Shooting in Connecticut

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I did too, I was beat down often by an alcoholic father. Tough love.

I like to believe I and you are the lucky ones that made it out unscathed but what about the 10% that don't. Different people react to negative inputs. All it takes is a moment of weakness and what one does with that feeling.

Making the school system turn into a prison will be a hard sell. You know how bean counters look at life. The look at percentages not what ifs.

Originally Posted by ccracin

My wife is a Kindergarten teacher and I have twin 8 year old daughters. Anytime I see an article or see a news story regarding this horrible tragedy, it makes me want to cry then I quickly become enraged. The loss of precious life makes me want to cry and the way the media and uniformed people react enrage me. I really like the comment of many in this thread. Todd and Greg specifically make a lot of sense.

I know for fact that around here inner city and "high risk" schools have multiple armed guards and metal detectors in use to protect students and faculty from other students. Why can't we have an armed guard at each entrance to every school? My taxes get raised everytime someone wants to implement a new math program or reading program that is the latest greatest thing or just because they got free lunch from a sales rep. I would gladly help fund actually keeping my children and wife safe.

Every American should go out and take a gun safety course and get a concealed carry permit. Then actually carry. Just like criminals will skip over a house with an alarm, they would think twice wondering if their next victim is strapped. This may not be the answer to the mentally ill, but at least you will have a better chance to defend yourself and others. Another point is let people know you carry. People will be more receptive knowing that it is "OK" to do it. I'm not saying go around brandishing your weapon. But when conversations like this come up. Speak up, and educate people. I have had a concealed permit since I was 21.

I also agree with the comments regarding these new extremely violent video games. To me there is a big difference between this and "violent" looney tunes cartoons of my childhood. That was all done in a manner that made it clear it was make believe and didn't sensationalize real world violence. I played cowboys and indians, paintball, GI Joes, and so on and have never even had the notion to shoot another human. Knowing right and wrong is the key here. It is up to the parents to teach this. You have to be involved with your kids and be a parent, NOT a friend. My parents were strict with me and I like to think that has helped me be a good parent. My Dad and I spend a lot of time together. Today as an adult he is my best friend. When I hear these people today say they don't want to drive their kids away by being too strict, it's hogwash. Do whats right and so will your kids. I could go on and on.

Things need to change with our society. Do your part!

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

I did too, I was beat down often by an alcoholic father. Tough love.

I like to believe I and you are the lucky ones that made it out unscathed but what about the 10% that don't. Different people react to negative inputs. All it takes is a moment of weakness and what one does with that feeling.

Making the school system turn into a prison will be a hard sell. You know how bean counters look at life. The look at percentages not what ifs.

Vince,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but glad you came out of it a better person. Mine however was not the same. What I meant was my parents were strict in that they told me what was right and wrong in their view and were unwavering in that position. Unlike what I see alot of today, when parents are acting more like friends and equals to their kids. As soon as the child has an issue in school for example, the teacher is automatically a problem and has it in for the child. When I got a bad report from school, I was in for it. However, my parents never struck me other than a bare hand to the bottom here and there. My Dad was a carpenter. He made a nice 3/4" plywood paddle and painted it up with my name on it. I was never struck with that paddle, but I knew when I saw it I messed up. Just the thought of being spanked with it was enough. Today, that would be considered abuse. I don't get it. There are folks around our area that have parties for teens with alcohol. They make the statement that they are going to do it anyway, they might as well know where they are and make sure they are safe. Really? To me there's a time to be a parent and a time to be a friend. Others allow teenage girls to have sleepover parties that include guys. Really? WTF To me, this is setting up generations of poor decisions. Some of this should be common sense.

There will always be mental illness and that is the tough problem to figure out. But to me the rest is about teaching children good principles and values as well as basic right and wrong. It's like anything else, proper knowledge and education helps you handle those negative inputs properly.

I can only hope that my wife and I are half the parents mine have been to me. If we are, I am confident we will have a fighting chance with our daughters as they grow up.

I also agree about making schools resemble prison security, but it might be necessary if only in the short term.

Just as a quick note as well. My wife is the homeroom Mom for my daughters 3rd grade class. This week is their class Christmas party. She just got an email from teacher outlining all the new procedures they will have to follow to be permitted in the school. So at least our district is taking these events to heart. She did say it was tough putting them on the bus this morning.