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[Okiebug61]

http://www.upi.com/blog/2012/12/14/M...5121355523408/

[Martina]

I worked in a high school in a very dangerous neighborhood. A continuation high school. Our metal detectors were broken. The doors were never locked.

If you are going to solve this with security, it's going to be very expensive. And guess what, once again, the U.S. will show by its actions that the lives of poor kids don't matter.

[Toughy]

Not all public schools in the US are locked up...........It depends on the paranoia level of the school officials. I would suggest if someone wants to kill someone in a school they will find a way in......

[Okiebug61]

Originally Posted by Martina

I worked in a high school in a very dangerous neighborhood. A continuation high school. Our metal detectors were broken. The doors were never locked.

If you are going to solve this with security, it's going to be very expensive. And guess what, once again, the U.S. will show by its actions that the lives of poor kids don't matter.

I have belief that we are a much better nation and much more carring than you feel we are.

The kids in Conn. were not poor and they had a security system set up that failed.

This issue is not just about the poor it is about children.

[Toughy]

Originally Posted by Okiebug61

I have belief that we are a much better nation and much more carring than you feel we are.

The kids in Conn. were not poor and they had a security system set up that failed.

This issue is not just about the poor it is about children.

Do we know the security failed? The guys mother worked in the school and he may have visited her many times. My sister was a teacher and I went in and out of her school/classroom all the time.

So no one should get in a school except the teachers and the kids?

[Chancie]

When I first started teaching, I saw a documentary about how many weapons were found inside a school with metal detectors. I swore I would never teach in a school with metal detectors or a police officer with a weapon. I still feel that way.

I am very sad about what happened in Connecticut, and I am definitely feeling the weight of the huge responsibility, not only to teach math, but to keep my students safe.

[Greyson]

Originally Posted by Okiebug61

I have belief that we are a much better nation and much more carring than you feel we are.

The kids in Conn. were not poor and they had a security system set up that failed.

This issue is not just about the poor it is about children.

Okiebug, I too believe there are many caring and good people in our country. I see it almost daily because I look for them or else I would be greatly disheartened overall by what is on the news daily.

I do believe that the majority of Americans care about our children (even if they are not related to us). We can care and have the best of intentions and still not grasp the totality of things happening in our nation every day.

I cannot help but wonder why as I watch this latest tragedy unfolding why our nation does not react with such magnitude when everyday a brown, black or poor white child is killed. It is as if we accept it on some level. That is the way things are and the best we can do is distance ourselves from such lives and neighborhoods.

When it happens in a community that is much like the community many of us live in or aspire to live in, then we are shocked and outraged. I don't think most Americans conciously realize that this reaction or lack there of is in fact collectively our responce to everday gun violence and violence in general.

[Teddybear]

Originally Posted by Greyson

Okiebug, I too believe there are many caring and good people in our country. I see it almost daily because I look for them or else I would be greatly disheartened overall by what is on the news daily.

I do believe that the majority of Americans care about our children (even if they are not related to us). We can care and have the best of intentions and still not grasp the totality of things happening in our nation every day.

I cannot help but wonder why as I watch this latest tragedy unfolding why our nation does not react with such magnitude when everyday a brown, black or poor white child is killed. It is as if we accept it on some level. That is the way things are and the best we can do is distance ourselves from such lives and neighborhoods.

When it happens in a community that is much like the community many of us live in or aspire to live in, then we are shocked and outraged. I don't think most Americans conciously realize that this reaction or lack there of is in fact collectively our responce to everday gun violence and violence in general.

IMHO I think we do react with the same intense feelings however since it was a MULTITUDE of children or adults killed it doesn't get reported nationally as these stories do.


To me some of the blame for how somethings r reported as to do with the shock factor. Over the yrs our news has gotten this shock them fully mentality. The bigger they make it the better the ratings. What happened to reporting what wad known and NOT making a media circus out of it.

Again IMHO I think if it wasn't reported like the next coming of Christ maybe ppl who r planning this would see their 15 mins of fame isn't going ro happen

[Greyson]

Originally Posted by Teddybear

IMHO I think we do react with the same intense feelings however since it was a MULTITUDE of children or adults killed it doesn't get reported nationally as these stories do.


