Affluenza? What is that?

Okay, this is not typically something I write about but it is criminal in nature so I thought I would tackle this one.

What is Affluenza?
According Dictionary.com:

NOUN

1. a psychological malaise supposedly affecting wealthy young people, symptoms of which include a lack of motivation, feelings of guilt, and a sense of isolation.

This term was first used in 1954 in reference to the growing epidemic of those seeking more, more, and more yet not fulling comprehending the ramifications of such excess and greed. Personally I think it is another term to make those that "suffer" from it feel good or better about themselves because then they can say, "Look I cannot be blamed for my actions because I have a diagnosed problem that I cannot control." to which I do not agree. In recent years this term has resurfaced due to the case of Ethan Couch who brutally murdered 4 innocent people in Texas while drunk on beer he and friends stole from a convenience store earlier that night. He was driving a brand new Ford F-350 truck when he hit the 4 while they were on the side of the road trying to help or fix a broken down vehicle. I do not understand why this teen was given probation ONLY. He should have been tried as an adult however money talks. His parents are very wealthy so I am sure they bought the best attorneys money could buy so that they dear little teen wouldn't serve a day in jail. Yet he was found to be partying while on probation, which was court ordered not to occur, and sentenced to come in to see his probation officer however he failed to show up and then absconded out of the country with his dear mommy who now claims she knew nothing of his missing his appointments. He and mommy dearest were found to be in Mexico with crud disguises and $30,000 last week where I am sure they thought they would not be recognized.

My heart breaks for these families that are affected by his irresponsible actions and those of his mother while trying to help her guilty son. He should be sentenced to hard time in prison for what he did and to learn some lesson that he is not untouchable due to his PARENTS wealth. Something that is a recurring theme with young teens and adults of late is the thought process that THEY are the rich ones when they are not because the money they spend is typically their parents hard earned money. The parents are to blame for not making their children earn things and realize the value of money and wealth instead they lavish their children with money, gifts, etc in hopes to appease their bratty children. Ethan even had his own home at the age of 14 that his parents said they hardly ever visited. REALLY? A child barely in his teens having a home to himself while mommy and daddy let him have free reign of the home and his life. They are to blame as much as him for the deaths of those that died. If they had came out saying they supported their son but that he was wrong then I would not be saying these things however they supported the brat they created.

What are your thoughts on this case? Should he have only received probation? Should be behind bars with adults? Please share and discuss! :)