Some Perspective on School Shootings

The horror of the Florida high school shooting which cost seventeen lives cannot be overstated.  And the alarm about the massacre and the need of so many to do something is understandable.  The desire to vent anger by marching in the streets of America makes sense in that regard.

Fortunately, school shootings – despite overflowing publicity – are rare events.  So policy should not be made under the supposition that the threat is substantial and widespread.

Since 1982 (thirty-six years ago), 150 secondary level students and younger have lost their lives in school shootings.   (Today’s school population is over fifty-five million.)

Contrast these national numbers with Chicago’s murder statistics.  In the five year period ending in 2016, 169 youngsters were shot and killed. 

Where is the similar outrage?  And, of course, there is the well-known irony for gun control advocates that Chicago has some of the nation’s toughest anti-gun laws.

Solution for school shootings – horrible but extremely unlikely events for any particular school - would seem best focused on school security as a deterrent (screenings, armed guards and teachers).

As for Chicago’s youth slayings – a far greater risk for that city’s young people – where are the marches?  Does the city need more police, national guardsmen on every corner, a mobilization of the community to stop such violence?  Where are the national demands for action?

Doesn’t the mainstream media care?