Stop tragedies by becoming involved

I am a school teacher. Undoubtedly, the most recent shooting in a school will impact me. I would like to offer you my thoughts.

To the people who say the fault lies with God and prayer not in schools: God ultimately allows freedom of will. He allows each person to choose their actions. It is not because people do not pray in school that this happened. It happened because someone made a horrible choice. Stop trying to manipulate me into acting on your religious beliefs.

To the people who say the fault lies with teachers not being armed: Teachers have a specific purpose. Protecting students against armed individuals with weapons is not in the job description. As a teacher, I already have so much I am responsible for; I do not want the responsibility of carrying a weapon. Stop trying to manipulate me into acting on your political beliefs.

The horrifying tragedy happened because here in the United States we want freedom. We want the freedom to make any choice, regardless of how that may impact those around us. We could give up more freedoms for more laws. More laws would make us feel safer. However, in all reality, people can ignore the laws. My grandfather used to say that locks are for honest people, because if someone really wants in, they are getting in. I would add laws to that. Laws are for law-abiding people, because if someone really wants to break the law, they will.

You want the tragedies to stop? I would suggest, then, you become involved. Spend time at a soup kitchen. Teach someone to read. Visit someone who is alone. You can make a difference. Stop complaining and do something. I did. I became a teacher.

Christy White

Yuma