To me some of the blame for how somethings r reported as to do with the shock factor. Over the yrs our news has gotten this shock them fully mentality. The bigger they make it the better the ratings. What happened to reporting what wad known and NOT making a media circus out of it.

Again IMHO I think if it wasn't reported like the next coming of Christ maybe ppl who r planning this would see their 15 mins of fame isn't going ro happen

I disagree TB. I do think race and class makes a huge difference when things get noticed and acted upon in our country. In part the magnitude of yesterdays tragedy and because it was primarily children was reported widely. Also our colletive reaction to it.

I am willing to bet you are white or perceived to be white. I don't think being white makes you a bad person but it can give you a perspective that is completely divorced from the perspective of POC and the things that happen daily in a poor urban environment.

I don't expect what I am saying is going to be heard easily. I understand. Some of the realities of our nation are not pretty nor easy. That goes for all races and cultures.

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by Greyson

I cannot help but wonder why as I watch this latest tragedy unfolding why our nation does not react with such magnitude when everyday a brown, black or poor white child is killed. It is as if we accept it on some level. That is the way things are and the best we can do is distance ourselves from such lives and neighborhoods.

In the last couple weeks there have been several photos on the front page of the New York Times showing dead or bleeding children in Syria and around the world.

The distance you refer to closed when it was children in the U.S.

But it should never be there.

[Greyson]

Originally Posted by IslandScout

In the last couple weeks there have been several photos on the front page of the New York Times showing dead or bleeding children in Syria and around the world.

The distance you refer to closed when it was children in the U.S.

But it should never be there.

Good point. I am referring to the children in the U.S.

[Teddybear]

Originally Posted by Greyson

I disagree TB. I do think race and class makes a huge difference when things get noticed and acted upon in our country. In part the magnitude of yesterdays tragedy and because it was primarily children was reported widely. Also our colletive reaction to it.

I am willing to bet you are white or perceived to be white. I don't think being white makes you a bad person but it can give you a perspective that is completely divorced from the perspective of POC and the things that happen daily in a poor urban environment.

Grayson

My race or perceived race has nothing to do with my perspective. I went and listened to a lady whose son committed suicide in the talk she addressed issue she told us that many times she had been asked the question if she thought that the latest person who committed suicide after being bullied was getting more attention then the death of her on since she wax white and he wasn't. She told us that he still gets attention years after his death and that there was and still is the same amount of coverage.

I think the shear numbers of ppl killed really plays into how something is reported.

I can and do appreciate ur opinion on this

[Greyson]

Originally Posted by Teddybear

Grayson

My race or perceived race has nothing to do with my perspective.
I can and do appreciate ur opinion on this

Wrong. You may be unable to realize it, recognize it but it does not make what you believe, a fact.

I too have appreciated your willingness to post your opinion. We need to hear all opinions in order to have a conversation and hopefully change.I wish you well but we are going to continue to disagree on this one.

[spritzerJ]

Originally Posted by Okiebug61

I have belief that we are a much better nation and much more carring than you feel we are.

The kids in Conn. were not poor and they had a security system set up that failed.

This issue is not just about the poor it is about children.

I could have quoted many posts. For brevity I choose this one.

We do have many in this nation that care.

The security of children in SOME places is in place.

The inequalities exist. Children in poor schools/districts or that are poor are at more risk. Do we address their needs adequately when it comes to safety? I believe we do not. I believe race, income and how we view children in our society is reflected in the media's presentation and our reaction. The context of our personal realities can't be denied as part of how we react, talk and perceive this event.

Can we send children to fortresses to protect them from every possibility no matter their income level? I think that won't address the issue of safety in society. Nor do I think that is the learning environment I'd want for children.

On another tangent... The perprator, while we have limited information about him... was affluent and an adult. Yet, I note the mother shaming happening in the news. I am horrified.

[Kobi]

Originally Posted by Greyson

I disagree TB. I do think race and class makes a huge difference when things get noticed and acted upon in our country. In part the magnitude of yesterdays tragedy and because it was primarily children was reported widely. Also our colletive reaction to it.

I am willing to bet you are white or perceived to be white. I don't think being white makes you a bad person but it can give you a perspective that is completely divorced from the perspective of POC and the things that happen daily in a poor urban environment.

