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Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval

anonomus wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:37 PM:

" joe was one of my favorite teachers during high school, and i was shocked by the news. but as human beings we make mistakes, and then we learn from our mistakes. we have to rememeber that we learn from our mistakes, and move on that is all we can do. "

Past student wrote on Nov 1, 2008 12:46 PM:

" Joe Garner is the reason I am pursuing a career as a history teacher right now. The many things I have learned from him will not be forgotten due to this misstep. Thankfully, Garner knows the only way he can be forgiven and redeemed from this. My prayers go out to him and his family as there is a long road to redemption ahead.

JW- Class of 2005 "

mad is funny wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:56 PM:

" "" it irriates the crap out of me that many of you are very judgemental, 1st of all you probably didn't know him personally, nor his family. 2ND, he has been accused not found guilty until proven according to the consistution of the USA.""

Ya, they arrested him and then he quit his job because of what reason then? He knew he was had and it was best to just bow out and take what he had coming.

To me, the fact that he quit his job was he was being the mr garner we thought we knew, and he was just gracefully stepping down because he knew he was had. "

Harmonie wrote on Sep 7, 2008 11:32 PM:

" I am personally very suprised and sickend by this not only because of the nature of what he did but just for the fact that he was my Health & Social Studies teacher in Huntington for about three years between 1992-1994. We all respected him as his students but I wonder what he was trying to pull on people when parents weren't looking here in Huntington. I have children of my own now and It makes my spine chill to think that this man we trusted and admired as a teacher could be this evil and indecent on the inside. My heart goes out to Mr Garner's wife and children, my prayers are with you and with your husband, my he see the err of his ways and make the right steps toward revocvery from this mental illness. And it is my deepest hope that there are no more victims and that this was the only attempt he has made. Again to his family I am deeply sorry. "

mad wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:49 PM:

" it irriates the crap out of me that many of you are very judgemental, 1st of all you probably didn't know him personally, nor his family. 2ND, he has been accused not found guilty until proven according to the consistution of the USA. until then all of you who believe in God should pray for him, and his family. "

Hey Inezia wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:37 AM:

" I do not think that my children are so sweet and innocent all the time... they are children.. I also don't think that adults/teachers that want to have sexually charged conversations with young ladies..decoy or not should be allowed out of prison.. Send Mr. Garner to prison where he can work out his need for sexual chats... "

Reply to Inezia G. wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:35 AM:

" WTH??? Surely you are not suggesting that it is the "children's" fault that sicko freaks like Mr. Garner want to talk sexually to young girls?????? I am quite sure that if you are a sicko that wants to talk to young girl's you do not necessarily need a My Space or Face Book... Although I do agree that children's activities need to be closely monitored.. If the sicko freaks would be put away...we would not have to watch so closely.. To put blame on the children here is absurd... "

Whatever wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:15 PM:

" Do all of you realize that he is being charged with 7 counts? Tha means this wasnt a one time thing, but at least seven! I'd bet this type of thing occured more, but he never got caught. He may have been good, but we all cover what is really inside. His outward appearence was a great and wonderful person, but the inside was someone wanting to have sex with a child. You cant try to help a cause, but then inside fight against it. By this I mean that he cant be trying to help kids, but then turn around and try to solicit them online for his pleasure. He may be a good person and these acts may not make him a bad person, but he CANNOT be at a high school. It would be like allowing an achoholic to work at a liqour store. It wont work and never will. I hope that getting caught will help him realize that he needs help and that this wont happen again. As to all of you that are so shocked, this thing is all to common now and to think that it wont happen in a little town like Ontario just mean that you are naive. It can happen anywhere and it has always been the person that you least suspect. This is where the movies have it right, the last person you would expect to do this is usually the one doing it. Thats life, it sucks some times, but thats the reality of it. "

Inezia G. wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:42 AM:

" Hey! So, how many of you parents think your son or daughter is a little innocent one? How many of you really know what your "little darling" is doing on MySpace/FaceBook and other social network sites...Many of your "sweet little girls" are posting pics with the camera pointing down into their very low-cut, skimpy, little tops. Furthermore, their poses are so suggestive that a hooker in Vegas would be riveled..Your sons are not any better with their vivid language that is very disrespectful toward ladies,spewed with "F","B" , and "N" words. Much of their language,and pics speak of sexually riddled with vugarity, death and killing...Oh, you say, "Not my kid, No! Why my kid doesn't even have a computer or a social network site." Well, go to the public library, peek over the shoulders of those using the computers and you will see that most of the "research" on the computers are being used on social networking sites. Many of you condone your kids having a MySpace site yet, but you don't even know how it works. I've heard many parents say "It's just a fun place for them to meet friends..." You raise your kids not to speak with strangers, but "friends" on MySpace is a very loose term. When your kid gets just one "friend" they get a list of his /her friends list/then you can request to be on their "friends'" list. When they do this they get your kid's list as well...on and on indefinitly. Your kids' "friends" could be anywhere...here in Ontario or anywhere in the world! It's interesting to think by simply calling strangers "friends" it is deemed appropriate in your eyes... O.K....
Then most of you parents don't even have a clue on monitoring your kids' social site. Do you know that kids have passwords that can be easily changed or your "sweet one" has double sites that you as a parent don't even know about?
Oh by the way, why would YOU as a parent allow your " 13 year old sweetie" to be on MySpace to begin with? The minimum age limit is 14. Sounds like Chinese Olympic gymnastsic...(MySpace's only rules are cover three spots and be 14.)
Oh, it's so easy for you parents to put your head in the sand and allow your children to become misguided missiles...Oh, yes, when your kids become 18, at this rate they are eligible to become pediphiles via the computer. "

go antelopes wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:48 AM:

" Mr. Garner is hands down the greatest teacher/coach a student could ask for and he had more of an impact on me as a student athlete than any 2 teachers combined. From his impercinations, and the ungodly amount of overhead materials, he not only educated his students to the highest level, but was an entertainer in the classroom. As our head football coach back then, I found myself wanting to win for him more than myself knowing how proud he would be to chalk a "V" on the boards.

Its been nearly 10 years since I last stepped foot in his classroom, and I will always remember thoughs days in the most positive way. Educating was not his profession, it was his life and the students in his classroom meant everything to him. It breaks my heart knowing he threw his dream away.

Its hard when someone who made such a positive impact on your life and holds a place in your heart makes such a terrible mistake. Sadly, this is not one of those mistakes that can be brushed aside, I just hope he can serve his punishment and put his life back together and move forward from here.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Garner and his family. "

Glad he got Caught wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:12 PM:

" I'm glad this sex offender got caught. There is nothing worst on this earth than an sex offender. I do not feel sorry for him I hope he goes to prison where he will pay for his crimes of being a sex offender. This community is better off with him out of it. If you think he is such a great guy leave him alone with your kids for a while!! Keep that image in your mind! "

In disbelief wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:55 AM:

" All you "students" are saying the that OHS will go down the tubes without him? Have you been to OHS lately? It is a pathetic excuse for a school, maybe even one of the worst in the state! Anybody that is worth anything left the school for better places. The Ontario school district as a whole is running intself into the ground. Get out while you still can!! "

thanks Juan wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:26 AM:

" Thanks Juan, for lightening up this blog.

This was 'stolen' from another blog. I thought it was appropriate for this blog and I would like to repost it here. Thank you 'Hispanic Teacher' for your insightful and kind heart.

""When you knowingly break laws and cause suffering to others, you are a bad person. When you correct your behavior and make an effort to pay retribution, you have a chance of becoming a good person. (And please, no more of "nobody's perfect." Of course, nobody's perfect. We're all just out here, trying to be "decent.")"" "

JIM P. wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:50 AM:

" HANG 'EM HIGH. SHOOT 'EM LOW. IF THEY SURVIVE REPEAT UNTIL DEATH OCCURS. LET US MOVE OUT OF THIS ERA WITH LESS PREDATORS AND MORE DEATH PENALTY ACTIONS. LETS JUST CLEAR OUT OUR PRISONS WITH PEOPLE SITTING ON DEATH ROW. CLEAN HOUSE. GET THIS COUNTY BACK ON TRACK WITH THE CONSTITUTION AND BILL OF RIGHTS, AND BE A LEADER IN TODAYS POLITICALLY DRIVEN ENVIROMENT. "

Juan wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:11 AM:

" I went to taco time the other day and it was closed due to the fire. It will be missed, hopefully they will build it back up again. Crisp meat burritos are good, so are the new navajo tacos. "

NyssaNative wrote on Aug 26, 2008 9:01 AM:

" Jim,

Where do you think the $$$ goes when someone has to pay a fine. It takes a lot of money to run a state and especially the state correctional institutions, where the inmates aren't paying a monthly amount. I can assure you that there is no financial benefit to the judges in Vale to send them to the work-release programs or Lifeways. "

JIM P. wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:56 AM:

" ALL I AM SAYING IS THIS... DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE MONEY GOES WHEN AN INMATE PAYS HIS BILL AT THE WORK RELEASE CENTER? AND THAT HALFWAY HOUSE BY THE FAIRGROUNDS.... WHEN PEOPLE PAY THIER BILL HAVE YOU TRACKED DOWN WHERE THAT MONEY GOES AFTER THE BILLS ARE PAID? CAUSE I AM SURE THAT WITH AS MANY INMATES THAT ARE IN THE WORK RELEASE CENTER TIMES BY $1000/ MO. MAKES THE BILLS AND THEN SOME. "

bryce wrote on Aug 25, 2008 11:31 PM:

" Mr. Garner was one of my favorite teachers & I respected him a great deal. When I heard what happened I was in shock bc he did not seem like that kind of person. However, if he was not a highly respected person/teacher from our community all of you would say "lock him up & throw away the key." What he did was wrong, plain & simple. There is no excuse. He should not be let off for what he did. Imagine if you had a 13 yr old daughter who you loved more than anything & some 40 yr old wanted to get with her. How would you feel? What kind of punishment would you want for her? Stop treating him like a local celebrity bc like I said what he did was not right & there is NO excuse. "

Laughing at former student wrote on Aug 25, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Dear former student, Thanks for the great joke. Or are you really serious? Do you believe that the high school will go down the tubes without this alleged sexual predator? Is he truly the best thing that OHS has to offer? I would feel safer with my children in a class taught by a non-predatory janitor than a teacher who is wondering if he could take them on a date. The issue of his family is seperate from his alleged crime, of course we all feel sorry for THEM they are also innocents in all this, but I am now wondering about YOU. I know that no one is perfect, but my sins however would not land me in prison. I have not ever done anything that could be construed as harmful to a child either. So yeah I may be a little judgemental but under your judgement system just because someone does a "bad thing" they should not be punished. When does a "bad thing" become punishable? Rape? Murder? Maybe we should just send all the bad people to church to repent. On second thought I'll stick to being judgemental! "

To Jim P and Nyssa Native wrote on Aug 25, 2008 3:47 PM:

" The judges in Vale are not on the board of directors or part owners of lifeways, the work release center, safeco or any other organization to "help" people. Sure they cost a lot of money and it's really hard to get out of those "programs" completely but neither of the judges are getting rich from it, I promise. "

former student wrote on Aug 25, 2008 3:32 PM:

" It's not uncommon for predators, especially those of young girls or boys, to be incredibly likeable people. It is one of the ways that they bait a possible victim. So I suppose it's not completely naive to think that we shouldn't cast stones or judge because of the service he did for the community seeing as how he played us all into believing he was a good person. Making a mistake and trying to have a sexual relationship with a 13 yr old are two different things altogether especially when your role is to be a protector of children. This is pathetic and if he had actually had a sexual relationship (which would have been considered rape or sodomy) with a student at our highschool I'm sure many would be singing a different song. "

former studnet wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:09 AM:

" we should pray for his family not to throw stones, he was one of the best teachers ever to teach in this district, w/out him hte high school goes down the tubes for sure. "

former student wrote on Aug 25, 2008 10:05 AM:

" I was in complete shock when I heard the news on Tv and in the paper, it was impossible. Everyone respected him and knew him as one of the best teachers at OHS. I abhor that everyone says that since he did this bad thing that he should be in jail. We shouldn't cast one stone for we are just as guilty of being judgemental. we should pray for his family, beacuse horrible stiuations make a person stronger not weaker. He was one of the best teachers I knew and respected, the horror of the news still shocks me to my very core, but we are all human with a sinful nature and we all make mistakes, none of us are perfect, but God alone. my prayers go out to his family. "

former OHS student wrote on Aug 25, 2008 9:05 AM:

" All these people here saying "he who is without sin" and all that holy man/woman talk are really out of it and I feel sorry for you. I feel sorry for you because your ability to forgive anyone for any infraction makes you appear naive and very easy to manipulate. There are some things that people can do that make them unforgiven, at least in the unperfect eyes of people. ANYTHING and I repeat ANYTHING of a sexual nature done by an adult to a child deserves no forgiveness ever. You who tout righteousness and tolerance would find the tallest tree you could to hang Mr. Gardner from if instead of a fake girl on Myspace, he was propositioning some of your very own daughters in the classroom. Keep tolerating and forgiving these people, then let me know how your children are because they will probably be victims themselves. "

Dear AndyGods little helper wrote on Aug 24, 2008 10:37 AM:

" I find it quite amusing that you are belting off all these "ye who shall cast the first stone" when you are throwing rocks at anybody on this blog who has had an opinion different from yours. Stop trying to play righteous. A blog is a blog. It's for people's opinions on something that effects their community and possibly them directly. "

Ray Dickerson wrote on Aug 24, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Reflected in a number of these comments, especially from former students, are the results of teaching “values clarification” in the schools. That is, there are really no rights and wrongs, and that it is wrong to judge deviant behavior because we can’t possibly understand where another person is coming from. It is all about tolerance and diversity. Nuff said. "

Moniker wrote on Aug 23, 2008 7:18 PM:

" Mr. Gardner should be locked up, kept down, and beaten with a rubber hose until he repents and atones for all the grief he's put Brady through. "

Curious wrote on Aug 23, 2008 3:13 PM:

" Let's also keep in mind that Brady's been the only person who is HONEST enough to use his real name. The rest of us are cowards. Are we afraid big, bad, Mr. Garner is going to come get us in our sleep? "

Ontario citzen wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:10 PM:

" Why are all of you attacking Brady for standing up for what he believes? And i think it is wrong to accuse Brady of just trying to be popular on this blog. If he says he is friends with his daughter, we should believe him, if he has lied, thats his problem. But him being friends with his daughter, i hope he will help her get through this. "

To former student. wrote on Aug 22, 2008 2:44 PM:

" A truley amazing person. Ya I wish we had a bunch of people like him. Are you crazy, he is a sexual predetor "

Andy wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:18 PM:

" Ye who are without sin cast the first stone. If sin had a stink to it then every one of us would stink in his or her own individual way. Mr. Gardner deviated from what is considered one of societies norms and is also forbidden by a higher law and the breakage of which he will dearly pay for the rest of his life. Does this one act of weakness on allowing the evil one to influence him negate all the awesome things he did apart from this one act? Does this one act cause him to be damned forever without the possibility of repentance? I’m shocked and dismayed at those who want to hang him from the nearest tree. I hope God has mercy on your souls for how we judge another we will also will be judged ourselves. Maybe those who are so quick to throw that first stone don’t think that there own crap don’t stink. Reality is that we all have stink in our personal lives. Isn’t that one of the reasons we are on this earth, to overcome our weaknesses and work out our own salvation? Mr. Gardner I have faith that you will get the help you need and it doesn't change that you are still a awesome teacher and have influenced 100's if not 1000's of students in a positive way. Take care my friend.... "

Former student wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:42 PM:

" Mr. Garner was an amazing teacher, and i believe a truely amazing person. He made a mistake just like every single one of us. None of us can judge him or his family and shouldn't. It is a huge blow to the Ontario School District, as i never met someone that didnt have enormous respect for his teaching ability. Being a former student of him, I was enrolled in his Honors U.S History class last year, I know how great of a teacher he was. He pushed his students like very few teachers i know of do. Its a shame that his many years of work in education will be tarnished in the minds of many by a few foolish actions. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. "

former student wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:49 PM:

" Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Everyone has done something wrong in their life that they regret. Don’t make it worse for those in pain. Those people have no right to make it worse. "

to Brady Oakes wrote on Aug 21, 2008 3:21 PM:

" Stop using your barely even there friendship with his daughter to gain popularity, and appear to have insight on the situation on this blog. "

NyssaNative wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:12 PM:

" The press release on the Lifeways website states that there was a contract with the state and Greater Oregon Behavioral Health. I don't think that was done by a judge or DA. "

NyssaNative wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:06 PM:

" Jim P.

I think you have it wrong. If you were to do some research and pull up the Lifeways website, you can see who is in charge there:

http://www.lifeways.org/contact.shtml

There is no way that a judge/DA can have ownership and send people to that place without it being a conflict of interest.

Maybe this is just the facility that the judges/DAs have confidence in. My guess is that there is probably a lot more good that comes out of it than bad. "

LC wrote on Aug 21, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Okay so this is a pretty big deal considering the fact nothing happens at all here in Ontario. but who are we to judge? we ourselves are committing a sin just by pointing fingers and talking trash. I would not like it if someone wished me the death penalty, or wanted me to burn in hell. This is a problem that will be taken care of between him, his family and who ever the hell else is involved. but in the mean time why don't we just go back to our normal lifes and stop pretending we have never done anything we don't want other people to know about.

Have any of you ever heard this quote?:
"I'm the one that has to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to."- Lil Wayne
Im sure some of you have felt this way.
So before you point fingers, make sure your hands are clean.

so to all of you people talkin shiz all the time...: " ONE FINGER UP AND IM OUT, CUZ YOU AIN'T EVEN WORTH TWO"! "

Casey wrote on Aug 21, 2008 10:35 AM:

" So if I wear overalls does that mean I am asking to be a farmer vs. wearing a mini skirt and asking to be abused or raped?

No means, no, means no ... regardless of who I am or what I wear. These arguments about clothing are ridiculous.

Past Student, your way of thinking is a danger to society, why don't you go bury yourself in a hole! "

To Nyssa Native wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:49 PM:

" Who do you think owns Lifeways? Why do you think that all of the attorneys and judges REQUIRE Lifeways treatment? It is not to help the offender or defendant. Once in that system, it is expensive and very difficult to get out. No matter how hard you work, they are not letting go. Ask anyone who is in there or have gotten out of it. They want your money and they want it up front. If you do not pay it at every meeting, they can actually violate your probation and send you back to jail or worse to prison.

Not very ethical when the judges and attorneys are on their board of directors.

If you ask the employees who owns the company, they cannot tell you.

Just some food for thought. "

Shana wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:03 AM:

" I was a former student of Mr. Garner 10 yrs ago. He was one of my favorite teachers. With all that is going on now with him is just hard to believe. It just goes to show you that you never know what lies beneath. Hasn't anybody seen Dateline "To Catch a Predator"? How can these guys be so dumb into thinking they will not get caught?? "

To Past Student wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:05 AM:

" "We can try to stop as many predators as possible but we also must remember that children walking on the streets in mini skirts or high cut shirts doesn't exactly say that we arn't asking for whats happening."

This comment is the MOST archaic, sexist, dangerous thing I've heard in a long time. Tell me you would look at your precious (and I"m not being sarcastic) 13 year old whose eyes are bruised, lip cut, wrists marked with rope burns, can't sit down because she's so sore and say, real casually, "What were you wearing when he attacked you?" "OH, well I told you that shirt made you look too old. Clean yourself up, you deserved it."
No one deserves to be treated that way no matter WHAT THEY WEAR. Even women who (I'm sure you would say) make the "mistake" of having a drink in a public place and some guy puts the date rape drug in their drink, end up raped and or beaten don't "deserve it" because she went out for a drink. Even if she got drunk, even if she danced provocatively, even if she wore a short skirt. I hope, beyond hope that was a mistaken comment or perhaps that I read it wrong, because if you mean it, please let someone from the 21st century finish raising your kids. Let me repeat: WOMEN DO NOT, NEVER, E-V-E-R deserve to be abused in any way. (neither do men, but that's not the group I'm talking about here.)

I know that this topic is about Joe Garner and how people are processing it (really that's what this blog is about)but I cannot stand by and let even one comment like that slide by. It's too detrimental to the people it affects.

To Brady: You ARE very smart. Worry not about "the story" that you could get because you're friends with the kids. Worry about helping to protect them when they get back. Finally, ALWAYS CAPITALIZE YOUR "I's" when you use them as a personal pronoun. I made the cake, I am smart, I taught you better than that! "

To To those who comden him wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:17 AM:

" Would you let a 13 year old girl persue you. Would you ever talk to a 13 year old girl about kissing her. If so wow. Give me a break. He made a mistake and should be punished "

To Brady wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:14 AM:

" Ya I am sure that his daughter wont be bias on the whole deal. Good luck big guy. Tell Joe hi. "

Past Student wrote on Aug 19, 2008 11:32 PM:

" You know obviously everyone has something to say about this but unless you had him as a teacher I don't think it's right that you make judgements. No one should be saying that he is a man who should be let out because he shouldn't - what he committed was wrong. I believe that in this case we are fortunate that it wasn't a real 13 year old, but we also need to remember that he has kids and a wife who were just as helpful in the community. Instead of bash him, we need to be more supportive of what's going on, on the other side. So we say, "Why does he need help?" Well I say because his family needs him and they love him, just like anyone else would if it were their father or brother. So does Joe Garner need help? Yes he does and I pray for his family, they made a great reputation in this community and i'm not going to judge them.

As far as our system goes I believe that children today are much more familiar with sex than even some adults. So having been a 13 year old I know that children arn't innocent and they have a mind for themselves. So in this case, Garner may have invoked what happened but in other cases you can't always blame the adults. There are plenty of 13 year old boys and girls out there who play an older age and get themselves hurt. It's the parents responsibility to make sure they know what their children are doing on the computer. We can try to stop as many predators as possible but we also must remember that children walking on the streets in mini skirts or high cut shirts doesn't exactly say that we arn't asking for whats happening.

I believe this was a huge eye opener for anyone who knew Joe Garner, and it just proves that sexual predators can be anyone. So I hope that you parents out there who have young children that go to Ontario Schools realize that what you send you children out in and what you allow them to do on the internet effects who targets them. We could make the community much safer if parents would step in. "

NyssaNative wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:19 PM:

" JIM P.,

I'd like you to explain what is meant by the comment that the judges in Vale will line their own pockets with the work release program. "

Bradys reply to Brady wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:51 PM:

" What do you mean i know "little" just because i am a junior,and i really dont appreciate you trying to make me look stupid. i know a lot about this, i will probably get a better story then you, I am friends with his daughter and son. My parents feel the same way as me, yes its bad, But now he can get the help he needs. "

Exiled wrote on Aug 19, 2008 3:42 PM:

" I would like to applaud Brady Oakes for being one of the very few (the only one I dare say) people to use their real name. Come on, people, at least use an alias! The "Name:" box is NOT a subject line! I don't mind you being anonymous, but at least don't be an idiot! "

To those who condem him wrote on Aug 19, 2008 2:39 PM:

" I don't see how people pass judgement on someone when they don't know the whole story. Didn't your mother ever tell you not to believe everything you read or hear?? No matter if it comes from the news, the newspaper, or someone writing a comment about a teacher they disliked. We also need to remember that this was a decoy and that it wasn't a real 13 year old girl. How much did the decoy pursue him? He was charged with 7 counts, meaning that he had talks/emails with her 7 times from April to August. If the decoy didn't hear from him in a while, did she email him??

