|
|
INDEPTH: TABER SHOOTING
Your letters
I am dismayed at the platitudes being put forth regarding this latest
outbreak of teen violence in Taber. I believe that theories claiming
children are being induced by video games, rock music and movies are red
herrings. I believe that the possibility that the real issue is being
ignored by so many people is truly unfortunate.
As a 37-year-old father of two kids in elementary school, I am very
concerned about this issue. I believe we all have the duty and
responsibility to ensure that our childrens' concerns are given the respect
they deserve. Unfortunately, this respect has been sadly lacking for
decades. But I have a deeper reason for my concern. I feel I have a
special insight into this issue for, in my youth, I nearly went down the
same road as the killer teenagers in Taber and Littleton.
When I was a young child, my family was on the verge breaking apart. My
father was an alcoholic and violent. I was terrified of him. I believe
that as a result of this, I became afraid of authority. I already had a
bed-wetting
problem when I first entered school in 1968. One day, after a few weeks,
my wonderful Grade One teacher refused to allow me to go to the bathroom
during class. Afraid of the possible repercussions of disobedience or
protest, I silently acquiesced. I ended up wetting myself right there in
the classroom. This was the beginning of a habitual problem and a lifelong
nightmare.
Since I became afraid to ask to be excused to go to the bathroom in class,
I began to wet myself repeatedly, often daily and even more than once in a
day. I don't know if my teacher noticed or cared but the other students
sure did. I shortly became the object of intense ridicule and harassment.
This continued on for the entire span of my elementary school years. I
vaguely remember some feeble attempts at solving the problem by my teacher
and parents but they didn't work.
Well, my mother recognized the bad environment I was in and took me and my
brother and sister away to Ontario when I was in grade two. Unfortunately,
since we were originally living in Quebec at the time, the laws there
favored the father in such disputes and, in the ensuing court case, my
Father gained lawful custody of us. That was it for my mother. I only had
visitation with her, every two weekends, from then on until I was old
enough to leave on my own.
We were returned to our father when I was part way through my third grade.
Unfortunately, things did not improve like they seemed they would during
the court trial. My father returned to his drinking, even wrecking a car
recently after re-gaining custody. His violence was not as bad when he was
drinking; however, as when he was sober. He once attacked with a dog chain
(the nearest convenient item) when he believed I disobeyed him.
The situation at school didn't improve either. Because my father was still
living in the same place, I ended up going back to the same school I was in
before my mother took us away. The students there remembered who I was and
the abuse and harassment resumed. The abuse by the other students
escalated to the point where I was actually afraid to go to school. I was
often attacked by several students, even kicked on the ground. One time, I
was forced to the ground by a group of about 7 kids; they forced my legs
apart to see if I had wet myself, then one of them kicked me there.
As a result of this unabated abuse and total ignorance by the school staff,
I began to become withdrawn, depressed, afraid and extremely angry. I once
spent two weeks home from school, truant, before anyone told my father.
Once he found out, however, he was not understanding. Forty strikes (I'm
not kidding, he counted!) on the buttocks with a heavy bath brush was the
solution to my truancy.
As life went on, I became numb. I began to really hate people and life. I
withdrew further into myself and began to develop deep fantasies.
I was never physically strong enough to protect myself from any of my
tormentors at school so I began to have fantasies of revenge. I used have
nightmares of fighting my attackers as they would do to me except that, no
matter how hard I tried, my punches would as weak as a baby and soft as a
pillow. This reinforced my daydreaming fantasies of revenge: I either
fantasized about obtaining superhuman strength, using weapons or leaving
the planet entirely.
The wetting myself at school eventually stopped by the time I reached high
school; although my reputation remained. It was nearly impossible to make
friends. I could not socialize with anybody popular or even normal. I
made friends only with other social misfits. I hated just about everybody
at school. Not just the tormentors of the years but the others as well.
Those who would just stand idly by while observing my suffering at the
hands of those who abused me and the teachers who did nothing when it was
obvious I was in deep trouble.
I was shunned by almost everybody. I was clothed poorly (my father spent
more money on booze and cigarettes than on our clothes), dirty, skinny,
greasy, shy and I avoided any situation that had even the remotest risk of
physical confrontation. My fantasies, however, were as plentiful as ever.
I dreamed incessantly of revenge. I wanted to make everyone suffer in
return for my suffering.
It is most fortunate that I did not have access to any weapons that would
have enabled this revenge for I now surely believe that I would have used
them.
My father was not a hunter and I knew no-one else who was or would have had
firearms. Believe me when I say that if I did have access to such weapons,
in the state of mind I was in during those years, especially as I
approached my teen years, the temptation would have been too great to
resist. Nothing would have been more attractive than the ability to attack
from a safe distance; to be able to destroy those who were destroying me
without putting myself at further risk of physical harm and humiliation.
Sounds pretty crazy, huh? Well, I probably was going crazy.
I would like to point out at this juncture, that I was never inspired by
video games or violent movies for I was never exposed to them at that age.
Video games and VCRs didn't exist at the time and I did not attend any
movies or watch anything that contained anything other than the lightest
most sterilized violence available on television (except for maybe Bugs
Bunny, but if a cartoon is going to be attributed to my situation, well I
guess I'm not going to make much of an impression with this letter). My
feelings of revenge and fantasies of violence were totally inspired by my
own unfulfilled wish to
be accepted by society and my deep anger at being rejected and abused. I
knew what a gun was and what it could do without ever actually having seen
one in real life, having watched "Rambo" movies or having played "Doom".
I am now far removed from that horrible past and a parent of two children
in a struggling but intact marriage. My children are much happier than I
ever was, however, because, in spite of some marital strife in their
family, they have never been abused and are loved deeply. They are not at
this time ridiculed in school and have a fairly normal school life. This
is not to the credit of the school or other parents and I am seeing signs
that, if not for our love and support, life could very easily become
extremely difficult for them:
This is all true. I have had a keen interest in the recent events in
Littleton, Colorado and now Taber, Alberta, because I can relate. These
events have triggered a cold recollection in me. I don't condone the
actions of these killers but, to be honest, I sympathize more with the
perpetrators of these crimes than the victims. As a matter of fact, I
really believe that the murderers are actually the victims They are the
victims of a crime that has been inflicted upon them from the time they
were born. The people they shot were merely collateral damage. I know
this is hard to accept and may be offensive to many but it is what I
believe to be the truth.
We have been blaming these school killings on a whole plethora of cultural
issues such as television, video games, the internet, comic books,
music, clothing styles and movies. Is this where the root cause of this
problem actually lies? No! Not in the media, not in the internet, not
with the entertainment industry, not with dark clothing and trenchcoats!
The responsibility lies squarely with the parents and teachers of these
troubled youths and their tormentors.
We must abandon the erroneous notion that children should be allowed to
resolve conflicts on their own without the help and intervention of parents
or teachers. "Let them work it out on their own" I always hear. That is
pure garbage. That doesn't work in the case of school bullies and certainly
never worked in my case. I suppose the kids in Littleton worked it out on
their own, the only way they figured they could!
If young children are not considered responsible enough to operate a motor
vehicle, or perform child care, or live without supervision, why should we
give them the responsibility to resolve conflict without our help and
guidance? Why do parents allow their children to abuse others and why do
teachers and principles allow such behaviour to continue under their
supervision. Why should we allow vulnerable children and young people to
be abused and harassed when this would never be allowed in an adult
environment such as a workplace?
I am asking all parents and teachers this: How many of you have stood by
and did nothing, in your childhood, while you watched someone like me
suffer and are continuing this indifference today? How many of you are
ignoring signs from your children or pupils that they are suffering or
perhaps causing suffering? How many of you are perpetuating this
environment of indifference to prejudice and cruelty? When are you going
to take responsibility instead of passing the buck?!
I harbour a sincere hope that by paying attention to the problems of our
children, by keeping communication lines open, by respecting and being
sympathetic to their concerns, by relating to them honestly and by helping,
supporting them as soon as problems arise without dismissing or judging
them, and giving them the love and affection they need that they will be
spared from this terrible alienation.
- Allan Macdonald, Dartmouth, NS
Regarding your story about copycat incidents across Canada, one quote from that story says it all as to why we're in this mess in the first place.
Let me say, however, that I do applaud the spirit behind the following quote, but if we were to stop there, thinking a solution had been found,
we would be sadly mistaken:
"Eric Johnson says the solution lies in creating a positive school environment, with resources to help kids who are troubled."
As a parent of 2 teenage boys myself, with many friends who also have teenagers, I can say with certainty that a home filled with love and
standards during the formative years, combined with open communication, concern for the children's spiritual welfare, and the fortitude to make
the rules stick, is what society needs more of.
Unfortunately, a school system staffed with people who do not believe in these basic tenets, cannot, no matter how hard they try, build a
process that will turn things around. Of course, not proceeding with such an initiative would only serve to speed up the downward spiral. We
must, however, refocus our energies towards "home improvements."
- John Davis, Surrey, B.C.
To The Entire Lang Family & The Tabor Community,
First I would like to say that Jason's death has touched my life personally. I too have lost a son, no his death was not as tragic as Jason's, but
he's gone just the same. I feel for Dale, Diane, Matt, Angie and Mark Lang, not only because I now what they are going through, but they
are family! Although we were never very close, I have a large space in my heart for them.
My Father is Dale's first cousin Rod. I am Rod's
youngest daughter Michelle.
I myself have only recently brought Jesus closer into my life and what a wonderful feeling to have him in my heart.
I hope that all who have heard Dale's message can welcome Jesus into their hearts. I believe that Jason's death was not in vein, this tragic event
has sent the message the Jesus love's everyone of us. I have seen the impact that He can have on one's life. I plead to all that are reading
this, Jesus love's us unconditionally and has enough love for all of you, please except him as he excepts you.
To the citizens of Taber, I have seen your community come together and be there for the Lang family as well as those who are in need. I know
that your town will be safe once again and as you have all shown you have faith in Jesus and take back your community. For the young boy
that is still in the hospital I pray that his surgery was a success and that he is on the road to a full recovery. For his family my prayers are with
you and to just say keep the faith.
On Sunday May 2/99 I asked the Minister of my church to include Jason, his family , the town of Taber, as
well as the Jason's friend that is still in hospital, and the for the boy who stands accused of this tragic event and his family, to his sermon, as
well as my church prayer circle. We are all thinking of you.
To the Family of the young boy that stands accused and the accused. We are also praying for your family and your son. As Dale and his
Family has said, we are not angry toward your son or your family we hope and pray that you are able to be strong for what you will have to go
through. Turn to the lord as you will need him in your life, he will keep you strong and love you always.
God Bless You All. Your In My Prayers Always
- Michelle L. Bell, Oromocto, New Brunswick
My condolences and support to the parents in Taber.
I can't even begin to understand what they have and
are going through. I am a Canadian currently living
in New Zealand, and I never would have thought
that this sort of thing would have happened in Canada.
I was very impressed with the coverage the CBC
has had of the Taber tragedy. It covered what
happened, and how the town was dealing with it.
What it didn't do was try to assign blame, for
which I am thankful. From what I have seen of
the US media covering the Littleton incident,
they are focused on assigning blame to someone,
something, anything. With negative results for
many other children and teens across the US and
Canada.
However, we don't see that in Taber. What we
see are parents filled with grief over their
lost son, and also full of forgiveness for the
young man who took him away.
I hope that this also doesn't turn into a hunt
for the "geeks" like Littleton appears to have.
If you are interested in what is happening to
other students because of this, I would like to point
you to the excellent use of the Internet represented
by Jon Katz's "Hellmouth" articles on slashdot.org.
Why kids kill
Voices From The Hellmouth
More Stories From The Hellmouth
The Price of Being Different
You will probably find it a little hard to take all in
one sitting, I know I did. Probably because I saw
a little of myself in what the teens were writing.
While everyone is looking at the Internet as a
negative influence on children's lives, perhaps
you should look at how the Internet has provided
a community for them to talk about their problems,
and how these tragic events have affected their lives.
- Jason Pollock, Wellington, New Zealand
There were more differences between Taber and Littleton:
- the media was humbled in a positive way, and soon dropped their image
laden screens suggesting flames and bullets - in short, they did not
appear to be driven like american sensationalist, profit-driven media -
they showed some respect - now if they could keep that frame of mind and
cover issues relating to the common good of Canadians and the world
with a view to informing not manipulating, or toting the corporate
agenda of transnationals and profiteers maybe the 'broken society' that
Rev. Lang spoke of could begin to heal.
- the politicians had their eyes open and their mouths closed for a
change, which I appreciated because I didn't even want to see them at
all! At least I didn't hear any asinine comment such as Clinton made
as he bombs Kosovo back to the 19th century - that 'we have to teach our
children not to solve conflicts with guns'.
- Rev. Lang, a grieving father, rose above his own grief to reach out
to his community; rather than lining up lawyers as appears to be
beginning in Littleton.
Rev.Lang is right, we have a 'broken society' that needs healing. Not
only was he right in speaking about 'taking back his school and
community', we need leadership to 'take cities/provinces/country back'
from those who wish to make private profit from public assets - treat
humanity as consumers, capital or resources rather than citizens or
patients. Corporate bullying should be exposed by the media for their
tactics, but they seldom are. For example, Monsanto and other
biotechnicals trying to ram their product into countries that should
have the right to "Just Say No"! Split-run magazines, etc.
It is a pity, but our government seems to have forgotten our roots and
the hopes that we had in Canada for going a different direction than
survival of the fittest - and trying to encourage the world to do the
same. Instead, we have a media that has become so one-sided that it
might as well not exist, and a political structure that can be swayed
far too easily and political positions with far too much power.
If bullies and arrogance are 'the way', why is it such a surprise that
it spills into every segment of our society?
- Joan Leslie, Calgary
Late on Monday night, May 3 I watched the memorial service for Jason Lang on
television. I sat in awe of the grace and love expressed by Reverend Dale
Lang as he preached a profoundly moving message in memory of his son Jason.
And I hold out hope that young people -- all people -- can be changed by the
life-giving message of salvation Reverend Lang preached.
As Reverend Lang
said, the problem of youth violence is a "heart problem." I look forward to
the day when the people of this great nation realize the depth of our
spiritual poverty. We certainly need to provide school-based counselling
and anti-violence education to our children, but somewhere on our path to
enlightenment we discarded our faith in the God whose love was expressed so
eloquently by Reverend Lang.
- Bradley Dorrance,
London, Ontario
My name is Meghan Kooyman. I am a 14 yr. old student from Milton Williams. Just 2 weeks ago we had the gr. 7 & 8 band from D.A. Ferguson Middle school (a joint school with W.R. Myeres,) here on a band exchange. Just weeks before that we'd been there visiting. Infact my billeters stepfather is a law enforcement officer in Taber.
This is just shocking, it's hitting way too close to home. Taber is a town where everyone knows everyone. I don't understand why it could happen there. I can't explain how much horror and confusion I feel over this.
The kids there are wonderful and ordinary. They don't deserve this. People can blame it on all the publicity the colorado shootings recieved, but that's not it at all. Yes the kid may have been spurred on by the publicity that that shooting recieved, but that wasn't the whole reason behind why he did it. Kids aren't that stupid. Most of us can tell the difference between real and fake violence, right and wrong. It's not fair to suggest that just because we see somsthing we are going to go out and re-inact it.
It's quite obvious to me that this kid must have had something wrong with him. I think we need to look at making help more available with less accusations for people that need it. If I went up to my counsellor and said I was going to kill someone what do you think she would say and do? I would be even more ostracised by everyone if I did that. I feel great sorrow for the family and friends of Jason Lang.
If you could please consider reading this and sending the kids in taber the message that their "band buddies" do care for them and wish to express their extreme sorrow that something like this had to happen I would be much obliged. As well though, maybe we should give Taber a little time to grieve alone away from the eyes of the press. I'm sure they would appreciate that.
- Meghan Kooyman, Calgary
My heart goes out to the town of Taber and to the parents of all the
students involved. It's particularly shocking when an incident like
this happens in such a small town in our country.
As a Canadian now
living in New Zealand, I was proud to think that such a thing could not
happen in my country. It's a shocking thing, but I think that the way
it has been handled by Rev. Lang and his family, the town of Taber
itself and the country as a whole should be commended. It takes a brave
man to say what Rev. Lang said, and it takes a brave community to go
back and revisit the place where such tragedy happened.
I'm proud of everyone who has shown such strength through this. I can
only offer my healing thoughts and feelings of sympathy though. I hope
the healing continues.
- Isabelle Hemmings,
Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
I am a high school teacher in Coleman, Alberta. I have been to Myers in Taber to watch my son play volleyball. This is
my last year of teaching as I am taking early retirement in June. Over the last 15 years, I have seen children changing. Most
are not being raised with a sense of right or wrong or a sense of morals anymore. Birth control is being taught over
abstinence. In my community, kids are not willing to buy birth control at the neighborhood drug stores because their aunt
or the neighbor or their mom's best friend works there, so they have illegitimate babies who will grow up neglected instead
of nurtured.
Children today are influenced by violent movies, television (including cartoons) and video games. How many times can
you watch people and things being blown up, stabbed, shot to pieces, run over, etc. before you become desensitized?
Parents are not guiding their children anymore. Mom and dad are both working and the kids are given 'things' to keep them
happy. They can go anywhere, do anything and are not accountable to anybody. Or they come from single parent families
with moms who remarry and put them second to the new husbands. They are pushed aside, and don't know where they fit
it with all the new and old relatives. They hang out with other hurting peers, experimenting with drugs, sex and alcohol.
Am I exaggerating? Just listen to a conversation among high school kids, all under 18, on a Monday. They talk about how
high or how drunk or how sick they got on the weekend.
In the schools, there is no recourse if they swear at the teacher or each other. They call down other students, push them
into lockers as they walk by, and laugh at those who are weaker or different in dress and manner. I have seen the number of
students who behave this way gradually increase over the years. I genuinely feel sorry for those young people who are
quiet and have manners and have caring parents. The school must be a scary place to some of them.
One of the units I have taught over the years in grade nine art is a cartoon module. This year I was unable to get the
majority of students to use humour without violence. They think violence is funny. They watch it on South Park and in the
theatres. Their music speaks violence. They watch NATO kill women and innocent babies as a solution to stopping the
violence in Kosovo. In their cartoons they wanted to stab and injure and hurt characters. They found it funny. Kids talk
about killing the neighbor's cat, enjoying the act of gutting a deer after shooting it, and looking forward to the next episode
of South Park to see how Kenny gets killed this week. What is so funny about a little cartoon boy getting killed every
week?
I don't know the answer to all this. It is not a simple answer. Society has gradually changed to this place we are in now.
Parents need to discipline their kids and show them love and give them their time. Movie, television and video game
producers need to be boycotted so they change the message from violence to humour or old fashioned family values. Look
at the people - young and old - who think soap operas are real life! They have become real life!
The schools need to take control of their classrooms and not allow students to be rude to their peers and their teachers.
Parents should be made accountable when students hurt others at school - verbally and physically. The more we allow, the
more the limit is pushed farther away. It is time for zero tolerance.
The news media should not descend on these current tragedies like vultures to the smell of blood. The almighty story
can be told in a factual manner, not glorified. To hound people on the streets of Taber for a comment is callous. Why ask
how they feel about what has happened? What a stupid question! They feel terrible, and shocked and are hurting. These
people need to grieve. Privately.
And most of all, people need to make a place for God in their lives. The farther away from God that society moves, the
more depraved society becomes. I will not miss teaching, with the cutbacks and abuse from the government. But there are
some children I will miss . . . the kindhearted ones, the ones who are not popular, but once you get to know them are very
special and have so much to offer the world. More and more they are becoming the minority. Unless people unite and make
a conscious effort to stop the violent trend, it is only going to get worse.
- J.L. Robinson, Coleman, Alberta
The shootings in Taber are the result of a Spiritual Battle that is old as this earth. The battle between the kingdom of God
and the Kingdom of Satan. Satan hates human beings because we are created in the likeness and image of God. We are
eternal beings that are created to belong to the family of God. Unfortunately Satan realizes that time as we know it, and his
time, is almost up.
We are approaching that great day when Jesus Christ will part the eastern sky on his return visit to the
earth. He is coming back to redeem the earth and its inhabitants to God. When he does he will crush all opposition to his
dominion. In the meantime Satan is working overtime to discourage human beings into believing that there is no hope, that
the future is hopeless and that the negative and destructive events displayed in the earth will touch and affect everyone.
His utmost seed of despair that he wants to get through to us is that there is no help for us. Especially not from God. He
wants to remove the expression of faith in God from the public forum. In this he seems to be effective because the world at
large is totally unaware that there is a spiritual battle for human souls. Hell was created for Satan and his demonic followers,
not for humans. But Satan wants to make hell your home and mine. There is however hope for humanity. Jesus has shed
his holy sinless blood to redeem us from sin and the power of death. Whosoever believes in Jesus the Son of God, has
eternal life. They have been delivered from the power of darkness and have been adopted and redeemed into the family of
God. They have become joint heirs with Jesus Christ and will inherit the kingdom of God. This freedom from the power of
Satan is the secret that is kept from the bulk of humanity. They are caught up in a war for their souls. The evil intent of
Satan is to decieve humanity into missing the Message of God's Hope and Provision he has given to the world through
Jesus Christ.
To the people of Tabor, Alberta may God continue to pour out his
love and his mercy to you and may this horrible act of Satan draw you closer as a community and cause you to be even
more determined to believe in God's kindness.
- Frank Hanks, Red Deer, Alberta
In this letter I am hoping that not only can it help, but have people see what I have to say and think about the many things that are
going on in this world as we know it. For all those that don't know who I am and those that might. I leave peace and tranquillity to
those who had loved and known Jason Lang. I also extend this sorrow but helping hand to those involved in the Colorado shooting.
I am a student who is 16 years of age. I feel that not only has our media blown this thing out of proportion but that these events
should not have ever been covered on National news. The reason that I say this is because I come from a small town in Alberta.
Much similar to Tabor. Maybe even smaller. But as I see it every person in my hometown in which I have know all my life has come
to know mostly every aspect of these shootings. The thing that is a concern are people in my school are say extremely rude things
such as "What would u do if I came into school tomorrow and did the same thing?" Many of our teachers here are beginning to
become paranoid of the things that this is bringing about. These events that have happened in Colorado and Taber are tragic events.
All I ask is that the media should not get so involved into this. My main concern is that children are watching the news with their
parents are getting more then they bargain for. Many feel that "Hell, that person did it why can't I ?" I don't blame the media for
letting parents know what some children might be thinking but to allow children to watch this. This isn't right. I myself can interpret what is going on but many children my age might take this to other extremes and react differently.
I am a person who cares greatly for the friends and family of those killed, I express my sorrow and sympathy for them greatly.
Such as today while I was in school. My principle at 11:00 came onto our intercom and asked that all students rise and take a
moment to think about what had happened in Taber. I don't find this in anyway over doing anything. But as many might not know or
do want to know. There are lots of people that do care about people my own age. It is amazing that it takes the death of teens before
anyone expresses some sorrow for those killed. Many people view teens as a wild bunch of yahoos. Until someone dies everyone's
perspectives change. And for those that see people my own age as humans also. I give them my thanx. Now as I am going to do
right now is take another moment to end this short message that might help people see that what has happened is a extremely sad
thing and needs time to heal. Thanx for anyone's time in reading this. If it doesn't make sense I am sorry for trying.
- Brent Hoff, Provost, Alberta
It's time to stop giving society access to all of the bad things which seem
to dominate our televisions, radios and news stands! I am appalled by the
attention that the media gives to so many negative news topics in general.
I
really believe that the reason kids get into so much trouble is partially
due to the things they view on television, be it news, movies, sitcoms,
cartoons, etc., as well as all the trash that is in their view, via
magazines and books when they go to the corner store.
The internet is too easily accessed by children. Parents really need to
monitor what their children are viewing on the computer. If parents aren't
going to take the time to preview things before allowing children access to
things they really shouldn't see, then these parents really need their
heads
examined!
Recently, I said to my husband after looking at yet another front page of
our local newspaper,
"Wouldn't it be nice to wake up to a newspaper that had some good news on
the front page for a change!" I have a hard time allowing my teenaged son to read the paper.
As parents of four children, it breaks our hearts to see such violence and
crime constantly within our society. I don't believe we have to shelter
our
children from everything, but if we don't look out for our children and be
their best advocates, then who will?
It's time for schools to take a stand. They need to reinforce what I would
hope most parents are teaching at home. Peer pressure is way out of
control.
You have to have the right jeans, runners, shirts, hairstyle, skate board
or
bike and the list goes on and on. Most parents can't even meet these
demands
financially, or like myself, they refuse to. What ever happened to the days
gone by, when a kid was just a kid and he or she were happy to get just
about anything?
Why do we as a society think that keeping up with the neighbours is so
important? What are we teaching our children by always having to have the
best of everything? When we put so much pressure on ourselves, imagine the
example and the pressure that we put on our children, even if we don't
realize we're doing it. Both my husband and I, like so many Canadians of
our
generation, should give our parents alot of thanks for raising us the way
they did. I grew up in an affluent family with six other siblings. My Mom
never worked. Although my parents could have handed us everything, they
chose to teach us a very important lesson instead. We had to work for the
things we wanted! We helped out in the family home by doing chores. It was
not something one complained about, it was just something one did! Chores
at
home were just a way of life. By the time my siblings and I were either 16
or 17, we all had our first real job. Saving for a car, or school, or our
own pocket change, were the rewards for our hard work. My parents always
taught us never to interrupt someone when they were talking. We always
referred to adults as Mr. or Mrs. and not by their first names. I am 36
years old and I still call some of my parents friends Mr. or Mrs. Not only
were we taught to respect ourselves, but we were taught to respect others.
Getting kids today to a job at the age of 16 is one thing. A lot of kids
won't even work for minimum wage though, because we as a society have
dictated to them that they "can do better." Most kids today call adults by
their first names. Where is the respect?
As Canadians, we need to all work together for the betterment of all. There
needs to be better regulations for what is accessible to us as a society on
television and through the news stands and internet. As parents we need to
remember what we were taught because our kids deserve to be brought up by
responsible adults.
- Maureen Hobden, Calgary
Perspective, quiet courage and the inspiring love of a father and a
great, great teacher. Those are the qualities demonstrated to us from
Taber. Save your rantings about the media and gun laws,the answers are
much closer and more personal. The answers to these school tragedies are
found in today's sermon. It is my fervent hope that people will listen
to Reverend Dale Lang. I hope people everywhere will come to realize
that the real solution does lie in how we treat each other and how we
help each other in our lives.
To the desk at CBC Newsworld,"Thank You" for your decision to broadcast
the proceedings uninterrupted and without commentary. In doing so you
affirmed the value of a public broadcaster who recognises it's duty and
obligation...and how it can be a conduit for the common good. I hope the
public recognised that Newsworld reran the sermon in the post dinner
time slot so workers and students had a chance to see and hear such an
important message. It was not lost on me how such a remarkable moment
would have been lost to the nation if it were not for the media.
Well done.
- Phil Kawasoe, Toronto
I am a mother of three little boys and am scared to death that this kind
of thing will not stop here , there is too much media coverage about all
of this and it is in my opinion giving out too many ideas into kids
heads. I think we should leave these people alone to grieve in privacy
the media does not need to be in these peoples faces. I went to school
in Alberta and remember a time where a friend was shot by police in a
high speed chase and he wasn't even the one driving but any way the
media was all around bugging people and family and i just dont think
that is fair, let's stop the violence by letting the families communtiy
and friends deal with this sensless crime in peace. And let these
children that had to die from such evil live in peace where they are now
and i do hope that they can have a good life with god where we all know
they will be safe and won't have to worry anymore.
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends
and the school. And pray that the boy who was injured will get better.
And i do believe we need to make the young offenders act more strict,
because do think getting a slap on the wrist for murder will help that
young boy learn or even feel any remorse for what he did.
These kids that use being bullyed and picked on for a reason to kill
really do need serious help, let's as a country start helping our
children now before it happens again, so that parents can feel safe to
put their children in school.
- Tammy Chamberlain, SpruceView, Alberta
Our little town has been devastated for the past few days and although
this is a huge tradegy we have come together in so many positive ways.
I opened my home to my son and his friends so they could be together and
grieve, laugh, whatever it took to get through this but I was not
prepared for what I witnessed today at the service for Jason Lang.
I know the media was not well accepted here but you can not tell me as a
human being that these press people and government reps couldn't help
but be overwhelmed by what Rev. Lang did for our community today. This
man put aside his grief to reach out to these kids and help them make
sense of this event.
What Rev. Lang did today should be seen by as many people around the
world as possible. You the media can share the bad news why not share
with the world what this man did for our community and start the healing
process.
- Lori Leigh,
Taber, Alberta
I watched Jason Lang's funeral on CBC today. We should all follow Reverend Lang's words. He is a man to be respected and admired. The
only true thing that will help our society today is what Rev. Lang said at his son's funeral. The problem is people's hearts. If all Canadians and
people of Earth took Rev. Lang's words to heart we would have a much kinder and better society.
The only true thing that will help our society
completely is the acceptance of Jesus as our Saviour. I believe Rev. Lang is right on the money because his word is from the Bible. God's word
is true whether people want to believe it or not. Nothing or no one will ever help our society like God's word can help. I pray more people will
take heed to this. I believe it's only going to get worse.
If our society continues on like this we won't last long. We all have a chance to take
heed to Rev. Lang's (God's) word. If we don't our society will be very sorry.
- Gloria Sihlis,
Calgary
I come from a small town, much like Taber.
We recently spoke in my Grade 12 history class about the recent high school shootings, both in Littleton and Taber. We came to
many different conclusions about why things like this are happening more often in today's society, but only one still echoes in my
mind - the media.
In all of its glory, the media, as we see it, can be a very powerful machine. It brings the world together. It has been there to see
great achievements and miraculous moments in our history.
The only problem is, that now, in our wonderful world of multimedia technology, where 500mhz isn't fast enough, we have
opened the world up to all who want to see it destroyed.
Yes, there are many extremely important situations in the world that deserve, or need, the attention of the media. They need to
have 50 - 100 cameras flashing photos, live feeds, and footage back to our humble living rooms. But the situations in Taber and
Colorado do not.
Copycats feed on information like this. They see troubled people, much like themselves, and say, "Hey I could do that...but
better."
The media should consider how to report on issues like this very carefully, because, coming from a small town like I do, I
know I wouldn't want a camera shoved in my face if one of my friends were to die.
Would you? How would you feel?
- Brian Cant,
Rossland, British Columbia
I think of what Ralph Klien came on T.V. and said after the Taber
shooting, and it really makes me think. The government has done nothing
but cut back on social spending and then he wonders how this could
happen in Alberta. Just try to get a troubled teen help. You get sent
from one government agency to another and because of the guidelines for
each department you are shuffled from one agency to another and seem to
fall through the cracks in all of them. Unless you have money to pay for
the help yourself, until something like this happens the help needed to
prevent this kind of event is very inaccessible.
It is a very sad state
of affairs when the government would rather take children out of their
homes because the mother doesn't keep the house clean enough which I
have seen happen to two separate individuals right here in Alberta,
rather than work with these mothers with the children being left in the
home. And then when a child is in real danger and reports are made the
system does nothing for them and they wind up dead..Where is the
justice...Unless more money is put into programs to help kids and these
programs maybe unified through one agency that could assess what the
needs are and then help the people obtain the help they are looking
for, I'm afraid we will continue to be outraged when the news reports
flash across the T.V. stating there has been a stabbing or shooting or
bombing in one of our schools.
How many people out there know that on the
same day as the shooting in Taber, there was also a knife fight in a
Calgary School parking lot, during school hours that sent 2 to
hospital?? Both of these boys could have died..By the lucky stroke of
the knife..neither did..But I guess it was there lucky day.
- R.Morrison, Silver Valley Alberta
My son was so bullied in school that we sold our home & moved, to no
avail.
His problem was that he was shy & small, and that I had taught him
that people were basically good and deserving of respect. I could not
comprehend that this treatment was allowed in school, and this was 20 years
ago.
Minorities are respected, handicapped are respected. There is no
respect in this society for the introvert and the dreamer, those who are
the seers in other societies.
It should be taught in schools that those persons who need to bully are the
ones with the poor self esteem. Then those who are unmercifully tortured
could stop blameing themselves. Kahlil Gibran said, "Tenderness and
kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of
strength and resolution".
Gentleness and kindness are viewed as weakness in our society, and so
the bullies are attracted.
My sympathies to the parents of the three youths, who have been going
through anguish for years.
- Fran Dale, Calgary
JASON LANG (a poem)
Now that you are gone
I will never...
known you
your dreams
your goals
you.
From the same town
Talked to you once or twice
To never know who you really were
It really hits home
School...
Community...
and all of us.
But to say goodbye
and wish you the best
and for you to see heaven
too early
too late
We know you will be safe
and we pray...
for your soul
that lives within our memories
[From someone unknown only to you now -
Danielle Ross, Taber]
I am a grade 10 student at Ernest Manning
high School in Calgary, Alberta. Myself and another student in my class
have started a group to petition the Calgary Board of Education to make
the school system introduce School uniforms in grades 7-12.
What we have
in mind is Uniforms that would be designed in a contest open to all CBE
students in Calgary.
The way we came to form this group was after a
discussion of the Columbine, and Taber Shootings, the bomb threats here
in Calgary and the machete attack at crescent heights high school, we
asked each other how can we prevent this in the future. We thought metal
detectors were a good idea but to time consuming, costly and drastic a
measure.
The school's only line of defense so far is to lock all
non-esential doors into the school. We feel this will not make a
difference in the amount of violence and harassment that is all ready in
the schools.
We are also looking for supporters and volenteers who would
like to explain our cause and circulate the petition door to door, at
work or school and places of business.
You can reach me at
stickynorth@webtv.net, 686-7190 or iweetman@hotmail.com. Please get the
word out to everyone you know.
- Ian Weetman, Calgary,Alberta
Incidents like the school shootings in Taber, Littleton, Jonesboro, Paducah
Kentucky and other places will continue until we make it absolutely
unacceptable for kids to taunt, tease, torment, and assault other kids.
When
a teen's life becomes unbearable and frightening, when he (it always seems to
be boys who last back violently at their tormentors) dreads each day and can
no longer face his hateful peers, the chances are pretty good that he will go
over the edge and kill either himself or others or both.
Now that this
"possibility" has been presented to our youth, more of these tormented kids
will act out this way until we put an end to the hate and hostility they face
in school.
- Kathy Worthington, Taylorsville UT
I am an expatriate teaching English to Japanese people in the Tokyo area. I was not shocked to hear of the deaths in
Colorado and only a little shocked to read of Canada's newest tragedy.
Even in Japan, one of the worlds safest places to live,
their are incidents of teen violence that are brought about by the desensitizing effect of violent video games and movies.
However since the Japanese have very tight gun control legislation the violence has been limited to knives and similiarly less
lethal weapons.
In one incident last year a youth tried to kill a policeman to get his gun but since the teen had only a knife the
attack was thwarted and the youth was subdued. In contrast the youths in the USA have access to firepower that is obscene.
If you look at the statistics of firearm related deaths between countries the USA stands head and shoulders above the rest
and Canada also is above many. I believe it is time to find workable, sensible, and cost effective solutions to the easy access
of firearms to children.
As a former highschool teacher I feel slightly uneasy about returning to that profession given the
recent upturn in violence by students.
Truly if we care about our children and society we must make rational choices like the adults we are rather than the
adolescent ramblings of groups like the NRA.
- Rodney Maki, Tokyo
The Taber shooting is a result of what we as a society have sown! After
all, when you consider the violent movies and television programs we
watch and the constant bombardment on families to lower their standards
is it any wonder why these things are happening?
Now we as a society are
reaping what we have sown which is; No respect for authority, hatred
towards others, desensitization to the shedding of innocent blood and
refusal to be accountable to the ultimate Authority which is God.
We
cannot stop what we have started!! It is too late to try to take away
guns from the bad guys, the damage has been done! I want to challenge
every Mother to begin to make a difference in their children's life. We
must start the healing process by taking the responsibility of raising
our children seriously which means ,we must realize that our children
come first! We must learn how to say No to jobs which will take us away
from our home and our responsibility as a Mother. The last thirty years
women have left the home and thier children to pursue jobs and careers,
not taking into consideration the affect it would have on thier husbands
and children.
We as Mothers have much to do in raising well ajusted
children in this crazy society. We can't continue to rely on schools,
teachers and government to put rules and regulations in place which will
safeguard our children! We must do it ourselves at home through example.
Yes Schools and teachers can be a place were our children learn and
grow, but in todays society WE the mothers and fathers must take full
responsibility for the raising of our children. Let's make a difference
in our kids lives!
- Cindy Hunter, Fort. Saskatchewan, Alberta
The recent school shootings that have plagued the continent are
shocking, cold blooded. Only one really scares me though. That one is
the shooting in Taber, AB. And it should scare me. I live just 5 or 6
hours from there, in a small town just like it. That town is Lacombe,
AB.
I attend high school here. I am a mere two years younger than the
Taber victims. I am 15.
When it happens that close in a town just like
yours, it can scare the life out of you. Just knowing it could've
happened here.
Now what else can I say. Not much, because what I would like to say, has
already been said by millions of people like myself,across Canada, and
the USA.
- Anthony Middag, Lacombe, Alberta
Gun control registration, laws telling people what
they can and cannot do and the like, will not work. We
should be taking the money being expended by the
Government on Gun Control registration, and other
ineffective programs, and come up with ideas of
getting "back to the basics"; i.e., promoting the idea
that people have to treat other people the way they
would want to be treated - with respect, always.
How do we teach people that all persons desire, want
and wish to be treated with respect. In the Old West,
when one person came upon another with a gun on his
hip, did that command respect - you bet. Do foreign
countries respect the USA not only for their
achievements but also for the power and weaponry that
they possess - again, you bet.
What we must do in the new millenium is find ways to
accomplish this basic respect issue. Some people would
argue that concealed weapon permits should be
available. If they are given to persons adequately
trained and lawfully licensed (similar to RCMP
officers) what really is wrong with this - it might
give criminals something more to ponder (i.e., is the
person armed or defenseless).
Also, there is such a thing as a "Citizens arrest". I
wonder how many people choose to not get involved
because they must rely on others (i.e., the RCMP) to
protect them. Why do the RCMP even have "weaponry" on
their person - is it because they recognize it may be
needed? Why should other law abiding citizens be
ridiculed for acknowledging this same fact?
Where are the church groups, the government, the
communities and the whole of society in general when
it comes to promoting this "basic respect" message. We
don't even have a basic course on interpersonal
relationships and communication skills in our
secondary school system.
This approach, in my opinion, would do alot to reduce
violence in general against all people, be it getting
a gun and shooting someone, road rage, or some other
violent act against humanity.
Scrap buraeucratic registrations systems, etc; if
people feel that angry about something they will do
dangerous things. Let's get to the root of the
problem: a basic lack of respect and/or caring for
others.
We must promote restraint, tolerance, common sense and
common decency; and, the government should provide
leadership and funds to effectively do this.
"Treat people the way you would want to be treated"
should be the order of the day for everyone
.
Also, the government should recognize that it must
trust its citizens and believe that its citizens will
do the right thing. The government should not be the
parent in a parent/child relationship - the government
should answer to the people - always.
- K. Weiss, Okanagan Valley
Did it ever occur to the producers of Newsworld, CTV-1, CNN and others that
the media plays an important role in enticing or preventing copycat killings
involving disturbed youth?
When the story of Littleton broke, American and Canadian media outlets alike
carried it well into the night and interviews continued for close to a week.
The headline rivalled even the Balkan crisis, took precedence over local
news headlines and postponed the regularly scheduled programming of many
networks. Eight hours later the story of a sleepy little town in Colorado
dominated the front page of close to every daily newspaper on the continent.
It will not be long, (if it has not happened already) until publications
like Time and Macleans recap the events for their readers.
To make matters worse, the immediate recognition and subsequent televised
address by President Clinton served to further sensationalise this atrocity.
Although it may have calmed the American public, Clinton's statements on the
night of the killings sent a very different message to troubled youth - and
judging by recent events in Taber, as well as threats in other parts of
North America, the message was picked up very well.
Put simply, to a troubled young mind there now exists no better way to
capture a nation's attention, receive a personalised address from government
officials and dominate every media outlet from Toronto to Tijuana than
shooting up, (or at least threatening to shoot up) ones classmates.
I submit that it will not be long until some bright child psychologist coins
the term 'Littleton Effect', and realises that to a young person starved of
attention and peer acceptance there can be no greater reward than the
(albeit demented) fame associated with this type of behaviour. If this kind
of catastrophe should happen again and the media spend yet another solid
week reporting it, the relationship is reinforced. This is not to say that
the mass media should not cover highschool massacres - clearly the public
has a right to know - but although to adults the level of attention devoted
to Littleton and Taber is considered 'responsible reporting', to troubled
youth it is considered justification.
- Aaron N. Jacob, Kitchener, Ontario
I live in hong kong, i'm a canadian from toronto. i dont get much news from canada but i wanted to share my condolances to the family.
-Nancy Artt, Hong Kong
So much is going on in the world right now. I am so confused that I
almost fear turning on the television. What will be next? The crisis
in Kosovo, and then the mass shooting in Colorado. Now, the tragedy in
Taber, Alberta.
I would like the people of Taber, Alberta, to know that I've just got
down on my knees and prayed that you will get through all this suffering
and pain. I pray for the friends and families of all those effected by
this terrible tragedy. My deepest sympathy to these people.
I think it is in excellent taste that NewsWorld has set up this web site
for people to write their feelings about Taber, Alberta.
- Barry Dean Wood,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
I am a Canadian living in West Palm Beach,
Florida. We are returning to Calgary after two years here. I was shocked on
Friday morning to hear of the shooting in Alberta. I had just told told a
colleague that I was happy to be returning to Canada where kids don't go into
schools on a rampage. This is another example of the effects of the
globalization of our world.
- Carla Atkinson, West Palm Beach, Fla.
I'm a single parent of a 17 year old boy and I just could not imagine
losing him at such a young age. I pray for the families of the young men
and women whose lives were taken in such a senseless manner.
Having said that I would like to get to the facts of all this chaos! Where
the hell are the parents here, do they not have a clue that their child is
depressed, that their child is being ridiculed on a daily basis, that their
child is in possession of weapons?
Please all parents everywhere, make time to get to know your children!
Think back and remember how hard it was to be a teen, even back in the
70's. Make damn sure they know that you love them, but also be strong
enough to decipline them. I good swift kick in the ass never hurt anyone.
- Jackie Dufault, Calgary
Firstly we would like to send our prayers to all the families involved
in this terrible incident. Not only to the families of the two boys who
were shot but to the youth who shot them and his family. You all are
suffering in different ways but suffering you are.
We also live in a small town and until the day of the tragedy I never
felt that anything could happen like this. Not in Southern Alberta and
certainly not in a small rural town like Taber. No, we were supposed to
be immune to such garbage. That happened in other places not at home.
Wrong. It happened and now every time a child goes out the door we as
parents and grandparents must be prepared for the thought that this may
be the last time we see them. Did you remember to kiss your child
good-bye and to say I love you. Do you know when the last time was that
you said this??? We all forget and just assume that the children know
that we care. Yes, we might have been there to see them out the door
but lets pray it wasn't for the last time.
As adults we can sit back and say oh it was the media coverage of the
Littleton incident or lack of parental supervision or any number of
other causes. We are all good at thinking up excuses
Violence leads to violence and the youth who shot Jason Lang had been
abused and bullied for so long.
There is no wonder in my mind that he
had had his fill of the ignorance and harassment he lived with in his
daily life. There is no real excuse for what he did but with all the
crap that this kid went through that he finally had reached his limit.
He blew. He lost it and yes now he will pay for it for the rest of his
life. Where was everyone when the bullying was taking place? Was
everyone just so overworked, overwhelmed and not able to see the time
bomb ticking. Are the schools so understaffed that teachers can no
longer assess the critical situations our youth are experiencing?
Maybe we all are responsible. We need to care about each other and we
need to see what is happening to our kids. They are the future and yet
through Government cuts and dissatisfaction with job situations we are
missing some important messages that are so blatantly obvious. A person
can only take so much.
Too often we tell the kid to ignore the bullies
they will stop but is this just an excuse so we don't have to expend any
energy and get involved.
It is about time we all started to get involved. Listen to your kids
and get in there and help them. Don't let another situation happen that
could have been prevented.
Again our prayers go out to all the families involved.
- De & Bob Matthews,
Bow Island, Alberta
I just read your latest news about taber... I'm a former Calgary resident (17years) and now live in Seattle.
I'm stunned that Taber would make the news (cbc.ca was where I first ran across the headlines) again for such a horrible tragedy. I have friends
and clients in Taber. I suppose when I know more about the details of how "copy cat" this crime in Taber was, I'll understand much better what
happened there.
The reason I was at cbc.ca on the 'Net was to see what the Canadian news perspective on the hopefully last nail bombing on London.
I found the audio clip of Tony Blair speaking about how he sees the situation and the outcomes and the possibilty for the future. He redefines
"patriotism" clearly and with conviction and motivation.
I ask you to listen to it. Some places in Canada (and so many other places) could really use a good listen to Mr. Blair's words. The first person
on the list might be Alberta's Premier Ralph Klein - to help him mend his ways against the gay communities of Alberta. He really needs to realize
how similar the discrimination against people of all kinds really is. (see London's Bombings).
I know the corn will grow again, and the clouds will fade again... in Taber. I just hope the healing begins soon and the changes that come from
this incident create a safer home for the people of that wonderous town of Taber.
With our prayers for all tonight,
- J. Steve Mayo,
Seattle, Washington
Sam and Cristina mentioned a very valid point about school bullies. (see letters below - ed.) I
too was ridiculed by bullies
during a greater part of my schooling in Cranbrook BC. I just wanted to
learn and because of that I was tormented almost daily in elementary and
junior high school and to a lesser degree, senior high school.
I too, had very evil thoughts about those who bullied me, but I never
acted on them.
I'm not in any way defending the horrible actions of the young offender
in question, but why must there always be someone or some people in
school who are ostracized or treated like pariahs to the point where
such terrible crimes are committed? When you hear of the unspeakable
attrocities that occur everyday in the world, why not try a little
kindness to one another? I'm speaking not only to school children, but
to adults as well.
In closing, my thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Taber. May
God grant you the strength and courage to overcome such a sad, terrible
event.
- G. Sherret, Calgary
It's been almost 5 years since my graduation. My graduation from W.R.
Myers. It saddens me to see how my school, the sanctuary of my youth,
in such a state of shock and horror. I still remember walking down
those same halls, sitting in those same class rooms. I remember being
the outsider myself, until I realized I had more than enough friends in
the handful I actually had. I didn't need to be popular. I even didn't
mind the ridicule I faced. At least I was noticed.
But now, I wonder what would have happened if I didn't have my friends.
I wonder, could it have been me that snapped? I think about it for less
than a heartbeat, then thank God that it wasn't me. I don't think I
would have had the guts. And I knew this 14-year-old didn't either, unil
he saw the Littleton incident so vividly.
I knew this kid. I went to church with him and his family. He was
always the nicest, politest kid. So what if he was a little shy, or a
little different? I thought he was like me, he didn't care what the
crowd thought. I guess I was wrong.
I don't excuse what he has done. No one can be excused for taking
another's life, especially a child. Jason Lang was not meant to be taken
from this world like that. No one is. His family, who was always a
strong part of Taber society, should not have to go through this. The
only consolation that I can offer is that they are not alone. They
have my prayers, and condolences.
Over the last few days, Taber's innocent reputaion of a little hick town
in nowhere, has forever been changed. No one will remember Taber as
the town with the sweetest corn, or the best Cornfest this side of the
world. It will not be remembered as a community that was like a family,
or a community in which you could walk through life without too much
fear. It will forever be known as the small town that was rocked by the
devastation of a disturbed young man, who defiled the sanctuary that was
W.R. Myers, and took another boys life. That is what saddens me the
most.
No on will know the good times that were had in those halls, and it
breaks my heart. I want the whole world to know that W.R. Myers was my
school, my home away from home. A place where I was on top of the world
and no one was going to bring me down.....But no one will know. Why?
Because once the violence is over, and the scent of ratings goes down,
no one will be listening and the Taber I knew will forever be lost to
the world.
But not to me, or to the thoudands of other students who graduated from
that sancuary into the unforgiving world. We will always remember it at
place where you were safe. A place where you went to learn and have a
little bit of fun. Okay, maybe some of us had more fun than we did
learning, but that's what highschool is suppose to be about. It's
supposed to be about being young. At least, that's how it was when I was
in school.
- Dené Elizabeth Eva, age 22
Calgary, Alberta
As the mother of two children, I am deeply saddened by all the tragedy
surrounding us. It can happen anywhere, anytime. Everyday I drop my
children off at school and pray to God I will see there smiling faces at
the end of the day.
My heart and soul goes out to those who will never have this opportunity
again.
I pray for those I do not know but will always have a special place in
my heart.
People want to place blame on everything from the media, music, and
society but the only place to place the blame, is on the person pulling
the trigger for they only know their motives, however wrong they may
be. We cannot undo what is done. Searching for answers will only
destroy us for the answers are no where to be found. We now need time
to heal.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Christine Sakins
Hamilton, Ontario
There's blame aplenty over the Littleton and Taber shootings. Tom Brokaw
blamed a ten year old video game called Doom (one that nobody
bothers to play anymore... if he had ever played a video game, he'd have known
that); others blamed the lax gun laws (weak); others blamed
the parents (some merit); and others blanketed blame on society in general
(cliche & unproductive). The obvious is still untouched though:
WHY HASN'T ANYONE BLAMED THE BULLIES?
ALL of these people were ostracized daily, ridiculed daily, humiliated daily,
tortured EVERY DAY in school. What we need is a law that
prosecutes child to child assault. Kids picking on each other in the
schoolyard should be illegal and they should be afraid to do it. Maybe
then the outcast students won't be forced to commit terrorist acts in order to
bring attention to this horrible, yet widely condoned activity.
One thing's for sure, you'll never see one of the popular, physically stronger
kids becoming so frustrated that they bring a gun to school.
There should be a law against the torment that some of these less popular kids
have to go through every day. I'll never forget the way I was
tortured in school decades ago and, although I cannot condone the horrible act
these children did, I understand the level of frustration that
made it possible.
As for the gun laws, when a person is that frustrated, they will use whatever
they can: a knife, a homemade bomb, a car... anything. Are you
going to place stricter laws on everything or are you going to address what's
REALLY wrong in this situation?
- Sam & Cristina
As one man said in your article, the media is more than partly
responsible. They push these tragic stories in a quest for sensational
headlines. Then these disturbed people who caused them become household names and what follows is some other disturbed people become "copy-cats" as in their twisted reasoning they too will become household names and known by all.
We told you such things would happen with the extensive media given
these tragidies --and now it has!!
- Dan Lupichuk
Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask.
The past week has been one of the worst of this entire year. I've
seen teens--fellow teens--running for their lives in Colorado, and now I
lay witness to yet another shooting in Alberta. No matter what country,
what state or province, what flag we fly, we lay witness to a tragedy
that is affecting students across this continent.
I can't say that I'm familiar to Canadian gun laws, since I'm not
Canadian; I'm an American, so I won't even attempt to become involved in
that debate.
I'm also 17--the same age as the student who was shot in Alberta and
others like him in Littleton. With each night, I turn on my television
to watch the news, and lately, I've been thinking that the news has only
two purposes on this planet--to explode your mind with overloaded
coverage and to make feel miserable. With each night, I hear of more
attempts of violence in my country, and I begin to think that my country
has gone mad.
I know it hasn't; what is happening in Littleton doesn't represent
all Americans; there are plenty of people out there, American and
Canadian alike, who are honest, peaceful, and have no interest at all in
the violence that has ended so many young innocent lives within this
past week.
There are plenty of factors that have caused these events to happen:
The availability of weapons, harrasement, media...God knows how many
influences, and maybe we'll never know.
I can only hope that whatever happens in the future makes my
generation think that violcence isn't a tool to end problems. Instead,
it blows them up out of proportion, and makes us into the people we are
presently at this moment...confused, stressed, and not knowing how to
make sense out of this. We are pounded by reminders: The Media, the
government, the gun lobby, the cameras recording the bodies strewn
across the pavement, all trying to profit and benefit from these bloody
events.
I feel we need to shake all of these reminders off and go down to
the greatest depth that can make any sense out of this--compassion and
the human mind for reason. Only then, I think, can any sense be made.
- Miles Hookey,
Ben Lomond, California
Folks,
I realise you have touched on a main cause for the recent school shootings
on Newsworld - "He wasn't popular and many people were rude to him. I was
rude to him too sometimes."
A quote from one student at Coloroado went something like...
They were treated like dirt by everyone for three years. They were called
names, tripped and bumped in the hallways and ridiculed by the other
students. That is why they did it. (I don't have exact words)
There is an article and a discussion of the Colorado incident on Slashdot.
In case you don't know, Slashdot.org is one of the net's Alpha Geek sites. It
is mainly serious technical news and many of its readers are techies. It also
has an interesting moderation system. (400-500 moderators "score" all posts so
you can set your reading threashold to posts with scores of x and above. It
filters out the "Me too's" and just plain crap.
Please research this. The link above is a good place to start. If you go
to the homepage http://slashdot.org you will likely see another article or two
on the topic. Similar themes are popping up all over the internet. You can probably
find many of them starting from slashdot.
No one is supporting the shooters, saying what they did was rignt but a
MAJOR reason why it happened can be learned from reading these articles and posts.
If you were listing causes in order, what do you think would rate higher
as a cause of such events.
Playing video games? Wearing dark clothing? Being abused verbaly and physicaly for years by your peers?
Which do you really think would be a larger contributing factor?
I don't think we know how to manage big schools. There is something
there we are not doing right. We have rules to make sure people don't run in the
hallways, etc but all of the social rules are made by accident and no one is
looking at them as a component of large schools. Few are talking about
how to fix these problems.
I don't have a clue what the answer is or how I would do things
differently but I do know for sure that we are currently doing it wrong.
Please spare us the experts on goths, gun control, internet, RP games,
drugs, gangs, clothing styles, etc. Find someone who can say something wise and
make some suggestions on how we can prevent the chickens in the coop from
establishing the pecking order that helps drive these kids crazy.
Some lawyer or reporter, someday is going to use the phrase "Battered geek
syndrome" or some variation.
- Harvey Stewart,
Nova Scotia
I am horrified that not 24 hours have passed since a child has been killed
due to hostile gunfire from another child in Alberta and your web site is
running polls to disect the issue. For GOD's sake, another child has died
in yet another senseless school killing and now our own Canadian media is
trying to be first to turn this into a game show. Maybe this is a copycat
murder, but do we have to demonstrate the disgraceful copycat journalism
that is creating such hype and hysteria around these murders. Lets take the
time to grieve the losses before we make this tonight's entertainment.
We put so much energy into convincing people that we are not like the
Americans. Sorry....not buying it anymore!
- William Trachtenberg
Vancouver
^TOP
|
|
 |
 MENU |
|
|
| MORE: |
|
|
|
|
