now in Canada, what next?

Subject: now in Canada, what next?
From: Alice
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 05:40 PM

3:30 pm Mountain time, I just heard that two students were shot in a school in Alberta. genocide, bombing, children shooting children. I am going to have to sign off for awhile. This madness is overwhelming.

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: SeanM
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 05:58 PM

As much as I hate to say it, I think that what may be happening is a small fringe of the disconnected, abused and otherwise abused students are taking advantage of the Colorado tragedy as an excuse to vent... some violently, some through sick and twisted references and graffiti, and other ways.

I read in the paper today several stories of students being banned from school because of the 'profile' that they fit, others for wearing trenchcoats, and still others for no discernable reason beyond the vicious rumors of other students (see the Colorado threads for a particularly disturbing story regarding one of our own Mudcatter's kids). Still other stories noted an outbreak of students threatening to go on a rampage of their own, and grafitti attacks on schools that shut them down due to the fear that was caused. Students are voluminously quoted as saying that they too have felt like doing what the poor disturbed kids in Colorado did, but refrained due to lack of opportunity, social pressures, or what have you - although none of them seem to have stopped just because it's WRONG.

For my two bits, a lot of this seems to be a very urgent cry for attention. Having come from a broken home, raised in a suburb as a quintessential latchkey kid, and also having been an 'outsider', I can empathize with what all of these kids go through. In no way whatsoever do I feel that any of their actions are justified or 'right', but I think I know why they are doing them. I've been out of school for nearly a decade, but I still remember with stinging clarity the insults and abuse from other students, and always feeling like none of the administrators cared about me - they always seemed more interested in what I could do to make them look better and get more money for the school. With the lack of parenting that's afflicting most kids today, is it any wonder that a few bad apples get pushed over the edge? With the media now braying incessantly that the 'outcasts' are all to be feared as potential mass murderers, I fear that we'll see more Littletons as a result of these children deciding that they should fill the 'profile' completely, just for the attention.

Depressing topic, depressing views. God, do I need the music...

M

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: Matthew B.
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 06:13 PM

Alice and Sean, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm leaving right now to join my dearest friends and sing our hearts out until we drop.

The universe could use the extra joy.

M

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 10:53 PM

I didn't see this thread, so I thanked you for posting the sad news in the "Colorado" one Alice. It is truly a trying time.

rick

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: harpgirl
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 11:57 PM

dear dear Alice...The end of winter is a precarious time for most people...write me privately if you feel like it. I hope you are okay. It's tough to be so sensitive. None of us would survive if we thought deeply about all the tragedy in the world as much as there is...Some suffering can not be avoided and some can. Isn't that what the Buddhists say? We can not avoid suffering over these tragedies but we can avoid making others suffer. Samsara........fondly, harp

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 02:06 AM

At times like this, we have to keep reminding each other of all the good people there are in this world. It's easy to forget that most of life is quite wonderful. If we despair, it all looks bad.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: Banjer
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 07:19 AM

Just heard on this morning's news, here in Tampa, FL, two boys stole a car from one school and went to another school to attempt to run down one of the administrators. Seems they almost succeded, the man escaped with broken ankle. Could have been much worse I suppose....This Friday is the full moon, I am firmly convinced that it has an effect on many folk.

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: Sheye
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 05:34 PM

Thank you, Joe.

"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?" - Abraham Lincoln

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 05:56 PM

Shey, once again I'm addressing something to you directly. Ninety nine times out of a hundred I find quotes and long (fictional) inspirational stories uninteresting or only momentarily moving. but... You've definitely had some things to say here recently, and that is a great quote!

Subject: RE: now in Canada, what next?
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 08:06 PM

As one who used to be an EMT, yes, the full moon definitely has an effect! In the emergency room, we always knew we'd be busier then.

Someone reminded me it is important to focus on the good in children. The teen who holds the door open; who babysits for their mom; who leads the boy scouts; sings in a choir or band; does their homework. THESE children need the attention of the whole world for the positive things that they do. The media will continue to give the doom and gloom precidence until we demand better.

If anyone would like a copy of my editorial on the Colo. thing and how children need to be let to be children, first, I'd be happy to email you a copy, juts let me know. It will be in the Sunday edition, I think, of the Casper Star Tribune and in the Liberal Opinion Week, in a week or two. The Mudcat is mentioned, along with a couple of references to what a couple of Mudders said.

Thanks,

katlaughing