“When you feel something, Say something.”
“When you feel something, Say something.”
End School and community violence by recognizing and connecting with people who may have been isolated, bullied or appear different.
“It was really scary to think that something like that could happen in a nice town like Yourtown,” said every student, “It’s really a safe place. I’m not really worried here.” There is a difference between being worried, pro-active, compassionate and vigilant in 2018. All prior executed mass shooting incidents happened in communities of people who had awareness of the shooters instability before they acted. Without researching every mass shooting since 1999 it is fair to say that in almost every post incident investigation, people came forward who noticed, something amiss about before the assassin of innocents acted.
How do we, as a compassionate society of individuals, witness concern for others when we notice something out of sorts? It’s not the same these days, as we lose eye contact. Heads are down that are focused on small screens, with ears plugged. Reaching out to individuals and professionals is the only way to effectively care for ourselves and others who are disconnected, frustrated, angry, and at worst, ready to issue judgement against a society they have deemed unfair.
“When you feel something, Say something” may be the new catch phrase to instill hope begin the healing from frustration, disconnection and anxiety that has become present in communities across the USA. To those of you who feel life is over and hopeless because of your past, now is the time to face the positive potential of your future. Choose to begin your pathway to the good that lies ahead, by asking for help, and finding ways to help those in greater need than yourself. By making moments of meaning today, we can all define who we will become in the future, even when the future seems so far away, and each day lasts forever.
Aggressive mimicry and negative attention are two basic reactions that demonstrate a need for connection with lack of consideration for consequences. Bullies have unresolved issues, so they act out against those who they perceive as non-threatening, frequently with no concern for their effect on others.
Fifteen days after an assassin executed 17 innocent people in Parkland Florida, local students and adults have been expressing their volatility in Connecticut. Why now? The good news is nobody else was assassinated in a second February 2018 mass execution in the USA, The bad news is apparent reservoirs of anger and frustration are everywhere. Threats or false alarms have been reported in Old Saybrook, Ledyard, Colchester, Norwalk and Avon since the shooting one week ago at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (Rondinone; Feb, 21,2018, 3:20pm).
In Waterbury, a 20 year old man threatened to “shoot up” the school (News12; Feb.21, 2018, 6:09am).
In New Haven a student is charged with threatening New Haven magnet school (Dillane; Feb. 28, 2018 , 11:28pm).
SCSU student arrested after threatening Fairfield Ludlowe High School (Walsh; Feb. 28, 2018, 5:15 pm).
A 24 year old Vernon man was arrested after making threats against schools (Dillane, February 27, 2018, 7:29pm).
Two students were arrested for threats at Sheehan High School in Wallingford (Dillane; February 26, 2018, 10:24 pm).
Cheshire Police arrest high school student after making threats (Simoni; February 26, 2018, 12:53 pm).
A Westport High School male student was overheard making threats to shoot a teacher, and had thoughts of executing a mass shooting at the high school. (Dayton; February 28, 2018, 5:21 am).
Old Saybrook authorities arrested a 17-year-old arrested and charged a 17 year old with breach of peace after students and parents voiced concerns about the person’s comments and actions. (Walsh; February 21, 2018, 5:50 am).
A Stratford teen has been charged after he brought a BB gun to school.(February 20, 2018, 6:09 pm).
Non-credible threats were also reported in Milford and East Lyme.
In closing, no student family or community should wake in fear of not seeing their loved ones at the end of the day because somebody else has deemed the world hopeless, cruel and without hope.
“When you feel something is wrong, Say something.” Say something to the person you wonder about. Look them in the eyes, reach out in kindness, compassion and connection. Your simple act of caring can make big difference.
“When you feel something is hopeless, Say something.” Tell a family member, friend, neighbor, fireman, coach, radio personality, online group, gamer group, counselor, minister or rabbi you feel alone, angry and overwhelmed. Tell somebody you need ideas, and want your life to be better than it is right now. Tell somebody, today, that things seems hopeless and painful in ways you cannot describe. Start the path to a brighter future that you can only experience by getting there.
“When you feel something, Say something”
By David Carr. Self employed parent. West Haven, CT.
Tweet me @daaavecarr
