Palmer Events Center
Threet's Girlfriend Asks for Mercy
RECEIVED Tue., Nov. 15, 2005
Dear Editor,
I show gratitude to The Austin Chronicle for publishing the story “Justice or Vengeance?” [News, Nov. 4]. I believe Kevin Brass executed an informational piece that walked a straight line between the two victims of this heartbreaking accident, and for that I commend him. I also would like to pay my genuine respects to Terence [McArdle] and his family, only to match my condolences for the loss of the Threets' son Brandon as well.
My name is Kathryn M. Giesy, and I was the girlfriend and companion of Brandon Threet for four years, including the time of the accident. Brandon and I met when we were in the fourth grade and continued school together through high school. We started dating when we were only freshmen at Westwood High. Never in the 10-plus years that I have known him have I ever witnessed or even sensed any violent behavior. To say the least, if I ever had, I probably would not have stood by his side in a relationship for so many years – especially for as young as we were. I feel confident enough to speak for his friends and family as well, in stating that they would not have confided in somebody who was, quote, “evil.” Brandon Threet was, if anything, at a polar opposite of what the rumors and the trial seemed to paint him. Most judgments that were passed at Brandon are from people – kids – that never had the pleasure of actually meeting him, much less stand in his presence long enough for him to inevitably make you smile. To conclude somebody else's character with little to zero interaction is beyond me. One example is I keep hearing the term “racist” passed through accuser's lips. This report is 100% bogus. I am not even going to begin to justify why this accusation is so far from the truth.
To conclude, I want to declare that this situation could have easily been turned the other way. Brandon could be dead and Terence sitting in prison, feeling terrible and guilty, and so sorry, then what? What would all these people be doing/saying? What would we be doing/saying? Well, that is not how it happened, but I know that Brandon would switch with Terence if he could, unfortunately he can't. So, why sit here and throw rocks? It's wasting time. We should form an alliance to honor Terence. Talk, share, preach, teach young teenagers to walk away, manage anger – no matter what. And, to cherish those four seconds because every four seconds of every day compromise and negotiate your entire life.
I show gratitude to The Austin Chronicle for publishing the story “Justice or Vengeance?” [News, Nov. 4]. I believe Kevin Brass executed an informational piece that walked a straight line between the two victims of this heartbreaking accident, and for that I commend him. I also would like to pay my genuine respects to Terence [McArdle] and his family, only to match my condolences for the loss of the Threets' son Brandon as well.
My name is Kathryn M. Giesy, and I was the girlfriend and companion of Brandon Threet for four years, including the time of the accident. Brandon and I met when we were in the fourth grade and continued school together through high school. We started dating when we were only freshmen at Westwood High. Never in the 10-plus years that I have known him have I ever witnessed or even sensed any violent behavior. To say the least, if I ever had, I probably would not have stood by his side in a relationship for so many years – especially for as young as we were. I feel confident enough to speak for his friends and family as well, in stating that they would not have confided in somebody who was, quote, “evil.” Brandon Threet was, if anything, at a polar opposite of what the rumors and the trial seemed to paint him. Most judgments that were passed at Brandon are from people – kids – that never had the pleasure of actually meeting him, much less stand in his presence long enough for him to inevitably make you smile. To conclude somebody else's character with little to zero interaction is beyond me. One example is I keep hearing the term “racist” passed through accuser's lips. This report is 100% bogus. I am not even going to begin to justify why this accusation is so far from the truth.
To conclude, I want to declare that this situation could have easily been turned the other way. Brandon could be dead and Terence sitting in prison, feeling terrible and guilty, and so sorry, then what? What would all these people be doing/saying? What would we be doing/saying? Well, that is not how it happened, but I know that Brandon would switch with Terence if he could, unfortunately he can't. So, why sit here and throw rocks? It's wasting time. We should form an alliance to honor Terence. Talk, share, preach, teach young teenagers to walk away, manage anger – no matter what. And, to cherish those four seconds because every four seconds of every day compromise and negotiate your entire life.
Respectfully,
Kathryn M. Giesy
Kathryn M. Giesy