School shooting

[flyboy55]

. . .

Our society - our government - isn't willing to teach kids that there are other ways than violence to resolve conflicts, because if they *did*, nobody would volunteer for the military anymore. I believe that the tragedy begins *there*.

Want to cut down on school violence? Learn conflict resolution skills. Learn esteem-building skills. Volunteer to teach them at the local elementary school. Be prepared for some rejection.

Good points.

A high level of violence permeates our entire society. We appear shocked at violent death but chalk it up to 'human nature' and therefore accept that it will always be with us, nor do we wonder why other societies don't experience the levels of gun violence that we do.

Our elected leaders frequently don't set a very good example. We may say it, but we obviously don't regard war as a last resort. On the contrary, we use the violence of war as an instrument of foreign policy to impose our national interest on others around the globe.

I have no idea when this will change. It is very deeply ingrained - not in our human natures but in the culture we have created.

[green1]

Also, we need to remember that what the kid actually said and did may not exactly be what was reported. It wouldn't be the first time the media took some liberties, would it? Add in some adrenaline and fear and it will take some time for the authorities to really get a clear picture of how things transpired.

Good point. I had not considered that. Thank you.

[creeky]

We can talk all we want about doing the "right" thing, but bottom line, whether you like it or not, most adults would have done exactly what that kid did...run away. It's human nature, we've become a society that doesn't want to get involved, for whatever reason. Is there really a right or wrong answer in this situation?

Also, we need to remember that what the kid actually said and did may not exactly be what was reported. It wouldn't be the first time the media took some liberties, would it? Add in some adrenaline and fear and it will take some time for the authorities to really get a clear picture of how things transpired.

I am a trained soldier. I would run ..... One reason for years they didnt have females in front line roles - for fear that the men would stop to help them if they were hit - so therefore - if you are not in a position to defend yourself, first action is to protect yourself.

[green1]

It doesn't matter what I think you believe. If you are a Christian, you're supposed to leave the judging up to God.

I'm an expert at sin, thank you very much.

Again, you are placing me into a definition you have constructed. That makes it easy to take potshots because you have defined what I should or should not do or say. Thank you, no.

However, if I, or anyone I know, have questions about what constitutes a sin I will be sure to send a query your way.

[green1]

It's human nature, we've become a society that doesn't want to get involved, for whatever reason. Is there really a right or wrong answer in this situation?

But is that a situation you are comfortable with? Do you (general you, not particular) think that social apathy is healthy? It's like that actress who was murdered in her parking lot. Afterwards, in interviews people said that they heard her screams but figured someone else woudl take care of it. That is not a healthy social structure.

[SMLCHNG]

[ph4ever]

thanks I was getting thirsty - now could you hand me that popcorn bowl?

[springparrot]

Thank you Penny!!!!!

[Capt.Flock]

[buffettbride]

Suppose you have convinced me, Mr. Green Jeans, that this 14 year old kid was completely out of place for leaving his classmate to die alone. Let's go tell him together that what he did was awful, just to make sure he is entirely aware that what he did was wrong, even though he will probably replay this scene in his head every day for the rest of his life, wondering if he coulda/shoulda/woulda.

Better yet, let's blame the liberal media for even reporting the fact that a kid chose "flight" over "fight" whereas the real tragedy lies in the fact a kid had the means to take the life of another person to begin with.

Or, one step further, let's prosecute the kid who ran away with 1st degree murder, so he can be just as guilty as the person wielding the gun.

Heck, lets start passing laws so that no one can have guns so a tragedy like this doesn't happen ever again. Do YOUR part, give up your weapons, rather than accusing a child of not being able to make the right decision.

You must be helluva father.

[nycfeat]

thanks I was getting thirsty - now could you hand me that popcorn bowl?

I have some smartpopcorn. want some?

[buffettbride]

i was typing while you were chilling.

[alphabits]

We can talk all we want about doing the "right" thing, but bottom line, whether you like it or not, most adults would have done exactly what that kid did...run away. It's human nature, we've become a society that doesn't want to get involved, for whatever reason. Is there really a right or wrong answer in this situation?

Well, there certainly is a degree of the "don't want to get involved" mentality in today's society. But I don't think we've established in this case whether it was a case of not wanting to be involved or not wanting to be another casualty.

