Shock claim that Phoebe Prince was a bully in Ireland

For the love of God, please can we let this poor child rest? She was a child, only a child, and whatever mistakes or mix-ups that she might have done or had been part of, happened when she was still a child, and as such, she was not responsible for her poor behavior or judgment! What we should be doing in her memory is ensuring that all of our children from now on, receive the needed love and attention along with the instructions and examples that a child requires, in order to grow and develop into fine loving and responsible men and women. Slan

Right on target McNabb1966. The victim's background may be "enlightening," but it doesn't give the bullies and the school officials a pass. Bazelon is just busy "cashing in" on this sad affair.

Bazelon's "journalism" doesn't pass the laugh test. It's all just a little too convenient. The "victim" sought out Bazelon...hoping for what? "Justic" or something? More like money, most likely. And the tale the "victim" tells is strikingly similar to what was done to Phoebe, indicating some sort of karma thing? And, for the benefit of Slate's wingnut readers, Bazelon also tries to portray Phoebe as a racist. Of course, none of this (even if it were true) in any way, shape or form mitigates the culpability of the bullies in South Hadley. The "karma is a bitch" argument is not a defense. They don't get to make the judgment "she deserved it." But this is all for the sake of a future jury. I just wonder how much Bazelon is getting paid for this hatchet job.

Could we PLEASE stop talking about this unfortunate girl? Whatever the truth, there is nothing – unless we are trained psychologists – to be learned from her story that is in any way instructive. Pretend for a moment that she wasn't Irish. What, then, would be the point in endlessly going over the circumstances of her life and death?

I am not in a position to judge who is telling the truth. But, as a general observation, it strikes me that we never hear from the bullies. I have never seen an in-depth interview with a bully, or indeed with his/her parents. I think it would be useful in understanding this nasty phenomenon. Is there any reader of IrishCentral who will admit to have bullied others at work or school? Hope to hear from you!

when are you going to learn anything that Emily Bazelon writes is baseless garbage. She is a shameless self promoter, with no moral fortitude.

OK well this is no surprise, they have been beating the bushes in Ireland trying to find anything they can use. Find any child where you could not find a thing wrong. A grain of truth and you blow it up. Maybe she wasn't perfect....so what. This case is about the school in South Hadley and her treatment there. What happened in Ireland has little to do with it. Same as the rape cases, the victim's history does not or should not change the outcome. Emily Bazelon, why has she dedicated herself to digging up some dirt?? Who is she working for?

Oh please, this is the work of the defense lawyers. They have no morals when tryingto win a case. Remember winning is money.