Silly String: A Tradition

In October 2004 Drake Anthony Routier had a blast celebrating his 9th Birthday, albeit without his beloved mother. As can be seen in the picture the celebration included a Silly String war with friends. It is not uncommon for any child to enjoy Silly String, and although Drake's mother sits on Death Row, in the State of Texas, his perceptions of Silly String have not been tainted or warped. Just like Devon and Damon before him, Drake loves Silly String and poppers and the Routier's still provide for their child's pleasure and enjoyment.

On June of 1996 Devon Routier was looking forward, with enormous anticipation, to his 7th Birthday. All the invitations had been sent out, and preparations had been made for the upcoming event. Then, in the early morning hours of June 6th, Devon's life was brutally ended. Both he and his brother, Damon, were viciously stabbed to death and their mother left for dead in the family room of their fashionable home in Rowlett, Texas.

Soon after the murders KXAS, the NBC Dallas affiliate, assisted the Routier family with the transportation and lodging of family members that came to Dallas from all over the United States in order to attend the funeral of Devon and Damon. The family was extremely grateful and showed those at KXAS their gratitude by allowing their cameras to record the graveside birthday party.

What is rarely known to the public is the fact that Devon and Damon's friends, along with their parents, were in attendance. All of these children had been extremely devastated by the murders. A real life bogey-man had invaded their neighborhood and murdered the friends they played with on a daily basis. The goal of the parents, including the Routier's, were to ease the minds of these children by focusing on Devon and Damon celebrating the birthday in heaven. Each time Darlie cried she was reminded to be mindful of the children, and she held herself together as best she could.

From that time on Dallas prosecutors as well as the news media has made this scene out to be something it never was. It is eye opening, to say the least, of what can be done with simple editing and a voice over saying "...literally dancing...."

For the record, Mr. Greg Davis, Ms. Routier is literally spraying silly string, but she is not dancing. Why do you insist on insulting the intelligence of the American public? Shame on you! You're supposed to deal with facts, not create them.