I don't expect what I am saying is going to be heard easily. I understand. Some of the realities of our nation are not pretty nor easy. That goes for all races and cultures.

I do agree with Greyson on this. This tragedy took place in an affluent white neighborhood, affecting rich white kids.

Take a look at the massive law enforcement response and the length of time it took to mount that response.

Keep an eye on the media coverage and how long it is likely to go on. Look at how many news stories were supposedly quoting "state and federal officals who were not authorized to divulge information."

Even Obama felt the need to weigh in on this.

Take a look at how long it is taking to process the crime scene.

Take a look at the responses of the general public on news forums and elsewhere. Read the stories where the Conn shooting has reached the international community.

Taegedy is never pretty, but even in tragedy, there are perks for being white and rich.

[Teddybear]

Originally Posted by Greyson

Wrong. You may be unable to realize it, recognize it but it does not make what you believe, a fact.

I too have appreciated your willingness to post your opinion. We need to hear all opinions in order to have a conversation and hopefully change.I wish you well but we are going to continue to disagree on this one.

Let me inform u and others I LOOK white however part if mt family is native American. No I don't feel the need broadcast my heritage. I was raised outside looking in so my perspective isn't typical by no means. So please understand that to me race isn't what I focus on when we r talking about a group ANY group.

I like u can't tell other ppl how they believe we r or should
. To me and my family color of ur skin isn't what makes u WHO u r or ur worth to us. I wish others would could realize just that. What a more understanding place it could b

[Kobi]

****Trigger Warning******


By NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE
December 15, 2012

All of the children killed by a gunman at a Connecticut elementary school were shot multiple times, according to the state's chief medical examiner, who said that it was worst scene he had witnessed in three decades examining crime scenes.

“This is a very devastating set of injuries,” said Dr. H. Wayne Carver II, the chief medical examiner for the state.

Carver said that parents were shown photos of their children to spare them from seeing the gruesome results of the shooting rampage, which left 20 children dead, along with six adults at the school. The gunman, identified by law enforcement officials as Adam Lanza, 20, shot and killed his mother at his home before going to the school, then killed himself after the rampage. Carver said that they had not yet completed examinations of Lanza and his mother.

Carver that in the seven autopsies he himself had performed, the victims had from three to 11 wounds.

With the examinations complete and the families informed, the authorities released the names of those killed.

They ranged in age from 6 to 56. Among the children, there were 12 girls and eight boys; all were in the first grade, officials said, and all were 6 or 7 years old.

As families began to claim lost loved ones, there were new and tragic details about what took place in Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The principal and the school psychologist were shot as they tried to tackle the gunman “in order to protect her students,” the school superintendent said Saturday.

The superintendent, Janet Robinson, said teachers and staff members who were caught up in the nation's second-deadliest school shooting had managed to save students' lives with “incredible acts of heroism.”

But it was not enough: First responders described a scene of carnage in the two classrooms where the children were killed, with no movement and no one left to save, everything perfectly still. On Saturday, a police spokesman, Lt. J. Paul Vance, said Lanza had forced his way into the school, which had a security system requiring visitors to be buzzed in.

President Barack Obama, meanwhile, used his weekly radio and Internet address to mourn the victims, saying that “every parent in America has a heart heavy with hurt.” Republicans, who normally prepare a reply to the president's address, did not do so this time.\

Children:
Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Madeleine F. Hsu, 6
Catherine V. Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison N. Wyatt, 6

ADULTS
Mary Sherlach, 56
Victoria Soto, 27
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Lauren Rousseau, 30
Dawn Hocksprung, 47
Rachel Davino, 29

[LeftWriteFemme]

Gay Employee Led Customers To Safety in Oregon Mall Shooting

(make sure to watch the video at the bottom)

http://www.advocate.com/crime/2012/1...regon-shooting

[Wolfsong]

Westboro Baptist Church to picket funerals of Newtown shooting victims


Vile

[morningstar55]

Originally Posted by Wolfsong

Westboro Baptist Church to picket funerals of Newtown shooting victims


Vile

............ WHY?? ...........
I HOPE THE POLICE INTERVENE AND KICK THEM OUT OF TOWN

this is too upsetting