" While I agree meth is a huge issue in our society, 1% of our population is in prison. Largely on drug related charges.

Not letting this man be by his daughters side is a bigger crime. "

" If you can't do the time don't so the crime!!! "

" sorry, but i think the decision to not release him is fair. he shouldn't have committed the crime. he knew that if he got arrested for committing the crime, he wouldn't be able to see any of his family. he also just got to visit her 3 weeks ago. if he hadn't seen her since he started his sentence, then maybe i would have a different viewpoint, but i still think that this is part of his punishment. i feel bad for his daughter, but that's just the way it works out. "

" Why can't they let him see his daughter? They have before and the family paid for the trip. Have a heart and let him see his daughter. Don't punish the daughter for his mistakes. "

" Who are we trying to punish? Let the man be with his daughter. He can serve his time, but let's not make it cruel and unusual by keeping him locked up during his kid's last days. Nebraska's Congressmen need to get involved and get this decision on the President's desk ASAP. Good luck, Jason, and godspeed. "

" I hope the father's wish is granted......especially when he is so close to being released for a nonviolent crime "

" It's obvious this little girl is holding on to be with her father for the last few minutes of her life. Please just let him be there for her. She has suffered enough and this is the last thing she is asking for which I think should be granted for her. "

" Poor little girl, but this guy is in FEDERAL prison, when you go to prison, you lose your freedom, that's kind of the point. So the decisions we make affect more than just us. I know it's not her fault, that's just the way it is. "

" So, if Bush grants this, is he going to give clemency to every drug dealers and crack addict who is serving time in prison to go visit their dying grandmother, shot up brother, or sick mother? "

" This is a good example for those currently in trouble with the law, your actions bring about consequences, and sometimes those consequences...most often those consequences affect the ones we love most, and/or those who could do us no harm. Its unfortunate that he's not able to be by his daughter's bedside as she lying dying from cancer, and if I were in a position of higher power, I would do what I could to help him out, if he wasn't so close to being released, I might raise other issues....but its reasonable to say that he has paid his debt to society, and punishing him with the knowledge of his daughter's immediate illness is beyond the scope of the punishment sought originally "

" Please let him for his dying child. There is a petition on 10/11's web site. He'll be there to complete his sentence, his daughter won't. For the love of GOD, let him see his daughter. "

" Let the man see his daughter. Or at least let him out until she passes away and then let him serve the remainder of his sentence.

Drunk drivers get off a lot easier for a crime that could potentially kill an innocent victim. Some would say that the crime he committed was a "victimless crime". The man has paid his debt to society. Let him see his daughter.

Oh, and for those of you who oppose this, put yourself in the exact same situation, and see if you would think about it any differently. "

" if this guy is not ready to be released now...do you really think a year is going to help refomr him? Just tack on the time he's out and let him be with his daughter. "

" Let him spend time with his daughter, then make him finish his punishment. He can do both and this may be important to help make his daughter more comfortable in her last days. I agree maybe he will think the about others before himself the next time he is presented with the option to commit a crime. "

" Good God, let him have a furlough! This young lady needs all the support we can muster until it is time for her to leave. To me it is not about him as much as it is about us. Jayci was sent here to teach us if we would learn. To the sanctimonious here, have a Happy Easter! "

" ...let him out. If he is let out it will set in motion an attempt on the part of everyone in prison a reason for early release. He did the crime, he needs to do the time. Otherwise, what is the sense in having sentences for crime. "

" Where do we draw the line if clemency is granted? As for a non-violent crime...meth is anything but non-violent. Who knows what crimes were committed by the people on the meth. People need to think ahead of the impact their choices will make. It sounds like he was selfish many years ago and now unfortunatly his daughter will have to pay for it. I am sick of everyone pulling the "poor Jason" card. Poor society...it has to waste tax payers money fighting this battle and the money it costs keeping this criminals in jail. "

" I do feel so very sorry for the little girl, not to have her father by her side at such a trying time. However I wonder how concerned he was with being with her when he did the crime. The story mentions that she has had the cancer for 7 years, and he is nearing the end of a 4 year sentence. Obviously instead of spending time with his sick daughter when she was still able to get around and get more enjoyment out of their time together, he chose to either use, distribute or manufacture meth. I do wonder if they offered to give him a furlough until she passes in exchange for an extra year in the pen would it be as important to him. "

