Demagogue

Apparently it's now a "terrorist threat" if you're a high school student to write an essay about the destruction of a high school-- by, um, zombies.

A [Kentucky] High School junior arrested Tuesday for making terrorist threats told LEX 18 News Thursday that the "writings" that got him arrested are being taken out of context.

Winchester police say William Poole, 18, was taken into custody Tuesday morning. Investigators say they discovered materials at Poole's home that outline possible acts of violence aimed at students, teachers, and police.

I think if a high school kid writes an essay about hurting other students or blowing up the school it should raise a red flag, it should spark an inquiry into whether or not it is a fantasy or something he was actually going to do. You know, a reasonable inquiry to check out if he has the means or any actual intent or if he may need to see a counselor. But this kid?

"My story is based on fiction," said Poole, who faces a second-degree felony terrorist threatening charge. "It's a fake story. I made it up. I've been working on one of my short stories, (and) the short story they found was about zombies. Yes, it did say a high school. It was about a high school over ran by zombies."

Even so, police say the nature of the story makes it a felony. "Anytime you make any threat or possess matter involving a school or function it's a felony in the state of Kentucky," said Winchester Police detective Steven Caudill.

Do they really believe that there is any danger he's going to raise the dead and have them attack the school?

This kid is basically being held accountable for the "crime" of hating high school and daydreaming about its destruction, which is about as American as apple pie and one of the few things that unites almost all high school students. This story would almost be funny if it weren't for the 2nd degree terrorist threat FELONY charges. I really hope that his insane story gets more coverage so this poor kid gets a good attorney, pro bono. After all, his family won't hire him a lawyer-- he was turned in by his own grandparents after they read his zombie story in his journal.