On Christmas day, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to blow up a Detroit-bound commercial airline by strapping explosives to his underwear. Although Abdulmutallab alleged attempted fail, what I found most interesting was his father reported concern about his son’s “radicalization” to the US Embassy.
I found this a very courageous step by a father especially in light of America’s war on terrorism. For all his father knew, intelligence officials could have utilized this information to the severe detriment of his son. Although intelligence officials found the information insufficient, I wonder how many other parents would have taken such a step not knowing the consequences their children would ultimately face.
For me, this is a great example of parenting up and putting the needs of the whole against the individual needs or desire to protect your child as a parent but I wonder how many other parents would turn their child in when aware of information about their child that could pose dangers to to others?
What would you have done in that situation? What would you do if you learned your child was a threat to others or engaged in illegal behavior? Would you report them to officials?