[TommyBahama]

Knoxville

I didn't even realize school started yet.

already!!!!!

[green1]

Suppose you have convinced me, Mr. Green Jeans, that this 14 year old kid was completely out of place for leaving his classmate to die alone. Let's go tell him together that what he did was awful, just to make sure he is entirely aware that what he did was wrong, even though he will probably replay this scene in his head every day for the rest of his life, wondering if he coulda/shoulda/woulda.

I would not do that to him. You are correct in that he is probable reliving that moment over and over. Hopefully he will learn from it.

Better yet, let's blame the liberal media for even reporting the fact that a kid chose "flight" over "fight" whereas the real trajedy lies in the fact a kid had the means to take the life of another personto begin with.

Apparently you missed the part where I said that the kid who did the shooting and whoever gave him the gun need to be put away for the rest of their lives

Or, one step further, let's prosecute the kid who ran away with 1st degree murder, so he can be just as guilty as the person wielding the gun.

Heck, lets start passing laws so that no one can have guns so a tragedy like this doesn't happen ever again. Do YOUR part, give up your weapons, rather than accusing a child of not being able to make the right decision.

I don't own a hangun, or rifle. My view is that since I have kids I do not want them in my house. But that is my choice. I do not care if the neighbors have guns, or enyone else for that matter. My children will learn gun safety. But there will not be a gun in my house.

You must be helluva father.

You really cannot stop judging me can you? Feel better now?

[alphabits]

What are you, a troublemaker?!?

Geez, I give up dumbassity for a day and try to be the voice of reason and next thing ya know the excrement collides with the oscillating cooling device.

[Brown Eyed Girl]

It's human nature, we've become a society that doesn't want to get involved, for whatever reason. Is there really a right or wrong answer in this situation?

But is that a situation you are comfortable with? Do you (general you, not particular) think that social apathy is healthy? It's like that actress who was murdered in her parking lot. Afterwards, in interviews people said that they heard her screams but figured someone else woudl take care of it. That is not a healthy social structure.

No, I'm absolutely not comfortable with it. Having been a victim of it, I'm appalled by those who choose to ignore rather than help. But I'm also wise enough to know I can't change them, only lead by example. One of the things I'm proudest of in my career was the number of parents who told me they weren't afraid to send their kids to school during some very troubled times because they knew that I would always do whatever I could to keep their kids safe. They recognized and respected my training, and the fact that I was aware, informed and involved. And who knows, maybe some of them took on those attributes as well.

[Brown Eyed Girl]

We can talk all we want about doing the "right" thing, but bottom line, whether you like it or not, most adults would have done exactly what that kid did...run away.  It's human nature, we've become a society that doesn't want to get involved, for whatever reason.  Is there really a right or wrong answer in this situation?

Well, there certainly is a degree of the "don't want to get involved" mentality in today's society.  But I don't think we've established in this case whether it was a case of not wanting to be involved or not wanting to be another casualty.

That's where I was trying to go with my "is there really a right or wrong answer"....it didn't come across very clearly though.  None of us were there, none of us know how the whole situation transpired.  Heck, you could ask 50 kids who were there and get 50 completely different answers.

[Brown Eyed Girl]

Geez, I give up dumbassity for a day and try to be the voice of reason and next thing ya know the excrement collides with the oscillating cooling device.

When I first read that I thought you wrote the VICE of reason.

[green1]

No, I'm absolutely not comfortable with it. Having been a victim of it, I'm appalled by those who choose to ignore rather than help. But I'm also wise enough to know I can't change them, only lead by example. One of the things I'm proudest of in my career was the number of parents who told me they weren't afraid to send their kids to school during some very troubled times because they knew that I would always do whatever I could to keep their kids safe. They recognized and respected my training, and the fact that I was aware, informed and involved. And who knows, maybe some of them took on those attributes as well.

You should be proud. That is a tremendous testament to your character. But you do see that you are changing it don't you?. You have become an example for both parents, students and the teachers around you because they knew you would protect the children in your care. What you have done if a child fell into you after he had been shot? You don't need to answer as we have gone round and round with this. Your actions in those moments would be examples to everyone who saw them.