4 yr old boy saves family by morphing into Power Ranger!

[NoSheep]

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/515756.html

This was in my local paper today!!!!

[grizmaster]

1. yikes! kid's lucky to be alive

[johnnie]

2. Cute, but I see bad things for this kid in the future

I hope he gets taught that you can't drop anvils on people's heads and they will be ok.
Seriously though, very weird story, I'm glad the bad guys thought better of what they were doing.

[Warren DeMontague]

7. The kid is four.

He still has plenty of time for consensus reality brainwashing to take hold.

[johnnie]

13. According to that story the other day..

10 is the new 15, so 4 is the new 10..this kid is running late.

[CoffeeCat]

22. 10 is the new 15?

Oh really? Not in my house!

Man, it's just so sad. Can't kids just be kids???

Don't even get me started on the clothes available for 5,6 and 7 year olds. Bratz
dolls are destroying Western Civilization!

[Warren DeMontague]

42. Considering that the pro-lifers think a fertilized egg is a "baby"

this all makes sense.

[CoffeeCat]

18. I see good things...

...I've got two kids--ages 5 and 6.

This child has moxie! Even though what he did appears outrageous, from
an adult point of view, he displayed courage self confidence.

It would have been normal and totally ok, for him to fold like a tent.
That's what most children would have done.

However, something strong and resilient in this child sparked him to
action. He felt as if he COULD make a difference, and I think that is
the most important part of this story.

I hope his parents continue to nurture the part of him who believes
that he CAN make a difference and that he is important! After he
grows up a bit--and sheds the Power Rangers costume--lets hope
that strong part of him remains.

[NoSheep]

24. Yes. He needs to understand the difference between fantasy and reality

but he certainly has guts and knows how to use them!!!

[Uncle Joe]

25. He reminds me of that old cartoon, about the boy who was always daydreaming

of being a hero and saving the world, one of my favorites.

[NoSheep]

34. Oh yeah! I had forgotten about that.

[wicket]

35. Amen!

Well said.

[Sequoia]

43. I doubt it.

I see good things.

[Sequoia]

3. Amazing.

He'll be on those morning news shows for sure! What a kid!

[Maat]

4. Good for him!

I wouldn't recommend a kid doing that, of course, but, sometimes, things work out well.

[Horse with no Name]

5. That's nice

I had a 6-year old patient once that was playing Power Rangers with his twin brother.
Did one of those kicks. Transected his brother's pancreas and now his brother is on Intravenous feedings for the rest of his life.
That being said--what the boy did was foolish.
I am glad it worked out well, but that family could very well be mourning the death of two children instead of one.

[drm604]

16. "mourning the death of two children instead of one."

Did I miss something in that article? I didn't see anything about anyone being killed.

[Horse with no Name]

19. No. But the story leads you to believe that the one child had a gun

to her head and if not for the intervention of her brother, she would have surely been killed.
If the burglars had intended killing the one child, they would have had no qualms about murdering two.
It sounds very much like a "story" that was made up.
No doubts the house was broken into, but I question the rest.

[BoneDaddy]

36. You could point to a billion

incidents per day that could result in a horrible event occuring. A co-worker's son was killed when a softball struck him in the chest, stopping his heart.

We need to find the balance between reckless behavior and wrapping them in cotton.

[malaise]

6. LOL

There's nothing like childhood innocence.

[Lautremont]

8. That's a pretty great story.

All the stuff at the end about forcing the little boy to realize that he didn't in fact morph into a Power Ranger is a little disturbing, though. I suppose if it's to prevent him from trying to fly out a window, for instance; but why disabuse him of his hero complex so quickly?

[Gormy Cuss]

26. Well, he does need to understand that he didn't truly morph

but no reason to disabuse him of the notion that what he did was very brave. Yes, he could have ended up dead along with everyone else in the family but that's not what happened. The message can still be delivered that although what he did was brave, there were other things he could have done too like call 911 on mommy's cell phone or run next door and ask the neighbors to call.
He's 4. The world is a simple place in his head.

[Warren DeMontague]

9. Good for him.

I'm sure the robbers are catching all kinds of grief from their pals down at the armed robber clubhouse!

[drm604]

10. Cool story

but it could have ended much worse. I hope that kids don't see this as an example.

I'm guessing that the criminal feared that the kid yelling would draw unwanted attention, so he decided to leave while he was ahead. He could just as easily have been startled and shot the kid.

[CoffeeCat]

11. We don't allow the "Power Rangers" show...

...in our home. Every time my kids watch it, they end up kicking
each other for the next day or two.

Maybe I should reconsider.

;)

[Oreo]

15. Same here

Our 4 year old loves them but it's WAY to violent for anybody under 6 or 7 IMHO to watch.
We learned quickly that shows like this directly affect him and he does the same as yours.
And WTF is the deal with the Guinea Pig in the ball that they call father? That in itself is reason enough not to let them watch.

I found a DVD of the 1970's Super Friends that he watches now... why do shows have to be so violent now? The Super Friends are comical to watch now and my son loves it.

[CoffeeCat]

21. Super Friends...

...that's a great idea. I should find those videos on Ebay or something. Thanks
for that tip.

