As I sit here, grappling with the news of yet another school shooting, my heart breaks for the students, parents, and community affected by the tragedy at Joppatowne High School. A young life cut short, a family forever changed, and a community left to pick up the pieces in the wake of such senseless violence. It’s the first week of school, a time that should be filled with excitement, hope, and new beginnings. Instead, it has been marred by fear, tragedy, and heartache.
The fact that school shootings have become so normalized in America is a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained gun violence has become in our society.… Continue reading
Gun violence in schools is something that no parent should ever have to worry about when sending their child off to get an education. Yet, in the United States, it has sadly become a norm that we have all learned to live with. The fact that active shooter drills are as common in schools as fire drills is not just alarming, it’s heartbreaking. Kamala Harris addressing the recent Georgia school shooting and stating that “It does not have to be this way” struck a chord within me. It reminded me that we don’t have to accept this reality as the new normal.… Continue reading
It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of disappointment that I delve into the disturbing revelations surrounding the Uvalde shooting incident. The sheer magnitude of the incompetence and cowardice displayed by the law enforcement officers on that fateful day is nothing short of appalling. The newly released cache of bodycam footage and 911 calls paints a harrowing picture of a tragedy that could have been averted if those sworn to protect and serve had acted with even an ounce of courage and integrity.
As I listened to the edited videos and read the accounts of witnesses, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of anger and sorrow.… Continue reading
I am deeply disturbed by the news of the indictments of the former Uvalde school police chief and officer in connection to the failed response to the 2022 mass shooting. The fact that these individuals, who were entrusted to protect innocent lives, failed to act in the face of such a horrific tragedy is abhorrent. The lack of accountability in law enforcement is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed.
It is unacceptable that these officers, who had undergone training for precisely such scenarios, chose to stand idly by while children and teachers were in grave danger. Their inaction directly resulted in the loss of innocent lives, a fact that cannot be overlooked or excused.… Continue reading
I am utterly stunned by the recent news of a Tennessee teacher who was arrested for bringing guns to a preschool and threatening to shoot a colleague. Just imagining the sheer terror that must have gripped the preschool staff and children upon hearing such horrifying threats sends shivers down my spine. The idea of a teacher, who is meant to be an educator and a role model, carrying firearms and using them to intimidate and threaten others is absolutely abhorrent. It baffles me how someone entrusted with the care and education of young children could resort to such violent behavior.
The situation becomes even more alarming in light of the fact that there was a proposal in Tennessee to allow teachers to carry guns to school.… Continue reading
As a resident of Wisconsin, the recent series of bomb threats faced by a middle school in our state has left me deeply disturbed. What is even more alarming is the connection these threats have to a TikTok account known as Libs of TikTok. This particular account has been identified as the source of numerous incidents where individuals or institutions mentioned in their posts subsequently received bomb threats or other forms of violent intimidation. It is appalling that such actions are being taken in response to mere social media posts.
The fact that these threats are targeting schools, libraries, hospitals, small businesses, and elected officials in multiple states is a cause for grave concern.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and frustration when thinking about the recent conviction of the father of the Michigan school shooter, just weeks after his mother was also found guilty of manslaughter. The sheer negligence and lack of care displayed by these parents is truly appalling. As a parent myself, it breaks my heart to imagine a child reaching out for help, only to be laughed off and ignored by those who are supposed to protect and care for them.
The fact that these parents attempted to flee, leaving their son to face the consequences of his actions with a public defender, speaks volumes about their character.… Continue reading
Nex Benedict died by suicide, as stated by the medical examiner’s report. This news hit me hard. It’s heartbreaking to think about the pain and suffering that must have led Nex to take such a drastic step. It’s infuriating to know that this bright young soul felt so trapped and hopeless that death seemed like the only way out.
The fact that bullying played a significant role in Nex’s decision to end their life is deeply disturbing. It’s a stark reminder of how toxic and damaging bullying can be, especially when it goes unchecked and unpunished. No child should ever have to endure such cruelty and torment at the hands of their peers.… Continue reading
Switchel, a long-forgotten 18th-century restorative drink, has made headlines in a rather unexpected way. A mother, Jennifer Lynn Rossi, 45, concocted a drink comprising lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and Gatorade for her son to give to a classmate who had been stealing his drink at school. This act, meant to deter the bully from further harassment, ended with the child experiencing nausea and a headache, leading to a hospital visit. The situation has sparked conflicting opinions and a flurry of reactions, ranging from support for the mother’s actions to criticism of her methods.
The mere mention of vinegar, salt, and lemon juice in a Gatorade bottle may evoke strong reactions, but was it really a harmful concoction or just an unpleasant surprise for the bully?… Continue reading
As an Oklahoma student, I am deeply affected by the recent tragic death of a fellow student, Nex, who was a trans individual. The news of Nex’s passing due to bullying is not just heartbreaking but also a stark reminder of the harsh reality that many LGBTQ+ students face every day. Bullying and discrimination should never be tolerated, especially within the education system, where students should feel safe and supported.
The fact that 40 students walked out in protest of the bullying policies at the high school is a powerful statement. It signifies that the younger generation is not afraid to stand up for what is right and demand change.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood