From what I remember from last time I read the x-script, the judge concluded that the kid named as a caretaker could not be held at fault because Mark hired him to do it, w/o any false representation from the kid about his qualifications. In fact, he would have known the kid well, with the kid's sister being an informal adoptee of the Suds, ya' know?
Mark misjudged the kid, even knowing him as well as he did. The kid was more afraid of getting the Suds into trouble than of having to explain why the horses were starving and freezing to death. That's in the x-script. Look it up.
So why did Mark misjudge this kid's aptitude at overwinter horse care so badly?
That, I think, is the salient question. I don't know the answer.
Wanna know my guess? Ok (you're still reading, right?) Cause the kid was faithful. And, as any parent who still thinks the Whit is the best thing since sliced bread well knows, approval from the Whit is better than any mere highschool could ever bestow. Kids who are faithful to the Whit are to be trusted and honored--celebrated, even--above all others. They've got the gift of the Suds, after all! No need for silly certifications or scrutiny! They're endoursed by the Suds, what more do you need?
Same old song and dance. I know ppl who got off from drunk driving, hit and run, speeding and other moderately serious crimes
because the cop on the scene was a Program supporter.
Same old song and dance. It's so obvious.
If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for a reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.
--Albert Einstein, German-born American physicist
