I read the editorial today in The Daily Cardinal about the tragedy at Virginia Tech. I agree with the opinion expressed, except I would go much further.
I cannot imagine going to work, sipping a cup of coffee, walking the dog—all early morning activities and, then, as a VTU family member, learning of the massacre.
As a parent of a UW-Madison senior (an only child), and as a feeling human being, my heart goes out to the families of the students and faculty members who were senselessly gunned down.
One professor who saved the lives of many of his students by blocking the door was a Holocaust survivor. His death at the hands of an out-of-control gunman is particularly disturbing on the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
I am a charter member of The Million Mom March/Brady Campaign for Gun Safety, met the families of Columbine victims and those of other gun violence victims, lobbied local and national legislators about getting their support to prevent gun violence and strengthened gun laws and marched on Washington.
Maybe this is my New York City-snobbery speaking, but I could not fathom security in NYC making such fatal errors such as not closing down the whole campus, making feeble attempts at informing students and faculty of the initial killings and assuming the shooter must have gotten away.
This is not speaking from hindsight, but a cry for all schools to have emergency plans in place and practice them. To UW-Madison and all schools around the world, you are all our children and we raised you to grow in peace and fulfill your dreams.
Marci Pepper
UW-Madison parent
New York City resident
