i admit that i am being totally harsh but personally, i would make an example of them and take the kids away, at least temporarily. people are going to think that they can get attention by making up insane stories to get on the news. this will make them think twice. plus, the parents should go to jail, the kids will need to be taken care of by someone else during that time anyway. these people are despicable.

I understand your anger I really do, but taking away someone's kids is a use of government power second only to putting someone in jail or to death. Really can you think of something the government can do to someone that is worst then taking away their children?

Thus this power must be used very, very carefully by the government. Sorry but making an example, isn't enough of a reason.

PS: These parents are clearly despicable and I hope they both go to jail. So while they are in jail their kids will have to go to someone else but after they are out the kids should be returned.

Your right, the parents should be put in jail. No second harshest act a government is capable of for the crimes of stupidity and wanting to be on reality TV. Maybe Daddy can make a new show called "Bitch Swap".

I disagree. Incarceration does not serve as an effective deterrent to future crime, especially among spectators. Fine them an appropriate amount and move on, move on...nothing to see here.

Last thing we need is a big media frenzy when they get released from jail or when we learn the kids were molested in a foster home, etc.

"Incarceration does not serve as an effective deterrent to future crime, especially among spectators."

While I don't agree that incarceration is apporpriate for this family, how can you say that jail time does not function as a deterrent while maintaining that fines do? Do we then levy punitive fines according to the criminal's ability to pay?