Missou Net-Suicide Incident Recalls Skidmore

[jman5581]

To me, the greatest example of vigilanteism in the United States right now is in the southwestern states. The minutemen patrolling the borders, coralling the illegal aliens back across the border.

These people in Missouri are vigilantes of sorts, but I think they perceive a gap in the law when it comes to internet harrassment. They are channeling their efforts toward the wrong cause, this mother who created the fake myspace profile to bully the unsuspecting teenage girl, when they should just be speaking out about the issue and raising awareness. One of municipalities close to here, Florrisant, MO, has already put in place an ordinance making internet bullying/harrassment illegal.

But, I won't disagree with the point that Missouri has a history of vigilantes. Everything you mentioned about McElroy, even the bald knobbers and the border war are all examples of this. But it has, and is, occurring in other places. I have read a piece or two that criticizes Missouri's laws for promoting vigilanteism by letting certain criminals remain free on bond whereas in other states they would be detained until a determination of guilt.