Two things really bother me about stories like this.
First, the fact the Columbine was some kind of bellweather. It wasn’t. The only difference between Columbine and things that have always (and sorry to say WILL ALWAYS) happen is that Columbine was the first high body count event of its type that got live national coverage and saturation follow-up. Not that is wasn’t a horrible event, but it’s no worse than events that have gone on since time began. As a result, every oversight body in the country, from Congress to local school boards, severely over-reacted and zero-tolerance became the way of the land.
Second, I hate the “guilty until proven innocent” mindset that attaches to the accused in these cases. Yes, the person made the utterance, but that is not the same in any way, shape or form to yelling “fire” in a theater, as it puts no one in any kind immediate physical danger. It’s impossible to prove a negative. The kid can’t prove that he WASN’T REALLY going to shoot up the school; so he’s guilty from in front. I think the majority of people, particularly in their teens, have said, “I’m going to kill ‘X’,” and even thought about it. Most of us didn’t do it, though, and never would, but now if you say it out loud and anyone hears you, it’s almost a guaranteed sentence.
Well, Guin, a quick reading of the article said that he was going
to “shoot up the school.” Last I checked, a school isn’t a living being.
[Defense Attorney Mode OFF]
Beyond that, however, this kid needs help. Give him some counselling, tell him that he doesn’t need violence to get back at the bullies, and then observe him for a while. Then get him back to school (a different one) and let him get on with his life, hopefully with a greater degree of rationality.
Doesn’t there have to be some pre-judging in cases like these? I don’t mean that he should be considered guilty without a trial. But the situation should be pre-judged in order to insure prevention.
Better the “incident” than the school.
I do not recall incidents similar to Columbine happening prior to 1960, but I could be mistaken. Certainly, they happen more often now.
I think that people need to quite denying the need for counseling/therapy/anger management. I think if more parents quit denying that their kid could use some form of help to cope with stress and anger, some incidents like this would be “nipped in the bud”. The same idea should be applied to anyone who is having trouble dealing with stress/depression/anger. I know it won’t cure all the problems, but it should cut down on the smaller crimes at least.
