Monday, May 14, 2007

Sticks and stones...

Just like many local residents, I’ve been following the story about the shooting of 16-year-old Terrence Winn at a McDonald’s before day Sunday morning and I’m immediately struck with a mix of emotions.

There’s sadness that a teenager’s life was just snuffed out for no reason. I mean I don’t know the details, but from what’s been reported in the news so far, I just haven’t heard a justifiable reason for taking this kid’s life.

Then there’s the shock of finding out that it was actually three adults that have been arrested and charged for such a heinous crime.

But what’s also been slightly annoying me like a fly you just can't seem to swat are some of the comments people have made about this tragedy.

Sometimes, these kinds of stories truly bring the worst out in some people. And you truly have to charge it to ignorance, realize everyone has free speech and keep it moving.
One reader actually said he hopes “they keep killing each other” because “each one that dies is another animal that cannot harm any decent citizen any more and saves the taxpayer money to cage the beasts in jail.”

Amazing how that reader was able to come up with such a self-righteous declaration without so much as a name of the victim at the time the story was originally posted.

It’s interesting how quickly some of us dismiss, condemn or blame victims in situations like this as if it’s their fault, their problem, whoever “their” is.
However, I’ve come to realize that some people do that to calm their own fears and insecurities about the safety of their own lives and families.

Meanwhile, I can’t stop thinking about the mother who received the worst Mother’s Day gift anyone can give.
And my heart aches for the families and friends of this teenager. From all accounts I’ve heard so far, he was basically a good kid.
This isn’t by far the first time such a violent crime has been committed and it certainly won’t be the last.

So, as violent crimes like this one continue to occur, do we just continue to shrug our shoulders and say it’s “their” problem until it comes knocking on our door? Or what?

If you could be in charge, what would you do?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Legalize drugs + replace gangster rap with Christian rap = problem solved

Donecia Pea said...

Ummm randy, where did you see mention of gangster rap or drugs being involved in the stories about the shooting? Clearly, I missed it.

Anonymous said...

Let's not forget about the parents of the shooters. There is so much grief to go around. I just hope that more people, young and old, realize that it is ok to walk away from situations. Words should not make us act violently. Learn from the obstacles put in front of us and move on. I wish all the families involved my deepest sympathy.

Donecia Pea said...

That's so true. At the end of the day it's a heartbreaking story for everyone involved.

And even though we're still not a 100 percnt clear on what exactly happened, I think those are lessons that can be gained from this.