A different breed of children today

THE EDITOR: Change is not always as easy to give in to, and the responses I have read with regards to armed policemen in the schools make it evident. Let’s face the facts: the children of today are faced with new challenges that were faced from the 60s through the 80s. Technology has infiltrated even the most remote part of the country, and children of today have a different vision of their future. Because of this we must be proactive and adjust to these changing times. Few children venture outside and enjoy what nature has provided which once provided a safe haven for everyone. Fewer children go hiking in the fields, fishing, hunting for fruits and wild animals, or even catching squirrels for pets; fewer children no longer play hop scotch, jump rope, pitch marbles, play catch, spin tops; fewer children no longer create scooters, make tractors from the bobbin of the threads, slingshots, chici chong. Their new version of play is playing video games, or on the computer or cell phone.

Things have significantly changed when children’s Xmas list consisted of non technological items. I can go on and on like the Energiser Bunny.
Folks times have changed and we need to adapt. Cops in schools with guns may seem crude at this time, but the officers’ first job is to defend himself. I had experiences as a police officer in TT where my life was put in danger because I was unarmed. In those days firearms were limited and only senior police officers were allowed to have firearms. We have reached a crossroad and need to go with the flow. If kids are carrying weapons, then the officers’ life is in danger, and I speak from personal experience. I have worked in the Dade and Broward County school system in Florida since 1997, and armed cops in schools is the norm. These officers are handpicked and trained for this unique position and we should leap frog into this new area of policing. Once more, I offer an olive branch to the leaders to consult on this matter before some officer or student gets hurt; and “to late” shall be the cry.

ANDY ANSOLA
Miami