He HAS to get help. He needs our support. Not to go sit in some cell and "think" more about how this has devistated his career, his family, and himself. He is a good man who made a terrible mistake. We are all human, some making worse mistakes than others but thats what we do it's in our nature.

I hope that people change their tone and give him the support that he needs, even if you don't think he deserves it. What if it was your father? Or your brother? Or your son? Wouldn't you want them to get HELP? Not just be put away in jail without getting the help and support that he truely needs?? You're allowed to have your opinion but don't pass judgement, it's not your call.

I pray for the entire family, as this is effecting every one of them. And I especially pray for Joe, to find the strength inside of him to hand this compeletly over to God and let God have his way with him. "

Ontario Mom wrote on Aug 19, 2008 12:54 PM:

" This whole incident is sad and unfortunate for all involved. Thank God the intended victim was a decoy!!!! It sounds like Mr. Garner was maybe close to overstepping his boundaries w/students for several years now. Maybe his perceived "closeness" to students was indeed part of his illness, which I hope he will get help with. "

JIM P. wrote on Aug 19, 2008 12:47 PM:

" I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO "GET HIM THE HELP" HE NEEDS. SHOULD WE THEN TURN TO SOME ONE LIKE GARY GLITTER, OR JOESEPH DUNCAN AND GET THEM HELP TOO? WHY HELP SOME ONE WHO "MESSED UP"... SEEMS TO ME THAT HE IS AN ADULT AND HE GOT CAUGHT BEFORE SOMETHING REAL SERIOUS COULD HAVE HAPPENED. MAYBE WE COULD PUT HIM IN FRONT OF LIKE 50 GIRLS (NOW WOMEN) WHO HAD BEEN VICTIMS ONCE UPON A TIME AND LET THEM DEAL WITH HIM. WOULD THAT NT BE A JUSTICE AT WORK? OR MAYBE WE CAN SEND HIM TO COURT IN VALE AND THE JUDGES CAN SEND HIM TO WORK RELEASE PROGRAM AND LINE THIER OWN POCKETS WITH $1000.00 A MONTH. "

Former Student wrote on Aug 19, 2008 12:03 PM:

" I had Mr. Garner for three out of my four years at OHS... he was a great teacher and very full of knowledge. It makes me sad to think that all of his smarts will go to waste now. And although I would never expected this of him, I do believe its wrong. It has been a definite eye opener to me that this could be anyone in the community. It also dissapoints me that members of our own community would be so awful about this... what happened to standing behind each other and getting him the help he needs. It makes me sad to think people would say such rude things as he needs to burn in hell. Yes it was very wrong, but we need to remember that he is human, humans do sin. We also need to remeber that he has a wife and kids and we all need to be supportive of them. This wasn't easy for any of us so think how they must feel. We need to stop being so negative and be more supportive. My thoughts and prayers go to his family "

Get Your Write Right wrote on Aug 19, 2008 11:57 AM:

" To the fella who wrote "to Brady". Just a little piece of advice...When trying to make someone look stupid, it's best to not make errors yourself, when you do, it makes YOU look dumb...Do "you you" get what I'm saying? OR better yet, stick to the topic, instead of bringing people down...GROW UP MR. GROWN UP "

To Brady wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:41 AM:

" You are a junior which means you know very little about anything. You you become a big boy you will undrstand these things much better. Until then ask mommy and daddy how they feel about it. "

Bradys reply to Chuck wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:21 AM:

" Um.....chuck, did you read that i am a junior? so why are you asking if i have kids? And yes he did screw up, but untill you are perfect and have never messed up then you can cast the first stone. And how can you dictate that it is unforgivable? You are not God! But now that he has been caught,he can get the help he needs. "

Former Student wrote on Aug 18, 2008 3:05 PM:

" I am a former student from another school a little ways away where Mr. Garner taught about 10 years ago. There was a rumor that after graduation he had sent "love letters" to a female who had just graduated that year. I laughed it off at the time, and didn't believe it. Now, I guess I have to look back and say there might be a pattern. "

To internet date wrote on Aug 18, 2008 2:32 PM:

" Read what you just wrote. I hope you see how dumb that really is. Do you talk to 13 year old boys and girls? Are you a teacher... around youg kids all day "

TO FRIEND wrote on Aug 18, 2008 2:26 PM:

" YOU ARE GOING TO PREY FOR HIM? "

Alexis wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:29 PM:

" All I can feel now is disappointed. Mr. Garner was someone who I looked up to. I wanted to have his career and I admired him because I knew he loved his job and he was great at it.

People on this blog make him seem like a monster. He is an incredible person and made an ubelieveably foolish mistake. How embarrassing for him and his family to have to come back to the community and face all this negativity.

I was on a student/teacher council with him and I know that the students and staff all had a large amount of respect for him. That respect is gone now.

I always thought he was one of the most knowledgeable men I knew and so now I cannot understand why he would do such an incredibly stupid thing.

Hopefully the community doesn't tear apart the family because I am sure they are already going through enough right now. As for me, I'll never be able to look at him the same. "

Chuck wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:27 AM:

" Sandra and Brady do you have kids. Like maybe a girl around say 13. If you did you might see this situation different. Who cares if he WAS a good teacher. He made a mistake that is unforgiveable for a teacher. He was busted in a police sting which was going on untill they were ready to make the arrest. Good teacher or not he is a sick person. A 13 year old girl. Im 41 years old and that thought is wrong. Thank god he got caught, because they could have caught him to late. "

To To USMC wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:38 AM:

" Did you read it? What gossip? Why read into things that are not there. "

Watson wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:25 PM:

" Former Student wrote, "...Now 5 years later.... "
Evidently, this guy has been on the radar for some time. They don't catch these guys by casting a wide net. Can you imagine how fatiguing it would be unless they have a suspect to target?
Thanks for the Heads-Up. I am sure your comments have helped to nab another closet bogeyman. "

Friend wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:15 PM:

" I am saddend by what Joe Garner has done and how it is affecting the community and his family. I am a family friend, my thoughts and prayers will be with them all including Joe. I would just like for his wife and children to be able to go back to the school and not be questioned about this. Give them the respect that they are going to need. Joe and family again my thoughts and prayers are with you. "

To USMC wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:09 PM:

" Sounds like you have time to sit around and gossip about these things too..... "

jaybuggi wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:14 PM:

" When I herd about what Mr. Garner did i was shocked! In my opinion he was one of the best teachers at OHS. I keep reading the articles but they all seem so unreal to me. All that i can think about now is the shame he brought to his family "

Jeri Galloway wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:23 PM:

" Anyone thinking this is odd?
What disturbs me is that we have a DA stating what an upstanding guy this teacher is and insinuating that no jail time should be served because it's a possiblity that he only wanted a "kiss" from a 13 year old girl he found on Myspace.
If there are concerns about the way our DA and Malhuer County handles things this blogspot isn't going to accomplish much.
Try this.