" This man did something to hurt himself and now his daughter. Fact is though he is in his last year of his sentence and tranfering him to a halfway house in Council Bluffs is not a big issue given where his sentence now stands. Many times this is the normal course of transfering them back to society. This little girl did nothinng and if some warden would think a little intead of using his head just to wear a hat they would realize this is the right thing to do. The girl did nothing and rather than think about a subjective sentence maybe doing the right thing for this girl might be better. He is not trying to get out of his sentence rather just be transfered to a halfway house in council bluffs. For those that want to be hard nosed and say too bad, get a heart. "

" Wake up, I feel for the little girl, but to be in federal prison on a meth charge it has to be for manufacturing or distribution. I wonder how many little girls go to bed every night missing there daddy because this guy supplied meth to their daddy "

" I pray fervently he can be with Jayci. Also, everyone should be aware that although the Dad is in a "Federal Prison" in Yankton, this IS a Minumum Security Facility! It is Gorgeous grounds spanning several blocks in a lovely historic neighborhood with upper middle class homes. The high school is across the street. The prisoners walk about with No walls, No wire and No Guards. This man could "walk" if he so chose to do that (yes it would be foolish), but the point remains, No one has any clue what this place is like unless you have been around Yankton.

Good luck and God Speed Jason and Jayci.......

I am now going to 10/11 news site and signing that petition! "

" He wasnt concerned about his family when he was messing with the drugs. So why is he concerned now? Let him rot. "

" Let this man be with his daughter for God's sake! Shame on anyone who opposes clemency for this man to see his dying daughter. "

" Jason is not in prison for a violent crime, he has never hurt his daughter, and he is in a low security prison. They are only punishing Jayci. This little girl has gone through hell and back. It is her LAST WISH to see her dad! Where's the crime in that? Have a heart!! Let the man see his daughter! "

" Let him be with his daughter. Heck political and law enforcement leaders get less time for more serious crime as do professional athletes. If we locked up everyone who had a drug offense and hadn't been caught at least 75 percent of the adult population would have served time by now. Get real folks. "

" i don't understand how people can be so cruel. jason did a bad thing and therefore he should be in prison. but jayci didn't do a bad thing. she lived life but now before she dies she is being denied the one thing that she is holding on for... her dad. yes he did a bad thing... but that's not the point. he's not the one that's suffering. it's his daughter. this made tears come to my eyes. that people would be this cruel to a child. "

" The picture says he say his daughter three weeks ago. It isn't like he didn't get to visit. "

" The guy did wrong, he has 1 year left on a 4 year prison term, let him out, although he should not of done what he did, its a non violent crime, he didnt commit murder. They just let some gal off of killing or being in on killing her mother and sibling, this guy has served 95 percent of his sentence, They should let him out to be with his daughter! shes not in the hospital for a broken leg, the kid is dying from cancer and he will never see her again! Just a very sad deal. "

" This is about the daughter and what is right by her.

To all you people that are so quick behind your computer to be condeming, here's to your tax dollars paying for prisons that are housing all these "drug" offenders.

I am not saying drugs are good. They certainly destroy lives. But the "war" on drugs was lost decades ago and now our prisons are overpopulated because of this lost war....

"

" "Behold my power! I'm a big shot prison official and can deny a sick little girl her last dying wish! Worship Me! I'm a big strong righteous law man, and I declare you cannot see your father! And there is nothing you can do about it because your small and weak. Ha! Justice served!" "

" Oh for pity's sake! I've seen an inmate committed to a facility for the criminally insane, for murder, out walking around the local supermarket on a pass. (escorted) Let this little girl see her daddy. She didn't do anything wrong, and he's hardly asking for a pas to go out partying. "

" "Let You who is WITHOUT SIN cast the first stone". It has always appeared to me in my 50 plus years that those who are the hardest of heart are the ones who have done the most of selfish or mean spirited actions in their own lives.

This story is Not about drugs, or addiction. This story is about a dying innocent 10 year old child who Never quit loving her Daddy. Period. I am sure Not one of you ever quit loving your own parent, no matter how kind or mean they were/are. We all still "desire" and love our parent.

This child is DYING, not b/c of anything her Dad has done either. Now, let her die surrounded by those SHE loves (not that you love) in Peace and without fear.

I bet she has shown more courage in her short years than most who ever read this page. Be kind to a change, let Dad continue to serve his sentence-he had asked for Nothing less. Prisoners can have conjugal visits, get married, go off campus and have emergency furloughs. This constitues an emergency. Jason is Not a threat to society-as the warden has indicated he is trying to protect by not granting letting this Dad be with his daughter and allowing him to Help Her Die.

How many of you would sit at your dying childs bedside throughout the worst of it? I've seen parents who couldn't......this is a most difficult thing to do.

Keep the issues straight, it is about a dying child, Not a Dads previous sins. "

" I feel sorry for those of you who wish for this poor young girl to die without ever seeing her father again. He has a debt to pay to society, but do you not think he will learn more from the act of kindness than from making a poor 10 year old suffer?

I hope none of you ever are in such a situation. "

" I would like you all writing these letters for letting him out to visit his daughter to read this: I did drugs for 14 years got caught did a little time got out did more drugs got caught again and got a bigger sentence, during that time I missed graduations, weddings, funerals, school events, Easters, Christmas, Birthdays, and so many more thing I cant even remember after I DID MY TIME without any time off. Ive straightened my life out and have been clean for over 2 years and now realize what staying out of trouble means. I hold a great job, drive a nice car, and am a productive part of society. Because I had to go through all my time and I missed out on friends and family functions... I am now straight because of this.. I have feeling for the man and his daughter but he did the crime now he has to do ALL his time. I wish the best for the family and a recovery for the father "

" I'm assuming the people that are oppose to him seeing his daughter do not have any children of their own. If they were in the same situation, they would (hopefully) want the same thing, to be with their dying daughter. Just let the man be with his family, they need him more than ever right now. Let him finish his sentance later. "

" Being an ex-convict, I understand both sides of this fight. He did the crime, he's doing the time. He has a daughter who needs him now, if only for a short time. What is right? I fully believe that each circumstance needs to be looked at individually. In this case, I believe that the 'system' neds to find a way to put this man with his family for the small amount of time that is left for his daughter. She did nothing wrong, and to make her suffer trying to hold on for her daddy is inhumane. Her love doesnt recognize the hurt he may have caused by selling meth. Our common sense should recognize that. Allow this man to go home on an extended furlough, and let him finish his time when this is over...you will still get your justice, and she can live her remaining days in happiness. Doesnt she deserve it? "

" For those of you who don't know.....Meth takes over your life after using it once!
Granted, he shouldn't have used it 4 yrs ago when his daughter was already fighting for her life, but Meth takes over your life as well. Once you're addicted to Meth it's a life sentence until you get into rehab. Being in prison is NOT rehab! Until we do get rehab for the millions addicted to Meth and other drugs prisons are going to continue to be full of addicts.
So let this guy be with his dying daughter and then finish the sentence......but let's get him into rehab too! "

" I can tell that all of you good christians are into the forgiveness mode for easter.May you all build up your good Karma with your love and forgiveness as your lord and savior would have you do.As he died for your sins with forgiveness in his heart for you, maybe you should give it a try. It is his daughter let him be with her in her passing and then let him finish his sentence. The compassion is for her more than him. Imagine her fear not your selfrighteousness. "

" I have written to our Vice-President, asking him to ask our President to help in this situation. I also sent a copy of the letter to the Governor of S.D. and NE "

" He is the one who did the crime... NOT his daughter. Give her a break. "

" I say let him see her b/c it's the last time he'll ever see his daughter. Have a heart for once. "

" Let the man see his daughter. It's not as if he murdered someone in cold blood. Meth is a huge issue facing our society today, but I agree with M that not letting this man be by his dying daughter's side is a bigger crime. Put yourself in that situation. Wouldn't you want to be with your dying child? If you don't have any sympathy for him, please...think of this little girl who only wants to say goodbye to her daddy. "

" I agree with "sorry" (03/22/08). Mr. Yeager knew "fall-out" would derive from committing a federal crime. It appears the furthest thing from Mr. Yeager's mind during the time he was "dabbling" in selling methamphetamine drugs was the long-term affect getting caught would have on his family and his father/daughter relationship. Clearly Mr. Yeager wasn't concerned about that during the time his "drug money" was rolling in. Yes, all of us have acted without thinking, and most of us are sorry we didn't think at the time we act, but a lot of us try..try..try...to weigh the outcome of our actions before we "hurt" those we love. Most of us think about outcome, punishment and pain associated with the "big picture". A lot of us wouldn't go down that road in the first place. It's unfortunate Mr. Yeager's daughter is dying. It's unfortunate Mr. Yeager put "himself" in the position of incarceration. The government didn't hurt Mr. Yeager. Mr. Yeager's actions hurt himself, his family, his daughter, taxpayers, a higher power etc....whatever. Mr. Jason Yeager has been allowed to visit his daughter several times in recent months. Privilege is not an honor among criminals. Mr. Yeager shouldn't count on the government to bend-over-backwards to serve him. It's the will of a higher power that challenges his daughter mortality...not the government. "

" ...unless you have a good reason to be let out. This is one of the consequences of breaking the law. Is it worth the risk? Apparently Jason felt it was. Keep him in prison. It might serve as an example to others considering a life of Meth [I doubt it.] But, he did the crime.....do the time.

And how many of the posters here are also crying about crime that is out of control? "

" let him be with his daughter until her timme comes then let him finish the rest of his sentence after her funeral. i have seena lot of other people get preferential treatment when they had committed crimes of a far more serious nature. "

" What a sad situation for this little child. I have two little girls and I will say that I would do anything for them including staying out of jail so I had all the time I could be granted with them. This man had a choice and he chose drugs as an alternative. The sad part is the little girl needs her. I agree he should get to go home to be wiith her and she should rest in eternal peace not suffering because of a human being said she could NOT be with her father while she dies! This makes me so sick at heart for this child.Some one also needs to make a stand for the mother as well as she needs as much support in this as possible!!! "

" Dear Mr. Cheney,
I know of a drug dealer who thinks he and his family are more important than every other drug dealer that has been convicted. He has received special treatment in the past, so it should be no big deal to bend the rules just a little again. I know he is really sorry, but unlike every other drug dealer who has a family, his family really wants him out of prison. It's only fair that this drug dealer gets one last break.
Signed,
Bleeding-heart liberal from Nebraska "

" This is about helping out a little girl, not punishing her because her father got involved in drugs. Maybe our country shouldn't have such DRACONIAN drug laws and this wouldn't ever happen (think rehabilitation instead of punishment).
Besides, plenty of people have used drugs and those that have been lucky enough to avoid getting caught (think G.W. Bush and Barack Obama) have gone on to be decent citizens (depending on your political leanings) "

" This child didn't choose for her dad to do meth and go to jail. This little girl doesn't even understand it. He isn't a hardcore criminal, he is willing to comply with anything after his daughters time. Have a heart people. Let this man see his little girl go to heaven. God does things for a reason, trust in the Lord. I pray that this family gets the answer they want. We are not one to judge, God will judge us in the end. Many many many prayers for the young father in not only seeing his daughter but prayers for his recovery to a better road in life. Prayers for the little girl and I hope she doesn't have to suffer. May God reach down and comfort her in her last days, with her father safely by her side. "

" WOW, alot of emotions. May all of us who judge this man come in front of our father on our judgment day. Hope you know where you will be.... I pray for you Jason that you are there beside your daughter as she leaves this CRUEL world. Hold your head up and know that you do not cry alone. "

" If I put myself in his situation I would not expect to be released from prison just because things outside of prison have changed! Hello, maybe he should have thought about this before he decided to get involved in illegal activity. It is probably the best thing that ever happened to him to be thrown in jail, and if he realizes the value of a free life, hopefully he won't destroy his and get other people hooked on drugs when he gets out. Our society doesn't understand the cause and effect relationship of our bad decisions anymore... no wonder moral decay has a prominent grip on society. "

" As I understand it, Mr. Yaeger was sentenced to 5 years, has served most of the sentence, is being housed in a minimum Federal detention facility, and is scheduled to be transferred to a halfway house in August.

The federal sentencing guidelines as to how it applies to how much time a defendant convicted in Federal court must serve is quite different compared to the time a defendant has to serve who has been convicted in state court. A defendant will do more calendar days in the federal system than the state system.

All indications here are that Mr. Yaeger is considered low risk or he would not be serving his time in a minimum detention center.

I must tell you that since I first read this story that Jayci has been a constant on my mind. I have written your U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel, President Bush, VP Cheney, and the director of the federal bureau of prisons to ask for some leniency here.

Surely someone will intervene on Jayci's behalf and allow her father to be with her until her situation dictates otherwise. It is the humane, compassionate, and proper thing to do.

In the meantime, please pray for this child and ask God to comfort her that she not be in pain.

M.J. Larsen
Chief Deputy
Titus County, TX Sheriff's Office
Mt. Pleasant, TX "

" Are they at home when their child/parent/grandparent/best friend gets sick? He's been allowed to come see her. I agree... he should have thought about that before he did drugs. "

" Lets be real people this is about a little girl whose wish is to hug her father before she dies, there is no "do-over" for her, and has anyone considered the psychological effect it could have on her father long term if he is denied this, could it possibly make a bad situation worse? For Jayci LET HER SEE HER FATHER! "

" "i dont believe this man should still do his time in jail, but not to allow him to see his daughter one last time before she passes away would be a real harsh punishment. if i would put my self in his situation, i would do whatever it takes to see my child one last time before he/she passes away. people shouldnt always judge a person on what they do. maybe thats probably there only source of income and for them to provide for their family. if i was someone in charge i would let him see his daughter b4 she passes away and after she does i would have him finish his time" "

" I don't agree with him getting out early, he did the crime and should serve the time but THIS is a specific individual situation where he SHOULD be allowed out (under supervision of course) to see his daughter. It's just wrong to deny him this last chance to spend time with her. It would be different if it was his parent or grandparent or any other relative - this is his daughter and parents shouldn't outlive their kids, this is a special case and should be treated as such. "

" I'm typically a hard-nosed, anti-hug a thug kind of gal, but they hit the soft spot here. Let us not forget who is truly suffering right now: Jayci. Not only is she dying at such a young age, but she's being denied the only thing she wants, her father. He's in prison on a drug charge, not murder, so let him out long enough to comfort his daughter before she's gone. It's not a favor to Jason, it's for a sick and dying child. How heartless have we become? "

" I usually don't side with the criminals, but this time, I must say that certainly worst travesties have been committed by our justice system than to let a man see his dying daughter...or to look at in another way, to let a dying daughter say goodbye to her father. If the guy had committed murder, or something of that nature, then I wouldn't have as much sympathy for him. However, in this instance, there's no need to punish the daughter as well. Throw him back in prison afterwards, but let him have these fleeting moments. A happy medium exists, we must find it. "

" BTW, is it not possible that this girl's illness led her father into such a depression, that it may have been the underlying cause for the crime he committed? I don't have kids, so I can't even begin to imagine how I would react if a doctor told me that my daughter is terminally ill, and that she'll never reach the age to drive a car, to dance at her senior prom...to truly live. How devastating that must have been...I'd say that we should put ourselves in his shoes, but how can we? "

" Sad... This is all about the addiction and loss of all priorities, morals and common sense. Comments don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
This guy could see the condition of his daughter. His mind knew the path out. But finding the path out is not as simple as a couple of words making up a sentence.
So I find it hard for those typing here that have never lived in the blackness of an addiction to step back and look from the otherside. Then go seek out a friend that you know who has lived with the black and raw feeling of an addiction (and meth is hardcore) and ask them what that grip feels like.
There are more nights that I could see my life falling further into hell and the core of my being slowly being destroyed as I lay chained to the abyss of an addiction that I was absolutely powerless to.
Should he be allowed to see his daughter? If you know the feeling I stated above, then you know the answer. "

" maybe he should have thought about his daughter and family while he was out doin meth. if he would have, maybe he wouldnt be in federal prison! he made the choice to do drugs, pay the time. there are people everyday in prison who have family and best friends die, they havent been released, why should he be treated any different? "

" i've heard everyone making excuses for this Father/Criminal. HE WAS A DRUG DEALER he not only used the drug, he sold it to your childern,frends, etc. SORRY for his situation, keep the visiting as it has been in the past, but DO NOT let this low life DRUG DEALER go free "

" I too am usually the type to say let him do his time!! But Im sure this father would gladly add on another 5-10 years just to be with his dying child. My heart breaks for his daughter. I do hope that they let him go be with her. As was said earlier I believe that all cases should be looked at on a case by case basis. God bless Jayci. What I am not understanding is if they have let him out to go see her in the past what is the big deal to let him be with her know. Do you people not have hearts at all???? "

" For those of you who condemn and judge this man . . . you had better be prepared to take a good, long look in the mirror. So many righteous people whom opine blindly that if a person breaks a law, then they must be prepared for any contingency--no matter how strict, harsh or cruel. Nor whether it fits the crime itself--are sad examples of why this world cannot change. Parroting useless phrases like, "if you can't do the time, don't do the crime" or "drugs not only hurt the addict, but those around them as well" only serve those who use them to figuratively pat themselves on the back and validate their own insecurity. Suffering is not a form of useful or equitable punishment. It is hateful, inhumane and cruel. And those who support it or wield it are just as bad, if not worse, than those who receive it. To the pathetic flock that follows the rest blindly . . . you all would see this as just and fair to deny a dying girl's last wish to see her father and say goodbye in person, if only because (in the common rationale) it serves a higher purpose that the inmate father is responsible for? Then all those lost souls are indeed blind and inhumane as well, with eyes glossed over with anger, hatred, fear and vengeance. Your lack of compassion is staggering . . . though you would give it freely to those you judge worthy. THAT is truly heinous, and dare I say . . . truly sinful. That is so sad. "

" i'm very sympathetic to this little girls situation, but i found it interesting that nowhere did i read that she wants him at her side. what about mom? i doubt jayci is alone in this. could it be that mom doesnt want the deadbeat dad around her child. i'm amazed that anyone would take any steps to free this guy provided only the information contained in this article, which quite frankly leaves me wanting facts about this case. many made assumptions that he isnt violent, that he's ready to be out only because his daughter is dying. while that's a darn sad fact it doesnt justify clemency. to those suggesting we should judge this man well you couldnt me more wrong. God's teachings tell us not to judge another person's soul, but we certainly can and should judge their actions and hold them accountable. "

" This is in regards to some of the comments below. Not letting this man be with his daughter while she id dying is a certain crime! The people who said, if you can't do the crime don't do the time or agreeing with the decision not to let him see her is fair? Really? You people need to take a compassion pill! I would hope when you meet your Maker that you won't be judged as harshly as you are judging this man right now. People make mistakes and this girl should not suffer for his. Not only that he is at the end of his sentence. Give this little girl one last moment with her father. "

" there is justice and there if vengence...true, if you do the crime, you do the time...but a dying child does not have an adult mind to ration "the way things are". justice would be to allow the father to have a escorted visit until the child passes...then that time is added on to his sentence...that is justice...vengence is denying an innocent child dying wish because of the sins of her parent. "

" I do not agree that it is fair. Why have the exceptions for extraordinary cases - if it is not a possibility? Clearly this situation should fall within that exception. This family was given hope that dad and daughter could be together. This warden is not acting on principles - he is on a power trip. Hopefully, the attention that is being brought to this sad situation can help this family. Too bad he wasn't a figure in the media in the first place. He probably would have never gone to jail. Where is the justice in any of this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and this innocent little girl. "

" I pray to god that this dying child is able to see her father. She is suffering enough and deserves to have her wish granted. This case and this warden sickens me and makes me wonder about the values of our country.



"

" Sometimes I wonder if folks who comment even read the entire article? "Yaeger says he’s not trying to get out of his sentence." He wants to comfort his dying child. Then right back to prison. A little girl wants her father while she takes her last breath and only heartless morons would post "if you can't do the time don't do the crime." Besides he is being transfered to a halfway house in a few months anyway!!!! "

" I don't believe the warden has the power to just let him go. you people think the warden has all this power. yes, he can give extra visiting time, even extra visits. and if the family wants to pay for it. they can pay the money for the security to be with him while he is out on these extra visits approved by the warden. I do believe that only the president or a federal judge can pardon or reduce his sentence, but i could be wrong. and for you people that say we should take a step back and look at our own lives and see how it would feel to be there. Well guess what take a reality pill, most of us aren't drug dealers, or addicts and have our lives together enough that we don't worry or think about doing things like that. and untill that day comes, i'll keep my opinion....because its mine, all mine....take it or leave it end the end you nor I will make the decision, or even have a say in it. today this family gets crapped on, tomorrow there will be another to take their place and others to try to champion their cause "