A Conspiracy of Deceit
October 22, 2009

What's the big deal? Who cares if Richard and Mayumi Heene called 911 and tearfully told authorities they feared their 6-year-old-son, Falcon, could be in the saucer shaped balloon that had gone airborne? After all, Richard was just trying to create a media event that might catapult his acting career. And you've got to admit, he certainly accomplished that. I mean he created a media event ... time will tell if it helps his career. Millions watched on their televisions as the balloon flew as high as 7,00 feet. The couple might not have been found out so soon if, while on Larry King Live, they hadn't asked their son, "Why didn't you come out from hiding when we called your name?"

The boy could have said, "I didn't hear you." Or, "I was afraid you'd be mad." Instead, he told the truth, "You guys said we did this for the show." Oops!

Maybe the news networks should consider reimbursing the government for the expense of chasing the balloon and investigating the "crime" committed by the parents. They certainly cashed in as viewers sat glued to their television sets.

Okay, back to the opening question: What's the big deal? The big deal is that Richard and Mayumi didn't just lie to police and the public--which revealed a serious character flaw. They also involved their sons in the conspiracy. Yes, their sons--the boy's brother said he saw him get in the balloon before he released the tethers. In fact, he even videotaped Falcon getting into the balloon. But obviously he didn't videotape him getting out.

The whole episode points out in a fresh sort of way how easily parents can lead their children in the wrong direction. How easily they can use them for their own selfish ends. And that's what bothers me about the episode. Parents need to teach their children that the "ends do not justify the means." They need to teach them to be truthful even when doing so might bring severe consequences. Consider Jesus before the religious leaders when they demanded he tell them if he was, "the Christ, the Son of God." At this point a lie would have let Jesus off the hook. Instead of lying he said, "You have said it yourself" (Matthew 26:63-64). That honest answer triggered an angry outburst in which Jesus was beaten, spat on and slapped.