Community Corner
You Said It: 'Our Community's Children are Hurting'
With this feature, we'll do our best to highlight thoughtful, passionate and provocative comments from Albany Patch readers. Comments may be edited lightly for readability.
Ellen Hershey commented on a recent article (Albany Teacher's Death, Possible Suicide, Announced by School District Following 'Lewd Act' Arrest):
"It's impossible to judge the Albany Police Department's decision to arrest Mr. Izumizaki because we do not know what evidence they may or may not have had. The case will never come to trial now, and so there will never be an opportunity for evidence to be presented in a public courtroom. Patch has properly reported the verifiable information that we do know, and it leaves many questions unanswered about some deeply troubling events. What is our job now as a community? We must learn to live with uncertainty, rather than indulge in speculation and blame. Those who can't resist the temptation to draw their own unfounded conclusions about what has happened would be smart to keep their thoughts to themselves rather than dashing off a comment to Patch. If we really did know more facts about what happened, some of those unfounded conclusions might look pretty foolish. Take all that energy that's being poured into speculation and blame, and turn it to compassion and support. Our community's children are hurting. What can we adults help them learn from this that will help them in their future lives? Before blaming Patch, our school superintendent, our police—stop and consider what their responsibilities are, and why. From what we know, I think they have done their jobs well. Our educators are in shock and hurting too. Time to show them our understanding and support. We must work with them to help our students find their way through this difficult passage."
How is your family handling the events of the past week? Please let us know in the comments.
