I've just read several articles about the MI
shooting. I am so deeply saddened, but I
can't say shocked. What can be shocking
now? It is almost expected to hear monthly
news of such an atrocity. What is shocking
to me, is the stark reality that I am
living in a time when such horrors are
becoming so commonplace that when we hear it
on the news we say "oh no, not again," and
walk away with the recurring, quiet anxiety
for our own students, children, and
neighbors. Gun violence is a naitonal
crisis. I feel bewildered and wish to mvoe
from my passive observance into some kind
of social activism. Where do I begin? Any
suggestions of teachers against gun violence
forums or activism?

There are so many questions that fly after
such tragedy? Where did he get the gun?
Who's fault is this? Media? Parents?
Schools? Society? Why do our children see
violence as an anser to conflict? We try to
answer these questions to the best of our
ability by : more counselors, more
after-school programs, more training, etc.
The fact is, every single American citizen
has to take responsiibility for these acts
of violence. We have to deeply reflect
within our own selves and see the violence
within, see the violence we support, see the
violence we passively observe, see the
violence that we sometimes enjoy.

I can no longer hear these reports and feel
like this is not my problem. I can no
longer hope that someone else will take
care of it. I do not want to have to explain
to anyone in the future, as I age, "Yes, I
do remember those times. They were bad
times. Children killing children, guns
everywhere, senseless violence in
workplaces, restaurants, and places of
business. But I was pretty busy teaching,
you know. Didn't find the time to do
anything, really." I do not want to stand
as one who did not see it, hear it, feel
it, want it to be different, or see to it
that it would be different. I can no longer
turn the news off, close the newspaper, and
sigh, "that's a shame" then drink my tea.

If you know of any place to begin, please
let me know. Of course, I plan to write my
congressman. Also, it is now one of my top
voting priorities for the stance of any of
the presidential candidates this year.Any
other thoughts or reflections? Let's
dialogue.

Mary
2/29/00

This month's letters: