I learned early on the importance of respecting people for who they are, despite differences. I think most people can agree that it is a basic moral lesson. Regretfully, there are still those who do not understand the value of basic acceptance and kindness.
A recent horrific event at Disney World brought to light the abhorrent depths of some people’s conduct. A brawl broke out at Belle Vue Lounge, a bar within the Boardwalk Inn, on January 25, leading to the arrest of Brent George, a 61-year-old man. Brent claimed to have been attacked by a nearby family he had been drinking with when police came. He had cuts and bruises on his face.
But more research told a different story. According to the family, a drunken Brent had come up to their table and started making fun of their sister, who has Down syndrome, by mimicking her sporadic grunts. Brent shoved the girl’s mother as she defended her daughter. A family member named Wesley Golberg attempted to step in, but Brent slapped him instead. Wesley and Brent got into a physical fight as a result, which ended when a bystander came to Wesley’s aid and took Brent out of the area.
The police opted to take into account all sides of the argument before taking Brent into custody and accusing him of four first-degree violence crimes. His plea to the charges was not guilty.
The internet was incensed at Brent’s actions as word of the incident proliferated online. Many more showed their support for the family by denouncing the attack on Wesley and the girl’s mother as well as the belittling of someone with a disability. It’s evident that a lot of people thought Brent’s actions were wrong and should have resulted in consequences.
This event should serve as a reminder of how important it is to show compassion and kindness to other people. In addition to being upsetting, making fun of and belittling someone due to their differences can also escalate into violent confrontations. Let’s work to make the world a more caring and welcoming place where everyone is respected.
When you first read this story, how did you feel? Tell us in the comments below.
A 69-year-old woman who was missing has been found dead in an uncovered manhole in northeast Harris County, according to her family.
A family is looking for answers after a 69-year-old woman, Josefina Montesdeoca, was found dead in a manhole behind their home in Harris County, Texas.
Josefina was reported missing on September 13. Her daughter, Stephanie Lopez, said they searched for her around FM-1960 and Kuykendahl but couldn’t find her. Stephanie shared her mother’s phone location, but it seemed to be off, so they contacted the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to report her missing.
A deputy asked a few questions, gave them a case number, and left. When the family didn’t hear back the next day, they called the missing persons unit, only to find out it was closed on weekends. A search and rescue group wouldn’t help because they needed the sheriff’s approval.
Luckily, friends from church helped search on Sunday and quickly found Josefina. Stephanie recalled the moment, saying, “They found her! I thought she was sitting up, not in that hole.” She believes her mother was praying at the bottom of the manhole, hoping to be found.
The uncovered manhole was on the property of an apartment complex behind their home. There is a lot of overgrown land between the complex and their home. Stephanie’s husband said the man who found her had to move grass to see her body.
They are still unsure why Josefina was in that area, as she usually didn’t go there. Since her death, “do not enter” and “private property” signs have been put up, and the manhole has been covered.
During their search, the family also found an unfinished pool and rescued a stranded dog, naming it Joseph after Josefina, who loved dogs.
ABC13 is trying to find out who is responsible for the manhole’s maintenance. The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of Josefina’s death, and the family has been told it could take months for answers.
Leave a Reply