What is the legacy we are leaving future generations?
On Feb. 14th in the world as we know, it is the day we are supposed to celebrate and honor our loved ones. We give flowers and candy and hearts.
But on Feb. 14th, 2008 my heart was broken. A graduate student walked into a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University and randomly began shooting students and the lecturer. Killing students before killing himself.
Young people, in the University, trying to learn and make a life for themselves. To be productive members of our society. To maybe become the future leaders of our world. Maybe a Nobel Scientist, a future president, a poet laureate, a doctor or social worker - -someone that could have bettered OUR lives along with their own. And some sick son of a bitch walked in and took lives and changed lives forever.
What have we taught our youth? When and where did they learn that life - - their own or others - - has no value? How did we make someone so selfish that he felt that he could end his life and in the process take the lives of others. If he chose to kill himself, not thinking of his family and loved ones he would leave behind to grieve, so be it. But the kids he killed had no option. It wasn't their choice.
Schools, shopping malls, retail stores...they are supposed to be safe. Will they ever be again? Why aren't parents teaching the value of life? Why couldn't those around these sick bastards see any signs? Or did they choose not to see it?
So many questions. So few answers.
Thoughts and prayers to the families of those involved in NIU massacre.
Until next time...
4 comments:
Maureen,
I agree with your question: "What have we taught our youth?"
It seems so many of our young people this day and age have been learning right from wrong by the lack of parenting by their families. Yes, I put full blame for this kind of unconscionable behavior at the doorsteps of parents. Are they so self-absorbed that having children is merely an inconvenience and not taken seriously? There is so much more to bringing children into this world than just providing food and shelter. What about the teachings of goodness, respondsibilities, compassion, and the love of humanity? It seems so many misguided young people think the world is all about today, and to Hell with tomorrow, right from wrong, and the consequential effects on the lives of others that they produce?
Where are the values being taught? Are they from the streets, trying to be like the trash movies and music, the attitude of 'I know everything', waking up to a new "daddy" every morning, or just the basic truth that so many parents just don't take the respondsibility that God gave them when He gave them the precious gift of a child.
There are so many good young people in this world and I try to keep the faith that goodness will prevail on our beloved earth. But to those that behave in the manner of which I have mentioned, being parent or child, GET A GRIP! This old world is not all about you!
"No man is an island!"
Ronnie
Maureen, you're so right. We have given this "me" generation too much, done too much for them, made them put themselves first. Since I have three kids in this generation, I pray that I have taught them that giving feels so much better than receiving. Some days I see it in them and other days I think I've messed up. It's hard being a parent but we've got to keep trying and doing our best. Most of all, we have to stop burying our heads in the sand when kids are troubled. This killing spree has got to stop.
HEY! Whats new?
I totally blame the parents. These kids were just not raised properly.
They are lost souls in a very big world. And they are cowardly as they kill themselves after they kill everyone else, as they just can't own up to what they have done...
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