They said today would be the end of the world. Maybe the Earth won’t stop spinning, but it’s the end of the world as we know it.
Why? Because a week ago, a madman killed his mother and then broke into an elementary school and shot and killed six teachers and administrators and 20 children.
Fourteen years ago, the word “Columbine” would make people think of the beautiful flower with vibrant pedals in pinks, purples and yellows. But today, we associate that word with a mass shooting in Colorado blamed on video game violence.
Twelve years ago, the World Trade Center was something we all saw in the backdrop of movies and television shows. But with its collapse because of terrorist actions, new and stricter security measures were created for everything from water systems to airport luggage.
And a week ago, who even knew where Newtown, Conn., was located on a map or how to even pronounce it? Now we all live with the horror that someone could aim an assault rifle at a kindergartener and pull a trigger. And the world that we once knew is gone.
How will it change for the better? Will gun legislation change? Will there be more support for families of mental health patients? Will school safety increase?
We don’t know yet, but we know how this event has changed us.
There is fear. Many parents expressed fear in sending their children to school Monday morning. And many parents just didn’t send them at all.
And there is panic. Facebook posts from students across the state have been monitored and taken seriously. Schools have been locked down because of threats or perceived threats.
With every horrible event that occurs, there are always those who will take advantage of it. Do you remember the repeated bomb threats at schools and businesses following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11? Do you remember the hoaxes following the postal anthrax scare?
Hoaxes such as these are a disgrace to the memory of the 27 innocent lives taken on Friday, not something to laugh about on social media newsfeeds or to make light of between friends.
For once, we wish a tragedy would bring out the best in our youth. For once, we wish instead of giving into the fear and panic or even exploiting the fear and panic, something positive could come of the lives lost and the families broken. Vow to set aside 27 minutes each day to do something kind for someone. Volunteer 27 hours to a mental health facility. Adopt 20 angels from the Salvation Army Tree.
Make 27 paper snowflakes and send them to Connecticut PTSA, which is trying to make it a little easier for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary school to come back on Jan. 13. Snowflakes can be sent to Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514.
Anything but creating more fear or more to feel panic about.
Opinion
For once, can’t unspeakable tragedy bring out our best?
- Opinion
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Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
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We change — at least a little — after each attack
How well do we remember the world as it was before 9/11?
Do we remember what airline security was like? Life before the Patriot Act? What was the school environment like before school shooting at Columbine and Sandy Hook? -
Record-breaking years for Pierpont, FSU give students strong opportunities
When people make the decision to further their education — whether they’re going to college immediately after high school or heading back to the classroom after several years of being in the workforce — there are plenty of potential obstacles to consider.
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Sound policy would give coal a chance, not erase challenges
It’s no secret that the region’s coal industry faces challenges from many sides.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, through a report it began releasing last month, forecast that although total U.S. coal production is expected to rise after 2016, Appalachian coal will not. -
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring those who keep us safe
Today, all U.S. and West Virginia state flags will be lowered to half staff in memory of the officers who died in the line of duty, making this state and this country a safer place to live, for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
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Each and every day should be Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, from our neighboring city of Grafton, began the tradition that on the second Sunday of May, mothers and motherhood would receive a national celebration and recognition.
From those early local beginnings, Mother’s Day has evolved and become one of the most celebrated days of the year. -
Teens need co-pilots to navigate social media
It’s tough to be the parent of a teen.
Heck, it’s tough to be the parent of a preteen. Ten is the new 15 these days. Fifteen is the new 21. Kids grow up so fast, and we have to fight them every step of the way to make sure they’re not growing up too fast. It’s a constant question of whether something is age-appropriate and the constant response of “all of my other friends are doing it.” -
Proposed bill levels playing field for local businesses
The study of economics is vast, complicated and debatable on almost every point.
There are those who are conservative in their estimates when given all factors to calculate into a model. -
Move past baloney and continue quest to ensure students get meals they need
It’s time to move past the baloney ... or bologna ... or lack of same at school lunch.
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‘Relentless efforts’ made by teachers are appreciated
Each weekday in classrooms across the country, men and women stand in front of young minds that are waiting to be molded, looking to be inspired, craving the lessons that will help shape their futures.
- More Opinion Headlines
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Seizure of AP phone records is an insult to an independent press