You're right...many children's shows are SO violent. It really astounds me.

I don't mind my kids watching SpongeBob or other fun shows. However, we don't even
allow them to watch the Jetix shows, because they are all about fighting and violence.

I feel like a wussy sometimes, because my kids ARE 5,6--but I don't want their heads
filled with killing, destroying and maiming.

Have you seen "The Wonder Pets"? It is a show for preschoolers, but it is so darn cute!
I love that the show teachers teamwork and compassion. My kids like to watch it, and I
encourage shows like that--even if they are for the younger set.

[Oreo]

28. This is Sewious!

WonderPets are great and my son loves them.



I'm in the exact same boat as you. Back when I was a kid in the 70's I watched super hero shows and the like but there's no comparison between then and now. The current Justice League is a great show... for adults. I'll readily admit I love to watch it.

Another thing that gets me is all the advertising and promotions they do for movies like the latest Batman movie. If any kid saw that movie they'd have nightmares for years. The scarecrow/maggot face guy was terrifying.

That said... I let my son watch Star Wars Episode 1 a couple weeks back. I was planning on waiting until he was 6 but couldn't hold back any longer. Jar Jar truly does suck but kids love him.

And yes... my son has a very similar Power Ranger costume. He also has Wolverine, Spider Man, Capt America and Hulk. I figure it's better he makes up his own stuff as I don't let him watch any of them.

[CoffeeCat]

30. The phone...the phone is ringing...

...LOL! Cool...another Wonder Pets fan! That show is too cute for words.

I remember watching "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters", "Banana Splits", "The Bugaloos"
and "HR Puffinstuff". "Land of the Lost" was great too!

It sounds like your son and my girls would have an awesome playdate. They enjoy
the same shows. My girls LOVE Star Wars and they have watched all of the movies,
(except for the last release when Anakin was burned). They loved "Jedi" and "A New
Hope". Like your son, they really like Jar Jar (and also the Ewoks).

My girls also love dinosaurs. Most girls don't but their train table is filled with
dinosaurs and the K'Nex cave thingee.

I can't imagine letting them watch Batman, especially with villans like that! It seems
like they're making those movies for adults. They used to target those movies toward kids,
but not anymore. It's too bad.

Oh well...I guess we'll just stick with Lennie, Tuck and Ming Ming too...

[Hippo_Tron]

54. I agree with you about the latest Batman movie, it shouldn't be marketed to kids

I'm not saying that I wouldn't let a 12 year old see it but certainly not a 4 or a 6 year old. Christopher Nolan made an excellent film that simply wasn't made to be viewed by young children. The problem is that Warner Brothers makes all of their money selling the Batman franchise to kids and that's why they market the movie to kids so that they will go buy the toys.

IMO, what they should do is make Batman movies and market them toward young teens to adults and then make less violent Cartoon versions of Batman for young children.

I could see letting a kid see Star Wars Episode I because for better or worse, Lucas definitely toned down the movie's violence to market it toward kids. Plus I think that Star Wars has something that other action movies don't in that the Jedi are inherently good role models for children because of what they believe in. Not that your child understands this at age 4 but he will eventually.

Also tell me what you think of what I said in post 51.

[elehhhhna]

20. We NEVER let beanie even hear of the Power Rangers...

Then, at the tender age of 4, she came home from her first day of pre-school kicking and chopping like Bruce Lee. I asked what she was doing.

"I'm the Power Strangers, Mom!"

The Power Strangers. Sheesh.

[CoffeeCat]

23. LOL! The Power Strangers...

She's learning a lot from her school mates, isn't she?

Kids say the cutest things. I hope you wrote that one down. :)

[elehhhhna]

32. Yep -- I write them all down--it's quite a book...

they're 10 & 12 now and sometimes I read them their own quotes.

That book is my treasure.

[Sequoia]

44. My nephew visited New York a few years back

and talked about how he went up in the "Entire State Building".

When my child was small we'd get a kick out of The Rugrat's pronouncing of words.

[elehhhhna]

45. Leah, 2 at the time, got LOUDLY ticked off at the Alamo, shouting

"This is not ELMO's HOUSE!" like she'd been royally ripped off by her stupid parents.

[Ignacio Upton]

48. Hey! I used to watch that show when I was little (original version was 12-13 years ago)

I never did shit like that. BTW, have you noticed for the original cast that the black ranger was the only black cast member, and that the yellow ranger was the only asian cast member?:tinfoilhat:

[Hippo_Tron]

49. I did a lot of kicking after watching power rangers but I never kicked other people

Of course when I watched it, it was the original show and the actors would always come on afterwards and give you some advice about real life. I think this helps make the distinction between fantasy and reality for the kids even if the message of the day isn't that fighting isn't the answer (which I do think it was at some point). I'm not sure if they do this anymore but I think that they should.

[tammywammy]

52. My nephews aren't allowed to watch Power Rangers either

The only reason the oldest (5) knows of it, is from kids from school. Last year for his birthday he asked for Power Rangers stuff, but he's never seen the show.

