Oh the world we live in. A couple who forced some of their special-needs children to sleep in cages were sentenced to two years in prison for child endangering today. The parents claimed they were only trying to keep the kids safe. Well, I aruge this: let's keep the parents in cages to keep the kids safe…oh wait, that's what we are going to do! 

The "mother" Sharen Gravelle told the court the children were never confined as punishment but rather to protect them, includinga child who wanted to jump out a second-floor window. "Would you prefer that we let them jump? Either way, we'd be here. The difference is they're still alive," she said.

Gravelle blamed social services officials for not helping her and her husband, Michael, control the destructive behavior of some of the youngsters. I mean, your average kid is destructive, a kid with that has no idea of right from wrong is going to wreak total havoc if left unattended.The children, who suffered from problems such as fetal alcohol syndrome and a disorder that involves eating nonfood items, ranged in age from 1 to 14 when authorities removed them in September 2005 from the Gravelles' home in Wakeman, about 60 miles west of Cleveland. They were placed in foster care in fall 2005 and the couple lost custody last March.

Mrs. Gravelle kept her head down taking notes while the judge read the sentences. Michael Gravelle sat motionless in his chair, holding his face in his left hand.They actually lucked out. Each could have received up to five years in prison for each of the four felonies they were convicted of in December. In addition, they also were convicted of seven misdemeanors.

Michael Gravelle, his face red and his voice rising, told the judge he and his wife "felt we were being led by the Lord" when they decided to bring the first child into their home. He later stated the enclosures resulted from the suggestions of a social workers, who recommended strict rules to improve the children's behavior. I don't think the Lord would approve.