24 Comments

• KristiFuller | Apr 01, 2010, 03:34 PM EDT

  Just because someone is willing to admit that the US is "less than perfect" does not mean that they need to leave. The best way to improve is to admit fault and to try to do better. Secondly, less educated, look at the test scores of our students. Yes, we do have some very highly educated people here that greatly contribute to the world but we also could greatly improve our public schools. My husband is teacher and it was not uncommon for me to look at paragraphs that his 12th grade students wrote and think "how did they even pass sixth grade". So calling someone unpatriot or that they need to leave America for admitting that America is less than perfect is a big part of the reason that America will continue to not improve itself in many areas that it could.

• dg.txcop | Jan 30, 2010, 09:05 AM EST

  This was a tragic thing that happened and it is always very sad when a young person takes their own life, no matter the reason. These things occur all over the world, not just in the U.S. For those of you who say that Americans are the least educated,then why for the past decade has Ireland and other European countries been recruiting U.S. Engineers, Doctors and other professionals to move and work in their countries. Maybe these countries no something you do not. And finally if you do not like the U.S. move out! Go to where ever you think is so much better, no one will stop you!

• McNabb1966 | Jan 29, 2010, 09:04 PM EST

  @jjtakala... "First I have to say that I am totally ashamed to call myself an American!".... Don't use this tragedy to spew your Maoist anti-American rhetoric. Your hatred and "shame" has nothing to do with this horrible incident. You hate America, period.

• Sungold | Jan 29, 2010, 05:43 AM EST

  What a terrible thing to happen...I am so sorry for her family. Rep. Walz says something needs to be done about bullying "so it does not spiral out of control". Wake up, Ms. Walz; it already is out of control. A young girl has taken her life to escape the cruel treatment, and she is not the first one.

• Bosox04 | Jan 28, 2010, 08:48 PM EST

  jjtakala, crawl out of your rock every now and venture out of the US... there are indeed boorish people around the world. Keep ASSuming this is an American problem, but you are sadly mistaken. Once again, RIP, Phoebe. My heart goes out to your family.

• jjtakala | Jan 28, 2010, 08:09 PM EST

  even though jorma juhani takala was born in america he may as well have been born in Russia, or in some third world country because he received the same treatment as Phobe Prince in school, in the work place, out on the street it didn't matter where, because he was different had a different name a different accent anything different is strange. Perhaps in some corners of this country it is as you say, But where I have been and what I have seen, It's very simply not a happy place! I followed a story once about a woman who pimped her two yr old daughter to men on the Internet, Here.... In America. It is what you make of it, But sometimes it's made for you as well!

• Irisheyes41 | Jan 28, 2010, 01:37 PM EST

  Please check out the link to this article...scroll down! http://digg.com/tech_news/15_Year_Old_Girl_Commits_Suicide_After_Cyber_Bullying?t=30698973

• Bosox04 | Jan 28, 2010, 01:35 PM EST

  Once again, I am going to stick to the topic of the article instead of using it as a petty excuse to attack others. Going by the way some of the "adults" on here are hurling insults and making broad statements, it's no wonder that youths around the world are treating each other with such brutality. A young girl's life has ended well before her time. Focus on that instead of trying to use a tragedy as an excuse to attack others. My heart is absolutely breaking as I think about this beautiful child and the family she left behind. My sincerest condolences to Phoebe's loved ones.

• SailorBill | Jan 28, 2010, 01:25 PM EST

  To Both Mike Joyce and JeffPrager, Americans are the least educated among global societies? Really? Are these the same global societies who riot every time their soccer team loses a match? As far as the decadent capitalist mentality goes Comrade Prager, we are and will always be a capitalist society, if you prefer a more socialist society why not move south of the border to the land of Ugo, you might like it better there, oh wait, you might not want to try and criticize his country and/or run a for profit company (such as your magazine) as it might not go well for you if you do. Although we have poor and homeless in the U.S., there are programs they can go to for help. As far as free health care goes, no one deserves a free ride, just an affordable one. True health care reform needs to work on lower medical costs NOT providing a government option. I was born and raised in the U.S. and have traveled extensively around the globe, as well as living overseas for a time, and I would not want to live anywhere but here, thank you very much. If you don't like it here, there are borders in four directions, pick one and leave, or stay and enjoy the same freedoms the rest of us do. Your choice, isn't it nice to have freedom of choice?

• JeffPrager | Jan 28, 2010, 01:08 PM EST

  Mplass88, read the history of the CIA. Americans give dollars so they can justify the havoc, chaos, murder and mayhem that their government creates globally. You have a very narrow perspective of American history and the social, economic and political distinctions that make America America.

• JeffPrager | Jan 28, 2010, 12:59 PM EST

  Mike Joyce is correct. Americans are the least educated among global societies. They are perpetually bombarded with a decadent Capitalist mentality with Fascist principles supporting it by a thoroughly complicit mainstream press and what's truly sad is that few Americans recognize the false paradigm that makes up their lives. That Mike Joyce does speaks only to his having lived in other countries. Jeff Prager Founder & Publisher - Retired Senior Magazine

• Bosox04 | Jan 28, 2010, 12:33 PM EST

  jjtakala, in what other countries have you lived? As I stated in a previous post, I received much of the same treatment that Phoebe did while living abroad. Unfortunately, there are evil people everywhere. Don't paint an entire nation with such a broad brush.

• jjtakala | Jan 28, 2010, 12:27 PM EST

  tommyFromClare, I was born in this country, I suffered the same thing that Phobe Prince endured in her short time here, I felt the same overwhemling feelings as she and it had built the steadfast stance that I have, I can not go anywhere, I have no way to get out, or else I certainly would. The issue with Phobe was more the abuse she suffered on a daily basis which was more personal, The online abuse only added to her getting spit on, kicked, verbally abused and punished by the mean girls in her school. Because she smarter, prettier and cuter than the other girls. This is how America is in general. People are cruel, heartless, thoughtless and they think this sort of behavior is acceptable, it simply is not!

• Celtics10 | Jan 28, 2010, 11:51 AM EST

  Mike Joyce; You should be ashamed for taking this opportunity to rant & rave against America. My only hope is that you are some undereducated youth who will soon look back on this and pray that there is a God to forgive you. If you are an adult, that is just embarrassing.

• safekids | Jan 28, 2010, 11:34 AM EST

  A family suffers for a lifetime, a community grieves I was very saddened as I learned about yet another suicide due to cyber bullies. My heart goes out to Phoebe Prince’s family. Safewave.org. a web site that does something to stop the torment of cyber bullies is a free & secure internet safe haven for children ages 5-18. SafeWave™ incorporates age and Identity verification registration that sets it apart from other “safe” web sites for children. Debbie Johnston the author of Florida's Jeff's Law, which was inspired by her own son's suicide due to cyber bullying, has become an active supporter of Safewave's iLAND5™ and has stated ” she is thankful for a safer internet environment. it is imperative that a safer Network like iLAND5™, with a conscience, is available for all our children”. Cyber bullying has consequences, for both the bully and victim, including: missed school days, anxiety, depression, lowered self esteem higher rates of illness. Bullies grow up and become bigger bullies. To learn more about what you can do please click this link Safewave.org. We must work together to stop cyber bullying.

• Bosox04 | Jan 28, 2010, 11:01 AM EST

  What happened to poor Phoebe is inexcusable. It is NOT a part of the "socialization process," as Mplass88 put it. What this young girl endured was not just a bit of ribbing, but rather sheer abuse. No one should have to quietly accept such mistreatment. I will not be even close to satisfied unless the people (if one can call such brutes people) responsible for tormenting Phoebe to death are prosecuted. Sadly, this is not an American problem, as some short - sighted individuals on this site wish to make it out to be. I lived in Ireland for a number of years when I was younger, and I received similar treatment from a handful until I moved. There are rotten apples everywhere, but they do not have to spoil the entire bunch.

• Mplass88 | Jan 28, 2010, 10:28 AM EST

  Mike Joyc: What happened to this Phoebe is deplorable, but shouldn't be criminal. Bullying is a part of growing up--a part of the socialization process. As for America being a '...dog eat dog country devoid of social conscience," let me ask you this: what country has contributed over $100 million in aid to Haiti? Which country contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to tsunami survivors? Which country has come to the aid of oppressed people everywhere, while Europeans (and Canadians) looked on digitally stimulating their rectums? America doesn't want healthcare and the majority of Americans are opposed to paying for the healthcare of other individuals. Sorry for living in a country that believes in individualism. Continue to hate America....please move out. I despise Canadians more than any other nationality, because you guys seem to think that you're better than America just because you run small budget surpluses. Canada is a shit hole that seeks to emulate America in almost every way, and for the most part fails. Be original.

• mikejoyc | Jan 28, 2010, 08:26 AM EST

  Wow, Tommy from Clare. What sympathy you have for other "victims." This country is not what you make it. It is a dog-eat-dog country devoid of social conscience. 35 million Americans without health care, about to be disappointed again. It's no wonder a little girl from a relatively innocent country moved to this culture and was eaten alive. I'm Canadian, lived in Dublin for five years, lived in America for five and can't wait to get out of this unsympathetic, unchristian, brutally selfish society. I plan to move back to Canada, the U.K., Ireland or any other civilized, caring nation that doesn't chew the poor up and spit them out. This country hates the unsuccessful and the weak. I am neither and I could flourish here but I choose to be a caring human being and leave the love of profit above all else. I understand Ireland was evil to you but America is evil to millions. Stay if you're rich and lack sympathy for others. MIke

• tommyFromClare | Jan 27, 2010, 09:52 PM EST

  jjtakala then don't! go back to wherever you came from. if you don't want to be american, get the hell out of here. at least you are free to do so. I was born in Kilkenny, raised in an orphanage in Newcastle West (St. Ita's Home). I am so greatful to be here. This country is what you make it. You want to be a victim, be a victim. But don't pull this "...ashamed to be an American..." stuff. Remember, you DON'T have to be an American. But I sure am glad I am. My heart aches for this little girl and her family. I hope they get justice. These little monsters are going to be punished. The outrage that has arisen will see to that.

• Starlet | Jan 27, 2010, 08:34 PM EST

  It's not just females that are subjected to bullying. My sixteen year old nephew is being bullied at the moment. He broke up with his girlfriend of the same age and she's targeting his circle of friends with malicious stories about him. With all his friends against him, he will have to find new ones. He has just about given up his social networking account (Facebook). Whilst he is an outgoing personality, he will be able to make new ones. Not everyone can or is in the position like him to do so. They might not have such supportive or knowledgeable families. He's also changing schools. That in itself might not be practicable for many. May I say thank you here to "kickstar" for posting the Jan 26th comment. I was personally bullied at school. Whilst I was smarter than lots(A and B grades) and pretty, being bullied I was made to feel a loser. I.e. "There's something wrong with you." Like I said above, my nephew has support; people who understand him. Many others do not. I never felt I did.

• hyattsville | Jan 27, 2010, 04:52 PM EST

  This is dreadful and yes there has to be harsher punishment for bullies, and for their adult guardians. The bullies should have to serve some amount of juvenile detention, the sentence set according to the severity of their bullying. They will grow up to be bullies breeding even more bullies at best. Criminals and murderers at worst.

• kickstar | Jan 27, 2010, 02:47 PM EST

  OK IrishAndProud fair enough, The thing to do with Bullies is to Prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

• kickstar | Jan 26, 2010, 04:54 PM EST

  I have found that generally it is not the average child or adult that gets bullied, Instead it is the Talented, Skilled or just downright Special people who suffer this noxious treatment, Also generally the Bully is a person who is challenged mentally and socially and one who tries to cover their own inadequacies by lashing out at others. It is tragic though that we are still losing Children in the second decade of the 21st Century from this puerile yet deadly behavior.

• jjtakala | Jan 26, 2010, 04:48 PM EST

  First I have to say that I am totally ashamed to call myself an American! It's not my place to do so, But I am very sorry for the loss of Phobe Prince, I know what she felt, I felt the same when I was growing up in this god forsaken land. And there was more than one occasion where I considered taking my own life. Backed into a corner singled out beat down and tortured, It's terribly overwhelming. I am sorry that this country which I am unfortunately a part of is so horribly messed up, It is no wonder to me why Americans are hated the world over! I am so angry that I am forced to say that if Phobe had been my daughter, her tormentors would already be dead!