I have been involved in civic affairs for over 50 years. In that time I have witnessed every kind of attitude, con job, gamesmanship that you can think of; but of late it has really gone over the top. I hear so many complain about politics, and politicians – first, you do not have been elected to be a politician. Some of the most outrageous wheeler/dealers have been in the private and community sectors.

To use the death of 17 people in Florida for political advantage is one of the lowest forms of dirty politics. Oh it has been done before but to the extent that is has been used; sinful. Scammers on Social Media falsified pictures to smear teenagers who went through that horrific event. The President to smear the FBI, when the locals, who had jurisdiction did not do their jobs. The head of the FBI is not accountable. A local FBI office maybe, though I agree that their failure to purse was wrong, but that happens in bureaucracies, sorry to say.

The idea of armed teachers, NO. It would not scare them away. For people who want to die famous in an exciting event, this would be a challenge. Why, then, a gun, bring in a bomb. I worked with juvenile offenders, and in human behavior jobs. You would be amazed by how some pictured their parting goodbye to the world. The guy in Vegas, still no reason why, try spectacular and famous. Thus, a challenge for the next. These people collect stories of past killers. As for Trumps suggestion of deporting them, before or after they get killed?         

Anyway where do we deport Americans as in Columbine, SC, church shooting, or the Texas one; or the guy in Vegas, et al? Maybe they think that living with shootings in bars, the streets, of 1890’s Tombstone, AZ, would add some excitement? Oh, and how do you tell who is a good guy or a bad guy? They do not wear black or white hats; just join in the shooting spree? I have known a lot of people who own guns for hunting and for defending their homes. They were responsible with them, even the more dangerous types. This carte blanche is wrong.

Assault weapons? For what? It was scary enough trying to talk down a drunk with a beef at bar with a 357 that could shot through a wall and hit an innocent by stander. The only ones are those who fear their world, or the government. But, would it not be more reasonable to stop the source of the fear, versus add to it? Or, maybe it is just too many cowboy movies growing up?

Those high schoolers reaction was not to riot or protest but to advocate. I have to give them a lot respect for how, with that emotional tragedy, to be more responsible than the adults. They are seeking a turn out for support on March 15, we too should be there. High schooler, college students, parents, teachers, clergy – all of us. For at last a glimmer of sanity, and hope for the Next New Generation to whom we can pass the torch for American principles.

Last, it is despicable that in Texas and elsewhere that HS principles would threaten students with suspensions if they lived up to the roles and responsibilities that way too many do not.

Rant done, but to be continued shortly.

Brian Hoose
Westfield