Jason Bourque says he's a victim -- just as much as the congregations of the 10 churches he burned and the additional three he tried to burn. He's a victim of Chantix, the stop-smoking drug. He says it caused him to have urges and trances. He's a victim of his accomplice who should have stopped him, he says. (Even though his accomplice wasn't even present for several of the arsons).
Jason's an understanding, kind soul. He forgives the churches for the "harsh" sentence meted out to him. Bourque wants the congregations to know that "they misunderstand me. I'm not a troubled youth." We should understand that getting hooked on anti-depressants, smoking pot, being caught with drug paraphernalia, and getting kicked out of college is perfectly normal behavior. Not to mention the multiple arsons.
While awaiting trial, Bourque, who says he wants the chance to become a pastor or a Christian counselor, was written up for slipping out of handcuffs, brewing alcoholic hooch, and instructing his mother to bring him contraband. I just hope that any church who ever calls him to fill the pulpit has plenty of fire insurance. You never know when Jason might be victimized again.
"Church arsonists break silence on spree." The Dallas Morning News; February 12, 2011; p. 4A.
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