On April 1999, two students at Columbine High School, Colorado, shot and killed one teacher and twelve students, then killed themselves. April 2007, a student of Virginia Tech, Virginia, shot and killed thirty two students, injured fifteen others, then killed himself. Early this year, February 16, 2008, a student of Northern Illinois University opened fire, killing 7 people, himself, and injuring fifteen more. This same month, a fifteen year old student of Oxnard, California, was shot and killed by his classmate in front of other students because he was gay.
What is going on in the mind of these young kids? Do they know or care about the consequences, or at least feel accountable for their action? Schools shooting have become more common and prevalent. There is obviously something wrong in our society. Certainly the economics come into play in this day and age. Both parents need to work in order to provide a living wage and support the family. Many young kids lack the proper supervision. Instead of being involved in social and community activities, sport, they spend too much time playing violent video games, watching violent actions on television or movies or on the internet.
Many teachers, students, and parents are concerned about the safety of students and others at school. It is getting to the point where students no longer think of the shooting as the exception of action and to the rules. At risks are our students, teachers and our whole school system. We need to take action and deal with the issue now before it gets worse. Everyone involve needs to be held accountable for the kids, children and or students.
Lan Dai Winn
Lakeport
