Ethan Couch needs to be punished the fullest extent of Texas law.
The problem, though, lies with the law itself. The so-called “affluenza” teen likely won’t spend much time behind bars for violating the conditions of his parole when he fled to Mexico after taking part in a drinking game.
Couch, you’ll recall, is the teenager convicted of killing four people in that hideous drunken-driving wreck in Tarrant County. HIs defense team threw out a defense that his ritzy lifestyle — and his wealthy parents — were responsible for his failing to understand right from wrong.
He should have spent time in juvenile detention, as he was 16 when he committed the crime.
Two years later he’s an adult.
But . . . what about Mommy Couch, Tanya?
She’s more of a villain than that goofball son of hers. She enabled his escape to Mexico and, in fact, fled with him.
Is there a better example than this of parental dysfunction that what Tanya Couch has provided? I’m hard-pressed to find one.
She’s out of jail now, but is confined to her residence; she’s wearing an ankle monitor to track her whereabouts.
Mommy Couch needs to do some serious jail time, although I don’t really know what the maximum sentence is for the crime for which she is likely to be charged with committing.
Whatever it is, she deserves it.
While we’re at it, let’s take a look at the role Daddy Couch might have played in this ridiculous drama.