Editorial: Bullying - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Bullying

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;

  • Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-14 23:20:07 GMT
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 

  • Thursday, May 9 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-09 23:20:06 GMT
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What
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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

Alabama – the United States – our world - just lost another precious child this week to suspected case of bullying.  Children and teens with bright futures are deciding more and more often to take their own lives rather than face their tormentors.  Mom's, dad's, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and teachers – we cannot go one more day without addressing this.

Most families that have gone through this excruciating, painful ordeal had no idea the level of emotional turmoil their children were experiencing before they killed themselves. That is why we are encouraging every family in our area to sit down with their children this weekend and reinforce your love and support for them.   Let them know that there is nothing that they are dealing with that cannot be solved – but you need to know about it to help.

In March of this year Senator Cam Ward introduced the Alex Moore Anti-Bullying act named after a 15 year old Jemison girl who committed suicide connected to bullying. A key element in this bill would be the requirement of the school to contact parents if bullying is suspected or witnessed.  As a father – respectfully Mr. or Mrs. Principal – I want you to call me, write me, text me, email me, send me a letter just let me know there is an issue.  That is why we strongly encourage our Legislators to pass this bill in the next session.  We cannot afford to lose another life because of bullying.

We appreciate your feedback.