When You Think You've Heard It All

This is one of those, "what were they thinking," moments. I'm sure most have seen this in the headlines. A few weeks ago, in good old Harrold, Texas, a small town located just across the Oklahoma border, the school board decided to come up with legislation which will allow teachers to pack pistols starting this school year. You heard me correctly, teachers will be bringing guns to school. Is this like something from out of the wild west or what?

It is reported that the town has only one school with 110 students (first red flag). It has not been reported, however, whether the students who attend the school are of elementary, middle, or high school age. When you really think about it, I don't think it much matters. What does matter is whether or not it is the responsibility of school districts to instill paranoia in our children? What are our children learning from this debacle?

During an earlier interview, school superintendent, David Thweatt, justified the school boards decision by stating that the town of Harrold is near a highway, and is 30 minutes from the nearest police station (second red flag)-- leaving the students and teachers vulnerable. He further states that, "When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that's when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can't defend themselves?(third red flag) That's like saying 'sic 'em' to a dog."(fourth, fifth, and sixth red flag) Is it me, or has the guy totally lost his mind. Somebody needs to "sic" the dog on him and those other wackos who think this is such a marvel idea.

First of all, the town needs to get some law enforcement. Even the town of Mayberry had Andy and Barney. Come on guys, this is the 21st century. Secondly, let's say the school is attacked, how is a pistol going to stack up to someone with an arsenal of Ak47's and ammunition? Let's see, maybe, after intense planning to blow away half the school, the assailant will have second thoughts because teachers carry pistols Or, maybe he'd simply die from laughter. Does the school board and superintendent really think that by allowing teachers to carry guns to school such attacks as the ones that occurred at Columbine and Virgina Tech would be prevented? Is it really a teacher's responsibility to act as a law enforcement agent?

I dunno, call me stupid, but for obvious reasons, let's just say I think this is a really bad idea. I don't know about you, but I am highly concerned about one of these guns getting into the wrong hands -- namely a child. The death rate amongst youth, due to gunfire is steadily growing. What concerns me even more is the possibility of a teacher using a gun as a means of discipline.

Now to be perfectly honest I have not yet read the logistics of this legislation. But a few questions come to mind as to how this all will be carried out. First, will the teachers actually have guns in the classroom while students are there? 2) will the teachers have to go through mandatory gun safety courses? 3) what security measures have been put in place to ensure that a student does not get access to a teachers gun? 4) will each teacher be psychologically tested?

These are just a few question that immediately came to mind. I am sure that you have many others. I would really like to get some feedback on this one. Let me know whether you agree or disagree with this school board's decision and rationale.

Eigth Grader Arrested in Hate Crime Shooting

On Tuesday morning, during his first period class, a 14 year old eigth grader from Oxnard, California's, E.O. Green Junior High School, shot and rendered a fellow classmate brain dead. The young accused is being charged with committing a hate crime, and is expected to be tried as an adult. He is facing 25 years to life. Although details are still sketchy, it is alleged that the suspect shot his classmate because he was sometimes known to wear makeup. Unfortunately, and understandably, this story has been overshadowed by the dreadful shooting at Nothern Illinois University. However, from all perspectives, it is just as heartwrenching.

There are so many things wrong with this picture, I simply don't know where to begin. I guess the first question is, how can someone so young generate this much hate? Where did it come from? In my mind I have reviewed the extreme homophobia exhibited by our elected officials and the supposed stalwart pundits of God. But these are supposed to be adult issues, not those of innocent children.

Please don't get me wrong, I am in no way condoning what this young man has done. He is, I believe, old enough to know right from wrong, and should be made to face the consequences of his actions. But I have to question what role his family life, and an intolerant society played in his decision to virtually mortally wound a fellow classmate because he wore makeup. Although the victim survived, he is brain dead and living on life support. He is not expected to recover.

This is supposed to be the greatest and most tolerant country in the world. We constantly criticize those nations that have abhorent human rights policies; yet, we consistently have these types of incidents right in our own backyards. The sad thing is that the hate we generate as adults is now trickling down to our much younger citizens. What is even more sad is that we as adults won't even give this issue a second thought until it hits home.

We've got to do better America. We are losing an entire generation to violence and hate. I hear the presidential candidates talk about a myriad of issues. I for one would like for someone to address the issue of how we will save our future. I want to see parents made accountable for their children's actions. I have teenagers, and you better believe that I ask the nosey, uncomfortable questions; meet the parents of their friends; drop them off at the front door of a friend's party; have them call me with updates; and set the ground rules parents are supposed to set. I may be a pain, but at least I know that I use all of my God given powers to assure that my children are my priority, and live a healthy existance.

I would like to send out my condolences to both families. When you really think about it, they both have lost children.