What this article has done is given them a public forum to justify their existence and actions. The phrase, "we're a family," and the need for respect are common themes in gangs.

While in the process of exposing the real, shocking story you have given them attention, credence and justification in their own eyes. You have given them just what they wanted. You have empowered them. They have used you.

The article on Page 12, "Teen addresses accusation," was particularly offensive and is the main source of my outrage. I vomited after reading the article. I am the 55-year-old grandfather of the 13-year-old girl referred to very graphically in the article.

We cannot say anything of the facts of what happened because it would compromise the case against Robert Webb. But you at the Homer News have seen fit to compromise the case. There is a place for their side of the story and it is the courtroom. Not in the public newspaper, especially when the case is still pending. This article was a mistake. It borders on irresponsible journalism.

What was said by "Frank" was compiled lies. Not surprising for a rapist to implicate complicity on the part of the female. Did he bother to tell you this is not the only girl that there are many others he has raped? Of course not.

"Frank" used this opportunity to help Mr. Webb and to try to justify and diffuse or lessen their actions with lies. The devastation and pain these lies have caused for my granddaughter were never considered. Compromising the case against Webb was never considered. Consulting the family (us) before printing was never considered.

You at the Homer News were used again, this time at my granddaughter's expense. What if this happened to you, women of Homer? Not a pretty thought, is it? Where are all you women's rights activists now?

Under the laws of this state, juveniles are virtually untouchable for their crimes. Stealing and destroying vehicles is a "joy ride" in this state. Anywhere else in America it is grand theft auto. What was done to my granddaughter was rape, regardless of all the confused delineation about age and difference in age. The laws in this state must be changed so we can empower our law enforcement who are sworn to serve and protect to do their jobs. Jobs they desperately want to do. They want justice, too. These laws that were originally designed to protect youth are now giving shelter to young criminals.

There must be accountability and consequences for actions against society and individuals, especially for these predators. There are plenty of examples of teens in this town that made the choice to contribute to the community and to each other. The key word here is choice.

Some of the teens come from the same background or environment as the "disenfranchised" described in the article, yet they made a choice that has earned them respect in the community.

It takes great courage to make the right decision. I applaud these teens. In life, respect is never automatically given, it is earned. It's about making choices that make a positive difference in our life and the life of others.

All you "bleeding hearts" trying to understand why these young people commit these crimes should wake up. Their reasons are really rationalizations used to justify their crimes. The reality is that they choose to commit these crimes and must be punished for their choices.

My granddaughter and our family want justice. We also want an apology from the Homer News for allowing this 15-year-old criminal to rape her verbally and destroy my granddaughter's credibility and reputation forever in this town, and it was allowed publicly in the newspaper. While we understand the motive of using this as a wake-up call for all of Homer, it has opened wounds that were beginning to heal in our family. Once again, my granddaughter is the victim or in this case, the pawn. Once again she is paying the price. She has suffered enough.

This has spilled over and affected the rest of the family. We want it to stop. We want justice. We want an apology for my granddaughter's sake.

Perhaps what happened at Lee Street will be the catalyst for all of us, no matter our political or personal agendas, to come together and try to bring about justice, forgiveness, healing and hope for us and our young people.

They and we have very important choices to make that will affect the rest of our lives and the future of our community. If we do not do this, Homer will be just another drug- and crime-infested hell-hole in Alaska. I know you (people of Homer) do not want this. Nor do we.

Walter and Ruth Swearingen are grandparents of a 13-year-old.