusing our energy on "easy" themes and groups. Character studies. Letters from Paul. Life application topics. Financial stewardship. Or, we become big supporters of affinity groups... Likes [1]Comments [0]
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