[Oreo]

12. Scary

I have a 4 year old Power Ranger fanatic and I would be devastated if he went through this.

This story is more sad than anything. What kind of sick bastard would hold a gun to a 5 and 1 year old?

[MadHound]

14. Nice to see everybody relatively unharmed, but this could have turned out

Very, very badly. A lot of criminals would have taken one look at the kid, and either knocked him senseless, or killed him.

Glad it worked out well, I hope that some people put some sense into this kid's head before he is so foolish again.

[Lisa]

46. yes -- I'm glad that the robbers weren't psychopaths

If they'd been nervous, or angry at being interrupted -- or just plain spiteful -- they could have killed the boy, and even the entire family.

[Kadie]

17. SPD!! EMERGENCY!!!

Wow. He sure is a fearless little guy isn't he? This could have had a very tragic ending. Glad everyone is alright. My son just turned six and he is finally beginning to realize that he will never be a Jedi Knight, or a Power Ranger.

[izzybeans]

39. Some journalist. Doesn't even know an SPD outfit from a Mighty Morphin one.

;)

My son is three. He and his cousin, also three, are constantly in costume. My son has that very Power Ranger outfit. Though he fancies his Captain Jack Sparrow and Willy Wonka outfits the most. He must have a thing for Johnny Depp.

I can see my nephew do exactly what this kid did.

Magical Source Mystic Force!!!!

[symbolman]

27. This could easily have read

"Four year old Power Ranger shot dead in Cheap Apartment"

The kid needs some serious counseling.

The BOY went to get them a Cigarette? What kind of household is this?

[Oreo]

29. Amen to that

I'm surprised the kid didn't get the pot for them.

First impression of this story is what a great kid but when you think about it it's a sad commentary.

[hedgehog]

31. I noticed that, too.

It was a drug sale gone awry. Another reason to legalize drugs now.

[Horse with no Name]

37. There is MUCH more to this story

which is why I am so cynical.
These people saw them outside...let them in, gave hem a cigarette or whatever, and then they took them hostage inside the house.
Adults and children alike, nobody could give an accurate description of the perps.
Sounds very fishy to me and I don't believe any of it.

[fishwax]

53. they didn't let the guys in

the guys forced their way in:

... as the son went to get one, both men pulled guns, police said.

One stayed with the boyfriend as the other forced the son back into the apartment, police said. Inside were Jennifer Long, a cousin, Stevie, Mary and two other children, police said.

(I don't think you're wrong to be cynical, though.)

[bananas]

38. It doesn't say that.

It doesn't say it was a drug deal.

"Two men had approached Jennifer Long's boyfriend and his son Friday night as they stood outside the apartments she helps manage, according to a police report. The strangers asked for pot, and then a cigarette, and as the son went to get one, both men pulled guns, police said."

Here's another article about lt:

"Durham Police spokesperson, Kammie Michael explains, "They were approaching people as they were going to cars, they were approaching people as they were going to their apartments. And what really disturbs us is in several cases, shots were fired."
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=triangle&id=4802202

[wicket]

33. Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

That's great!!! :rofl:

[izzybeans]

40. I am torn as a parent whose son plays in that same costume (among several others)

I don't want to stifle his imagination. I need to figure out how to break the news to him without him losing his ability to create wonderful little scenes. Though my son is much more likely to morph into Ricky Bobby, Captain Jack Sparrow, or Willy Wonka than he is a Power Ranger.

maybe I could teach my son to pray to the 8 lb 6 oz. baby jesus if we are ever held at gun point like that.

[AtomicKitten]

41. Go! Go! Power Rangers

[Sugar Smack]

47. OMG!!!

Holy shit! More craziness in our Triangle Area. I'm glad the kid's ok! WOW. :wow:

[proud2BlibKansan]

50. That is funny and scary at the same time

What a brave kid.

[Hippo_Tron]

51. A note about the Power Rangers show that some might not be aware of

I watched the original Power Rangers at age 6 when it first came on and there's one thing about the show that I distinctly remember. After the show was over the actors would come on and try to teach you a lesson about something in real life. I think that seeing the actors out of their character roles and talking about real life was an extremely effective way of helping kids make the distinction between reality and fantasy. I remember that I never had a problem understanding that the Power Rangers were not real. I don't know if the show still does this, but I think that they certainly should.

In fact I think this would be a good model to adopt for combating the effects of violence in children's shows instead of trying to get rid of it all together. I think that kids would be far less likely to imitate what they see on TV if the actors would come on after the show and say that while their character fights in the TV show that when people fight in real life they actually get hurt and that violence isn't a good solution to real life problems.

[NoSheep]

56. It's the GUN I don't think the kid could comprehend in this case.

Your points are well taken however.

[Oreo]

57. Not sure it would stop them from imitating

But it is a good thing for them to teach kids what's right and wrong since kids idolize them.

They used to do something like that in one of my favorite shows as a kid "Battle of the Planets" aka G-Force. Now that was good television.

[everythingsxen]

55. Well

I am glad the kid did not get killed. A little more heart than brains, but it gladdens my heart a bit to see the world is not so corrupt yet that the robbers did not shoot the kid.