High School Shootings Haunt Puzzled Nation

* After digesting myriad articles on the Santee tragedy, I am struck by how many of our so-called leaders refused to be drawn into any kind of constructive action regarding the increasing malevolence of teenage violence in the U.S.

As conservatives and liberals alike are stuck on school safety, gun control and criminal prosecution issues, everyone seems to be avoiding the more difficult concern of taking violent threats seriously. More “interventionism,” whether liberal or conservative, is needed if we are to be realistically able to stem the bloody tide of school shootings.

In the future, when a son, nephew, friend, student or acquaintance espouses violent action, we should not only listen but also take responsible action. The lesson learned is that a little egg on our faces, should these threats not be realized, is preferable to bullet holes in our children.

MATTHEW FAULKNER

Long Beach

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* For school personnel to be at a loss as to the motive of the shootings at Santana High School is hypocritical. Anyone who has attended high school knows there is the “in crowd” made up of sports heroes, class officers and their entourage. To this group the teachers and administrators pander, allowing them to do pretty much as they please. Those not in the “in group” become the subjects of bullying, taunting and ridicule. They are the nerds, dweebs, etc. This is done with the knowledge of school personnel, and often in their presence, and is endemic. It is not surprising that sooner or later one of these nerds or dweebs decides to even the score. We saw it at Columbine and now Santana.

If school administrators wish to forestall another Columbine or Santana they should come down hard on these school bullies, regardless of their social standing in the school.

BRUCE M. STARK

Seal Beach

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* In the wake of the Santee tragedy, beyond the suggestions for metal detectors and surveillance cameras, two remedies come to mind:

1. Make a law imposing absolute criminal and/or civil liability on gun owners for the misuse of guns ostensibly under their possession and control. How did Charles Andrew Williams get his hands on his father’s gun that, according to his father, was under lock and key?

2. Institute classes on civility in high school, perhaps even in grammar school. Make an effort to impress on students how very hurtful their teasing and harassing can be.

MICHAEL LEVITON

Encino