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301-4096

General phone number: (503) 378-4400 "

April in Reno wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:25 PM:

" I have read these blogs and everyone has their right to their opinion. This is America. Some are cruel and some are insightful. As infuriating as this act is, the fact is that he has not been convicted yet. I do not side either way as I was not there to make an educated decision. My only hope and my inspiration for my input is simply this....the best advice ever given to me is to analize the situation not the person. Once you make the human connection, your emotions alter your perception and human nature tells us that it is probable that he is guilty of this crime. If he is then I trust the correct punishment will be presented. But just for the sake of keeping it civil.....what if you were being accused of a crime that you had not yet committed. You then are not only defending yourself against this crime but now a slew of "what if's " arise and also the "What has he done before that we don't know about" questions? How many of you have been put in this situation? I have, and it is the worst feeling in the world. All I ask is to without blame...protect yourselves, protect your children and try to treat this situation as you would hope people would react if it were you. I am a former student of Mr. Garner. I can't say he was my favorite teacher, nor my best teacher at NPHS. But I have enough respect for him as a person to at least give him his day in court before I form an opinion. "

Joe Ocacio wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:52 PM:

" Hello I'm a JR at OHS(Ontario High School), I had this man as a teacher, and he wasn't bad at his job.I was going to have him again this year!!! I wouldn't have thought this man to do something like this. It is very sick and wrong, I hope in the time that this is happening people will think about who they leave there kids with!!! "

Joe Ocacio wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:47 PM:

" Hello I'm a JR at OHS(Ontario High School), I had this man as a teacher, and he wasn't bad at his job, but he is a bad man in life!!! I wouldn't have thought this man to do something like this. It is very sick and wrong, I hope in the time that this is happening people will think about who they leave there kids with!!! "

From miles away... wrote on Aug 16, 2008 1:01 PM:

" I've always been told there are two sides to every story. Have any of you who have made comments heard the WHOLE story?? I for one have only seen what the Argus has printed. And believe me, you should not always believe what they print. And I agree with a statement Sandra said. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? I seriously doubt that Mr. Garner could ever get a fair trial in Malheur Co. I can see by the comments that everyone has their minds made up. If he is guilty, he will be punished. Until then folks, lets wait and see what happens in court and have a little less tongue waggin' and gum flappin'. "

PAY ATTENTION wrote on Aug 16, 2008 12:32 PM:

" DID EVERYONE JUST COMPLETELY IGNORE THIS COMMENT?....AND YOU WONDER WHY THIS STUFF HAPPENS...IT'S BECAUSE PEOPLE IGNORE IT JUST LIKE EVERYONE IT THIS F**KING BLOG.

Former Student wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:08 AM:

" I am a former student of Mr. Garner's. In fact I had him 3 out of my 4 years at OHS. He was one of my favorite teachers. I had given him my email address to correspond with him about some recommendations he was going to write for me. However he began writing inappropriate things to me. They were borderline REALLY inappropriate.I became extremely uncomfortable after this continued for a few weeks. I printed the emails off and brought them to the principle.To be honest, I don't know if he was ever even talked to about this. I graduated soon after. Now 5 years later.... " "

To USMC in Iraq wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Your blog has been the most articulate, unbiased and most thought through written piece in the entire blog website. It is easy to be blatantly cruel, biased and most of all down right idiotic when you blog anonymously.
P.S. USMC thank you for your service. "

USMC in Iraq wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:55 AM:

" I truly cant believe all these judgements being passed down so casually. I see all these negative things being said about Joe Garner and think how many of you out there have skeletons in your closet, god forbid his came out. He will be punished for his actions, you all just need to get over it and get a life. As for everybody out there thats all worried now for their children, dont you think you should have been this worried for them the entire time? Everybody out there needs to look at themselves before laying down comments that i have read. The fact still remains that he was a great teacher that made a mistake. leave it at that, go on with your miserable lives, and try to be as good at your job as he was at his, just learn from his mistakes.

As for the comments about Dan Norris, he's just doing his job as well. Like I said before try being half as good at your own jobs as he is at his. And if parents would spend more time raising their kids right, and not spending the time to gossip about this then Dan really wouldn't have much of a job now would he?

As for me I'm going to go back to my job and do the best i can to keep myself and my fellow marines alive and able to come home to their families. I Challenge anyone who has written a comment to do your job like your life and you friends lives depend on it. if you can handle that then i highly doubt any of you will have time to sit around and gossip about these things.

Semper Fi "

Me wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:51 PM:

" Creepy. "

Curious wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:42 PM:

" To Forgot to add:
Nope, bad teacher does not equal not meeting AYP. The Warrenton-Hammond school district also had an arrest for similar things, and they met their AYP. "

Sandra wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:39 PM:

" What happened to innocent until proven guilty in a court of law? Or is Ontario, Malheur County, or Eastern Oregon not part of the America who celebrates these rights? There are so many ready to condemn and hang Mr. Garner before he is even tried. So, could he ever get a fair trial in this part of the state?
And judgmental.....do you have the right to judge him? That right is reserved for a higher power and for the courts of this country.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Garner family.
The Argus gets rich on bad news; that is nothing new. Is it true that they are not even owned by Oregonians or staffed by them? "

Concerned Colleague wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:28 PM:

" Ok people let's get a grip here granted what Mr Garner did was wrong.But we as a community do not have the right to tar and feather the entire family etc in the media.This is a good Christian family in our comunity and they deserve our support to get through what will be a trying time for them.
This has no reflection on the AYP goals of this district there are a lot of fine teachers here doing the best they can with what they have to work with. "

Shocked wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:37 PM:

" To his family-Bless you,and we will be praying for you all. As a person in the Ontario community I agree that we are lucky that he was caught by a decoy, and we are fortunate that it wasn't a real member of our young community. Who knows if he had attempted this before?? I don't care if he was the best teacher ever on the face of the planet--if guilty (and i believe he is since he already resigned)he should never be allowed around children, in any fashion. Imagine how many opportunities he may have had over the years?? Scary!!

To the Argus--we would love more positive news on a regular basis--but as a community we have to know when a predator is in our area. "

Curious wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:00 PM:

" To "forgot to add..."
Your sentence: " maybe teachers like this are the reason for th AYP failure @ ontario high "

Should be: "Maybe, teachers like this are the reason for the AYP failure at Ontario High School."

Minor problems, but with a little remedial work, you could probably sound like a literate adult.

I can't believe you're trying to link AYP to this. "

to Forgot to add... wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:44 PM:

" are you saying that they will pass it now? or that there are more teachers with these tendencies at OHS?

Would it be fair to judge you by what someone you know or work with has done? Keep the blame where it should be and don't go spreading other fires, the AYP failure should be discussed in a different blog. "

Thankful wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:38 PM:

" I am thankful:
for Mr. Garner because he motivated when all was lost
for my daughter because she has taught me to care
for the fact that Mr. Garner was caught before he really did something stupid and ruined a young girl's life

But most of all, I am thankful to those who are able to see past this, those that see that the real victims still need to go to work, school and stores in this community and with some of the blogs I have read, I can see that the shame that the family has to bare is great, specially when people are quick to trash a teacher that has obviously made a difference in our students' lives. I am not condoning what he has done, I am just worried about what the family is reading from a community that "cared". "

Curious wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:37 PM:

" Jim P: Did you actually use "lol" in your response? You're showing your mental level. "

forgot to add... wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:16 PM:

" maybe teachers like this are the reason for th AYP failure @ ontario high "

JIM P. wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:29 PM:

" MR. GARNER DESERVES THE DEATH PENALTY? WHY REHAB HIM? LET OUT? BEST TEACHER EVER? SOUNDS LIKE A GUY HAD A COUPLE OF FETISHES... TOO MANY QUESTIONS TOO LITTLE TIME. BUT ONE DOES WONDER ABOUT HIS CHILDRENS BABYSITTERS THROUGH THE YEARS.... MAYBE THEY CAN BRING SOME LIGHT ON THE HIDDEN, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS FETISHES.....LOL HE SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PRISON WITH BUBBA WHO HAS A 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER!! "

OMG wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:29 PM:

" How is this any different then the Nawahine case in Fruitland? He is a teacher??? She is a mother... who can you trust? Mrs. Nawahine got off scott free... he will get jail/prison & have to register a sex affender... (which is what she should have gotten) major double standard in our society!! "

in Ontario wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:02 PM:

" Wow, I will have to say I am not shocked by this. A lot of people will read that and wonder how it is that I can say something like that will understand after I explain my reasoning. Everyone who has ever been taught by Mr. Garner will tell you that he is the last person you would ever expect to be charged with this crime. He was an exceptional teacher and he will be missed. All these things I have listed are things a great sexual predator will use to distract people from the fact that he is a monster. To his family; ABANDON ALL HOPE OF HELPING HIM! These words are spoken by someone with sexual predators in their family as well. You cannot change him, and will only make more complications for yourselves by keeping him around. I do not believe in prayer, but you will be in my thoughts. "

i cant believe.... wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:59 AM:

" I was devestated when i heard about this. Mr. Garner was my social studies teacher my freshman and sophomore years. Never ever did i think he was like this or thought about this. I learned so much from him that i still have my HUGE notebooks from his class. I feel so sorry for his family and words cant describle what they are going through. Im praying for the family. He is very much in the wrong for doing this but not him or his family deserve to be exposed throught the argus or boise news. but if i know malheur county then this will be the talk of the town for a long time! And i can tell you this.....he does not need to go to prison......whats that gonna do??? Make him think about it more??? he needs help...and there is help out there... "

Former Student wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:08 AM:

" I am a former student of Mr. Garner's. In fact I had him 3 out of my 4 years at OHS. He was one of my favorite teachers. I had given him my email address to correspond with him about some recommendations he was going to write for me. However he began writing inappropriate things to me. They were borderline REALLY inappropriate.I became extremely uncomfortable after this continued for a few weeks. I printed the emails off and brought them to the principle.To be honest, I don't know if he was ever even talked to about this. I graduated soon after. Now 5 years later.... "

Internet dater wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:22 AM:

" Linda is right, who knows what his intentions were. Who is the victim? There are many people who get on the internet and say they are a handsome 22 year old super model when in actuality they are an overweight 42 year old history teacher. When the time comes for a meeting they never show up. Talk is cheap. How can anyone know if he would have ever went to meet this decoy. "

Exiled wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:58 AM:

" Don't these comments need to be approved? Don't comments like, "he should burn in Hell" deserve to just be deleted? "

To Linda wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:49 AM:

" The law states that a child is someone whom the defendant believes to be under the age of 16. No "victim" is necessary to charge guys like this...purpose is to catch them before it happens...so, if you think the law should be changed so as to require actual contact, take it up w/ your local representative (although, i'm holding out hope you are smarter than that). "

Linda in Oregon wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:00 AM:

" I am curious how they can charge him with the charges they have when there was NO victim in this case? The only victims were his family and friends whose trust he betrayed. There is no doubt that what he did is going to cost him and cost him dearly, but please don't lose sight of the fact that there was NO 13 year old.
Does he need help? Of course he does. Does he need to be crucified? Absolutely not! "

Jesus Christ wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:59 AM:

" I LOVE YOU JOE !!! "

RA wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:20 AM:

" WHY IS EVERYONE FEELING SOORY FOR HIM,IF IT WAS TRULY ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN INSTEAD OF A SET UP YOU WOULD HANG HIM HIGH,AND IT COULD BE DEEPER THEN YOU THINK, MAYBE HE HAS DONE WORSE, AND TOUCHED ONE OF OURS THROUGH THE SCHOOL YEARS AND OUR KIDS NEVER SPOKE UP, THIS IS A SICKNESS, FROM HIS HISTORY NOT SOMETHING THAT HE JUST THOUGHT WOULD BE COOL TO TRY, SORRY FOR HIS FAMILY BUT WHAT HE DID IS SHAMEFUL, NO MATTER HOW GREAT OF A TEACHER HE WAS, NOW OUR TAXES MAY HELP HIM IN PRISON "

Chris wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:13 AM:

" First off I feel sorry for the true victims, Mr. Garners family. My prayers to them.
This should be a wake-up call to all parents. In our "small community" in the last year we have had 2 respected adults get caught in sexual oriented acts. Both people never engaged in actual sexual acts, but both did have possible intent. The woman had contact with a teenager via text messaging. The man via a computer "My Space" account. We as parents need to be very aware of what our kids our doing with their phones and on their (our) computers. There will be more of this if we don't take control of our kids and their actions. They may think they are talking to kids online, but the computer age has opened a whole new avenue for pedophiles. We are not immune from "bad" people in our area. Parents need to pay attention to what their kids are viewing on their computers/phones and who they are talking to. Take responsibility now before it is too late.
Finally, you/we may not like hearing of all this in our local paper, but we need to know that this stuff is happening. If you stick your head in the sand and say not here, you will be the one with the son or daughter who runs off to who knows where with a sexual devient and then what.. you will say "I didn't know or I didn't think Johnny/Janie would ever do that!" This is a wake up call - stand up and take notice! "

OHS Graduate wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:09 AM:

" This deeply saddens me. Mr. Garner was one of the best, if not THE best, teachers at Ontario High School. It bewilders me that a man with that much knowledge and education could do such a thing as this; but I have to keep in mind that it doesn't matter how much education you have--you can still have your demons inside you keep hidden. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. They are the true sufferers in this horrible situation.

I still just can't believe this happened. When I had problems in school with classmates Mr. Garner was always very understanding and allowed me to do a lot of work at home since I missed so much school. I never once felt uncomfortable around him, and never would I imagine he would put me in a situation to feel that way. I just pray that there is some kind of mistake and he didn't really do this...but I know that would be too naive. "

FORMER STUDENT wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:40 AM:

" OTHER STUDENTS WRITING MUST BE ABSOLUTELY BLIND. WHAT IF SOME HOW IN THE FUTURE ONE OF YOUR KIDS IS IN THIS SITUATION. ONE OF YOU COULD HAVE PRAYED UPON BY THIS SICK INDIVIDUAL! NOW IMAGINE IF HE NEVER WOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT. HE WOULD HAVE PRAYED UPON SO MANY PEOPLE, AND THEY WOULD HAVE PRAYED UPON MORE PEOPLE...ETC UNTIL THERE ARE SO MANY PREDATORS OUT THERE THAT EVERYWHERE WE TURN. IT IS A SICKNESS THAT CAN BE INDUCED BY THE ABUSE.(ABUSE DIFFERENT IN EVERY CASE). BUT ALL NATIONALITIES USED TO JUST PUT PEOPLE LIKE THIS ON TO THE FIRING RANGE AND LET THEM HAVE IT. THE INTERNET HAS JUST MADE IT EASIER TO CATCH PEOPLE LIKE THIS.
PEOPLE LIKE THIS ALSO MAKE PEOPLE LIKE DAHMER. AND A MORE RECENT CASE JOSEPH DUNCAN. PEOPLE THAT HAVE THIS SICKNESS PASS IT ON TO THIER VICTIMS. THERE VICTIMS GROW OLDER AND WISER AND ABUSE AND AFTER A GENERATION OR TWO OF THESE PEOPLE LIKE THIS A DUNCAN OR DAHMER IS PRODUCED.
THEN WE HAVE PEOPLE (CROOKED LAWYERS) THAT DEFEND THEM IN COURT AND SAYING "THEY DO NOT DESERVE TO DIE". ALL CULTURES "BACK IN THE DAY" WOULD KILL THEM OR BURY THEM SOMEWHERE AND FORGET ABOUT THEM.
TO MR.GARNER'S FAMILY, MY CONDOLENCES..... PROTECT YOURSELF AND I WISH YOU THE STRENGTH TO NOT EVER FORGIVE HIM CAUSE HE DESERVES THE DEATH PENALTY.

AND BY THE WAY HE WAS NOT THE BEST TEACHER EVER EITHER. "

I agree Will wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:50 AM:

" It's amazing the amount of people saying everyone makes mistakes and that this pervert should get a "redue". Yes, everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone gets on-line to seduce a 13 year old kid. I don't think any of you would be singing the same tune had Mr. Garner been trying to lure your kid, friend, relative,etc. While i imagine he was an amazing teacher from all accounts, he is equally troubled and needs to be punished as do ALL people who pray on little kids. Please, keep things in perspecitve. I feel for the family, but not this guy. "

concerned wrote on Aug 15, 2008 1:11 AM:

" Sexual Offenders are the most elusive and hard to catch criminals out there. Sex Offenders can not be treated or cured, only monitored. Sex Offenders can be any one; police officers, ministers, teachers, coaches, lawyers, doctors, school administrators, to judges and caregivers. They often are like foxes that look for easy prey. Once in a position of power it is pure arrogance and audacity that causes them to slip up and get caught. They believe no one will ever catch them. It is scary to think about the fact that law enforcement is only able to truly capture the dumb ones and the sexual offenders that have the slightest bit of common sense often go on offending for years and years and some are never caught. What a waste of a career and of his life. What kind of sick-o allows himself to have thoughts of engaging in sexual acts with a 13 year old. Who knows what thoughts were formulating in his mind as he presented himself in front of his class each day -cleverly disguised as a "good" teacher. Was he a wolf gazing over a flock of sheep? How pathetic! The community needs real leaders and real teachers. "

Family.Love. wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:14 AM:

" I have to admit that I am one of those people who are quick to judge others when it comes to cases like this but it is completely different when it is someone from your own family! It would be easy to condemn someone if you knew this person was a jaded individual but this man is a phenomenally smart, funny, and outgoing individual. He is one of the greatest history teachers and his students loved him. He has never had so much as a speeding ticket in his life and has always done as much as he could do in the community. He made a huge mistake and will pay for it for the rest of his life. I hope that people can see hime for the person he truly is and not by the mistake he made. I love him with all my heart and he has been nothing but a teacher, listener, and great man to all in our family. We don't have to point fingers at others to remove the spotlight we just have to know that this is a good man who made a bad choice. "

Junior at OHS wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:28 PM:

" You also can't turn a blind eye to that just because he was nice, that was probably why he was nice, so he could prey on youth. "

Junior at OHS wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:27 PM:

" I almost had him last year but I didn't transfer to Honors Global Studies and I'm glad I didn't. Pedophiles are pedophiles, they prey on young people. That is probably why he became a teacher. He chose to work with youth and take advantage of vulnerability. I was vulnerable last year and he could have taken advantage of me. He knew perfectly well what he was doing and this doesn't go along the lines of everyone makes mistakes. He was held in a position of high regard and I hope justice will be served. "

What The wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:06 PM:

" I cannot believe what I am reading. Every one saying he's such a great teacher and just get him some help, he made a mistake... Are you joking?? If the proof is all there then he is a child PREDATOR people. I do feel sorry for his family but have seen far too many childrens lives ruined by this sort of thing. But hey - lets just wait until he actually does abuse someone right, is that what you would rather wait for? No wonder we do not have stricter sentencing for sex predators and abusers in this country because of so many people feeling sorry for the poor teacher/priest/soccer mom/neighbor etc. What about the victims? Sex abuse cripples the victim, their family and any relationships they have in the future. Take a look at the Duncan/Groening case people - that is the worst of what happens when we do not take a stand on sex abuse! Would you rather Mr Garner stay a teacher? Also what did the district do wrong in this situation? I cannot believe what I am reading! "

bob wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Mr. Gardner is a pederast and should burn in hell "

Will wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Ok people really it was a thirteen year old girl. Had this situation actually happened and he had sexual relations with a thirteen year old, would you really be calling it just a mistake? This event was premeditated and took careful planning and seduction on his part. It is ridiculous to think that he was just made a mistake and this won't happen again. He was caught red handed doing something perversely wrong and should be punished accordingly. This is a horrible event for the community and even worse for his family but I don't see the reasoning in defending him in this situation and personally feel sicken by the fact the people are defending him, sad as it is! "

Former student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:22 PM:

" Mr. Garner was by far one of the best teachers I have had in my schooling career. People make mistakes - my compassion and prayers go out to him and his family. "

former student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:09 PM:

" Yes, what Mr. Garner did was wrong but everyone makes mistakes. I am in complete shock, he is the last teacher in my mind who would do such a thing. I have had him as my teacher the past three years, and he never showed seemed like the creepy uncomfortable teacher type, he still doesn't! I am so sick of all this bad publicity about OHS. We are not bad people!!!! Start posting positive stories about us! Mr. Garner was an amazing teacher! I absolutely HATE history/government, but he made it so interesting and fun! I had his class in the morning this last year, and I was still able to pay attention and be entertained. He is a very smart guy, and I am upset on all the students who will miss out on his informative and entertaining teaching. He was a great teacher, I wish he would've never gotten into this situation. My prayers go out to his family, please stop posting his situation on the front page. This is already hard enough for his family, we do not need to make it worse. I hope his family can get through this. Our community should stand by the Garner family and support them for what Mr. Garner has done, he will soon get some help. "

Concerned Mom of wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:02 PM:

" What makes you think this is the first and only time this has happened? This is just the first time he got CAUGHT. Sexual predators (and yes, he qualifies) normally have a history of this pattern - until, of course, they are busted. It's peachy he was such a wonderful teacher but he chose his road, disregarding his career, his family, his students. Remember: HE CHOSE TO DO THIS. I do thank God he was caught and he's just very fortunate it wasn't my daughter he was trying to sexually engage. The Malheur County DA's office (attaboy, Dan!) would have been the least of his worries. "

OHS Student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:59 PM:

" All of you are obviously missing the point. He may be a well liked and respected teacher. But he did break the law. He has lost ALL of my respect for him. Perverts like him need to be locked away. I also would like to say that I do feel bad for his family. They are surely going through a hard time right now. My condolences go out to them. Hopefully they can make it through and move on. "

Nyssa wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:21 PM:

" Tho I do not know Mr. Garner, I do know of him. And he is very highly respected teacher and friend. I've have been told he is the nicest person you would ever want to meet and would do anything for anyone who need help. This is a truely bad situation. Yes, he has fallen from that pedistal. He chose the wrong path to go down. We have countless number of prisons full of men and women serving time for the same account's. Yes, he need's to be punished for it, but what punishment? He made a mistake, Sinful, lustful, unthinkable. When we do not heed the commandments of God and live in accordance to His words. We sin. God love's everyone. All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. My prayer's and thought's go out to Mr. Garner's family and friends. To Mr. Garner, fall on your knees, prostrate yourself down before your God and ask for forgiveness, flee from your sin's. The evilness of the world should have no part in yourlife. Anchour your mind,body and soul in your God. The creator of all the heaven's and earth. "

graduate of wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:07 PM:

" I had Mr. Garner for all my history classes and he was one of my favorite teachers in OHS. It's so hard to believe that such an insperation could have been involved in something so worng. Either way he help me learn and excel so much throught my high school career that I still have gratitude towards the man, regardless of his inappropriate actions. I just really hope his wife and children are holding up and can get through this together. I also hope that his children in school get the support from their fellow classmates they deserve. "

retired teacher. wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:17 PM:

" I cannot belive how many professionals that have blown away everything they have worked for over something as stupid as messing with a minor. I was in public education for almost twenty years. Tho I was in an area that I taught mostly boys, I did have a few ladies. I was one of those that reminded the boys that I did not approve of any off the wall comments, or physical contacts. I expected each student to repect each other. thanks. "

You think youre stunned... wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:19 PM:

" I'm numb and heartbroken and can't tell you why.

I can echo the sentiment that Dan Norris needs a lot of help himself as he is addicted to law enforcement and has been way over the line for a long time. I cannot understand how two judges have leaped over andback from judgeships and the DA position themselves and he has no aspiriations in his life to better himself. This job is a cancer after so long BY IT'S NATURE and he's never moved out of the county courthouse in nearly thirty years to my knowledge.

I've faced you in court before and I know this from experience. Mr. Garner did something morally wrong and and how it would go if a private company wasn't BAITING people who may have never acted on their actions or WHO KNOWS. Government policy shouldn't corrupt justice by tempting.

Now that you've let my friend's name out and his face and drug the family across 4th Avenue on a tow chain I supose that it's good to help him.

Don't drag thrity yearts of my life down Main Street with them. You have never really had much tact and now you have little discipline. Help yourself also and god save all of us. "

Former Student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:35 PM:

" Amazing. Joe was one of my favorite teachers and I have spoken with him often since Graduation. His son graduated the same year as me. It's a shame. He was a great teacher and friend and I'll miss him. I do, however, believe that he should be punished to the full extent of the law. Nice guy or not, he turned out to be a bad guy. I'll pray for his family. I wish this had never happened. "

ohs student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:08 PM:

" Mr.Garner
is the greatest teacher ever!!
everyone does make mistakes. and I'm sure he learned what was wrong and what is now right. "

O.H.S. Teacher wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:45 PM:

" I am also shocked and saddened by the events brought to light today. Mr. Garner was a great, talented, and caring teacher, and as a colleague of his I know that to be true. It hurts to think that he will no longer be able to give those gifts to the students of OHS. Mr. Garner is the last person I would have thought would be capable of making a decision like this one. He knew what he was doing, and he did it. I wish he would have put thought into what he has now done, and what the outcome of such a decision might be. I feel so bad for his family. I hope and pray that the community will support them as much as is possible in this time of unbearable pain. "

ohs student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:36 PM:

" everyone makes mistakes. mr garner made a huge one but he is guilty and truely sorry. i hope no one holds him as a bad person because he is not at all hes an amazing person and i have much respect for him. as a student in his class and someone who frequently visited his house because his daughter is my best friend i cannot believe it happend but we all need to find it in our hearts to forgive him "

Another former student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:34 PM:

" Mr. Garner was my favorite teacher in 1993. He has been an influential and well respected educator for many years. Thoughts go out to his family, and many of his former students hope he gets the help he needs. "

OHS Student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:24 PM:

" I am very saddened to hear about this ordeal. I was looking forward to Mr. Garners class again this year. He made history a positive experience for me last year. I've known him & his family my whole life. I hope they can get past this together. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children. "

OHS Student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:08 PM:

" Mr. Garner is by far the best, most influential teacher I've ever had. My prayers go out to his family. "

Diane wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:01 PM:

" I am praying for his family. I also hope the Argus and other news will not print any more about this. We need to support his family...they are the victims here...He is a wonderful man who apparently made very poor choices. People do and say things online that they would never think to do in real life. I have seen chat rooms and the internet ruin a lot of lives. The community needs to rally around his family...give them all the love and support possible. They do not deserve to be hurt any more than they already have been. They are in my thoughts and prayers. "

Brady Oakes OHS student Junior year wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:35 PM:

" I would like to think that he did not do it, Mr.Garner was, and still is one of the best teachers that i have ever had, you will not find a better history teacher in this area then him. But i am really hurt about this, as i am friends with his daughter and son. I hope that there is an explanation that could end all of this pain. I was some what happy to go back to school this year, but now, things are looking down, My thoughts and prayers are with the Garner Family. "

yeah right. wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:31 PM:

" Too bad Mr. Garner isn't a teenager. If he were younger and NOT a teacher he'd be prosectuted under a measure 11. But that's Malheur County for ya'. "

re former students post wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:06 PM:

" Mrs Nawahine was also Ontario's problem befor Fruitlands.. "

Teachers Pet wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:04 PM:

" His mistake is a very tragic and public one, but it cannot change the fact that Mr. Garner is the best teacher that his students will ever have the fortune to be taught under. I continue to be grateful for the tremendous positive influence he has had on my life and on the lives of countless others. "

Colleague wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:43 PM:

" I didn't want to look at the comments from readers fearing that someone would say something hurtful and/or stupid about the news of Mr. Garner's arrest. As a colleague I am shocked and deeply saddened by what is obviously a human flaw by an otherwise unreproachable teacher. Many years of service will not go wasted with his choices, but no more are to come. Now, as many have written, our school community and the community at large must care for his family. I am so relieved to read and hear this concern from people focusing not on what could have happened, but the people who are hurting most right now. Yes, thank God the person on the other end of the 'net was a decoy, thank God he was caught and will be punished and then helped, Thank God it was ended before anyone else was hurt. And, most importantly thank God good people can now help the innocents that need to heal from the tragic choices that caused their nightmare. "

Former student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:20 PM:

" Mr. Garner was one of the best teachers at OHS that i have ever had in my entire life. He is very smart, and insightful. He will always be one of the best from ontario high. he has taught many kids and made them all learn so much. he is a kind man. I think we need to stop posting all of these negative statements, and especially the one about the gossip and now there is something to talk about. Ontario is a great place. everyone makes mistakes...Look at mrs. Nawahine from fruitland... People should grow up. and be concerned for his family, the school, and the students that are losing a great techer. "

former student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:12 PM:

" While I have a hard time believing that this could happen, it is a world seemingly ruled by each person wanting their own selfish motives. In Mr. Garner's class, I wouldn't have believed that this could be true of him, but then again, sin is ugly and often hidden. I hope he gets the help he needs. Prayers go to him and his family. "

Help wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:18 PM:

" good teacher with a problem! all teachers are human and do things in their private lives that we don't know about, but thank God that the person he was trying to hook-up with, thinking she was 13, was an adult. it scares me to think what this would have come to if he had ruined a childs life. i will hold judgment until the outcome of his trial but keep in mind, none of them LOOK the type and they are all NICE. if he is guilty- punish him and get him some help. "

student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:06 PM:

" Mr. Garner was my favorite teacher, he was the best teacher at Ontario, I hope his family gets through this. Mr. Garner will always be in my mind one of the most influential people, he made history fun and he made it stick in your mind. Some people may be jumping on the "guilty" bandwagon, but i never will. There's no one that can replace Mr. Garner. "I do not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to my death your right to say it." "

WOW wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:34 PM:

" Wow!!! What more can happen to Ontario school dist.?
I agree with OHS Parent"My deepest concern and thoughts go to his family" What a shock to the community. "

Former Student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:32 PM:

" I cannot believe it. I am a former student and he was my favorite. He never showed any type of those tendencies. I don't think it was appropriate for Dan Norris to say that he wants this case to be over fairly quickly and then have the article with his quotes all over the front page of the newspaper. This will not be over quickly by having it front page. My heart goes out to his wife and children, who shouldn't have mentioned. "

RA wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:57 AM:

" GO FIGURE NOW ONTARIO HAS SOMETHING REALLY TO TALK ABOUT THAT IS NOT GOSSIP,THIS WILL BE TALKED ABOUT ALONG TIME GO ONTARIO GO. "

OHS Parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:35 AM:

" I cannot believe it either! However, Mr. Garner was and still is a great teacher and has done a lot of good. I do not like what he did and I feel for his wife and children. "

OHS student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:32 AM:

" I was looking forward to taking his class this year. I hope both he and his family can get through this ordeal. "

It is about time. wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:16 AM:

" It is about time that Dan Norris is finally thinking of someone other than himself and his career. Let's not drag Mr. Garner's family through anymore than is necessary. Mr. Garner did the alleged crime not his family. Let's protect them. We don't need details about the family nor do these children need the details of their father's internet exploits. Let's respect them, the true victms here. "

Linda in Oregon wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:12 AM:

" It always saddens me to read things like this about someone I know and like. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe's family and to him that he will get help and get past this. "

OHS student wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:11 AM:

" I don't believe Mr. Garner would ever do that. He was the best teacher at Ontario High School, without him the entire school is going down the tubes. "

concerned wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:01 AM:

" This is definitely SHOCKING! Garner has always been held in high regard as far as I'm aware. Not only do my thoughts go out to his family, but also to the school! What will the school do to replace this teacher in the short amount of time they have until the school-year begins? One always wonders, when they read stories like this, what the meat of the charges are. "

OHS Parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:29 AM:

" I have no words except "I can't believe it". My deepest concern and thoughts go to his family. "

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