Parental guidance suggested ...

Dear Congressman,

It appears that Abbey Sunderland, the16 year old girl who was sailing around the world on her own was rescued in the Indian Ocean after her sail boat, Wild Eyes, was de-masted in heavy seas and set adrift for several days. I think I can speak for everyone who lives in these United States that we are glad that she is safe and going to be on her way home soon.

But lets flash back to a conversation that probably took place back in 2009.

The setting is Marina Del Rey in Southern California on a warm evening in mid-October. Marianne and Laurence Sunderland are sitting by the marina drinking refreshing glasses of Snapple ice tea.

Mr. Sunderland: Wow, what a beautiful sunset!

Mrs. Sunderland: I agree, honey. It is especially beautiful today.

Mr. Sunderland: Did you see that follow up story to that run-away balloon we saw on CNN yesterday?

Mrs. Sunderland: No dear, what happened.

Mr. Sunderland: It appears that it was all a hoax, as the parents had the kid hide in the attic and then staged the whole thing.

Mrs. Sunderland: Why, that's awful! I was really frightened by the possibility that that poor child was in extreme danger in that balloon as it sailed off with him on it alone and scared. Why would they do such a thing?

Mr. Sunderland: Why else would someone do something so stupid? It was obviously about money. They were willing to manipulate their children to make money.

Mrs. Sunderland: That is terrible. What do you think will happen to them?

Mr. Sunderland: If I had my way, I would throw them in jail for a few years to teach 'em a lesson.

Mrs. Sunderland: Larry, you're not thinking about the children. You would have them spend their formative years without their parents around?

Mr. Sunderland: Your right, Mar, that would be unfair on those kids. It isn't their fault their parents care more about money then their personal well-being.

Mrs. Sunderland: It is terrible what some parents will do to their children for fame and fortune.

Mr. Sunderland: Agreed, there ought to be a law.

Mrs. Sunderland: By the way Dear, it is Abby's sixteenth birthday in a few days. What do you think we should get her for her sweet sixteen?

Both smile at each other and stare into the distance as the sun sets into the Pacific Ocean.