Wednesday, September 19, 2001
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Wednesday, September 19, 2001 |
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Some schools, youth sports officials acted inappropriately after terrorism attacks Throughout my life the question, "Where were you when..." comes up in conversation. The most common question has usually been, "Where were you when President Kennedy was killed?" I thought about my two children yesterday as I sat in front of the television watching history unfold. I wondered if Starr's Mill High School and Rising Starr Middle School had gathered the students into the gym or if the individual classes were watching the events of this most tragic day in our nation's history. I felt confident the schools were providing the students with ongoing coverage of this event. I also wondered about my future grandchildren and how they would ask what their parents remembered about that day. I anxiously awaited my children's return home to hear about the serious discussions that had ensued and what emotions this had stirred up amongst the students. When questioned, my son said, "We didn't watch it." My daughter said, "We watched it for 10 minutes, then the teachers were ordered to turn off the television sets." They didn't watch it. They sat in their classrooms and read about American history when they could have been eyewitnesses to a day that will be recorded in their children's history books. I am not talking about elementary school children. Some of these kids are old enough to be drafted and old enough to vote. They should have been given an option to watch these events as they unfolded, just as those of us outside of the schools were doing. The schools teach about wars that kill thousands, watch films of the Hindenberg burning and see documentaries about the millions of Jews killed in WWII. What is the point of selective shielding? I heard that some parents called the school and requested their teen not watch the news. I had to wonder how many of those same parents allowed their teens to watch the movie "Saving Private Ryan." I was also dismayed at the decision of the Peachtree City Little League commissioner who decided last [Tuesday] night [Sept. 11] was a fine night for a ball game. Yes, life will eventually go on, but last night was a night of mourning and a night to show respect to those who lost their lives in this tragedy. To schedule a ball game that would be ongoing during our President's address to the nation showed the utmost in disrespect. The message was loud and clear to these young people what their priorities should be. I thought back to the night of Dec. 7, 1941, and wondered if any little league sports were playing that night. I seriously doubt it. Patriotism and respect went hand in hand in those days. These days, it appears getting in the first game of the little league season is more important. We mustn't let anything interfere with the schedule. Across the nation, events, classes, games were canceled. Some for safety concerns, others out of respect. The Peachtree City Water Authority and the Fayetteville Zoning Commission were two. This is a time to strengthen our feelings of patriotism and part of that is teaching our children about respect for our great country and respect for the President. Shame on [those adults responsible] for the message you sent to those young men and women. D. Chitwood Peachtree City
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