What's missed in the whole matter is the underlying problem with the whole situation. When did we stop dealing with problems as adults and deal with them off the record and unofficially? When I was a kid, I did a lot of mischievous stuff that could have gotten me in trouble with the law. Fortunately the adults that had to deal with (had the final say) my stuff were "old school" and remembered what it was like to be a kid.

I don't find the actions of these girls to be that different from the actions of girls their ages in years past.....only they have the "benefit" of advances in technology to get them in trouble as there is a record of their actions left behind (to be found if you will).

However, the ignorant people of the "Alabama" portion of my home state of Pennsylvania are willing to ruin someone's life because of a foolish action by immature girls. I always find it interesting how age makes no difference virtually when a "criminal act" occurs, but these same girls would be innocent, virtuous, and "virginal," if they had sexual relations with a guy 18+. The hypocracy runs very deep indeed. This is what we get when you have no tolerance policies & people stop using discretion in handling what could be deemed criminal matters. So many people have stopped using discretion, that I believe many do not even know how to do it anymore. So many are now "by the book." Truly a sad state of affairs, and a sad commentary on our society as a whole.

Guess it shouldn't be any wonder why our great nation has more people incarcerated than all of the other nations of the world combined. But then again, if not for the prisons, where would your average person who would have a hard time getting a job at McDonalds, get a job that has reasonably good pay, with great benefits?

Instead of wasting tax dollars on such frivolous matters, the Commonwealth would be wiser fixing our roads and bridges, seeing that they are some of the worst in the country. Leave matters like this to the parents who should set them straight & maybe even whip their asses (but then again that could be seen as psedo-child porn...though it wasn't filmed in that case....LOL). That reminds me how funny it is that the religious right (they are obviously involved, given where it took place) wants parents to deal with their children when it suits....but they are more than willing to stamp on those parental rights when it suits their agenda. I just wonder if this whole matter came to light right before an election?

The fact remains that child pornography is a crime because those featured in it are arguably victims to some varying degree (more so as their age is younger). Where are the victims in this case? The girls that took pictures of themselves & then distributed them? Since when should self-victimization rightly be a crime?

If you ask me....the fact that it came to light will hurt them more than enough in the long run (without having to bring in the long arm of the law) Sadly, in todays society, many people believe anything that can be dealt with a criminal justice matter, should & must be dealt with as so. So much for discretion & the ability to deal with things informally as men!