“Who is to blame?”

Sitting watching the Ted Koppel special, “Lessons Learned,” where an audience from Jonesboro, Ark., conversed with an audience from Littleton, Colo., with regard to the school shootings, the subject of blame was briefly discussed.

Everyone wants to blame someone else. The mother of the shooter was in the audience from Jonesboro and the reactions were varied and understandable.

But the reality hit me during this program that we all are to blame.

Parents, who aren't quite aware of what their children are up to, who dole out money in affluent areas like ours so that the children will amuse themselves. Leaving the children to fend for themselves while they travel and pursue their own interests; not including the rest of the family.

Teachers who are so preoccupied with priorities in their own lives that they don't take the time to really see or understand their students. Lack of involvement as teacher sponsors in clubs and activities so they can get to know their students outside of a classroom setting.

The general public in affluent areas where it seems today that it is outwardly verbalized that unless you live in homes like them, drive cars like them, make large salaries like them, they do not want you in their neighborhoods.

Tolerance for the differences in people has somehow taken a backseat in today's society. The “small town” ideals of “live and let live” and the true enjoyment in the differences that make up humanity have long been replaced by close-mindedness and mean spirits to those are not just like ourselves.

This is not to say that there aren't excellent teachers, caring parents, and committed individuals who are shining examples of what we all should strive to be.

However, should we fall in these other categories, maybe it's time for each of us to take a closer look at how we can change so as to present a more positive example to all children, so that this insanity can come to an end.

Debbie Lowe

Tyrone

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