The
magnitude of the mass killings at the Appalachian School of Law on January 16,
2002, unfolded gradually.
Angela Dales, the dead student, was
the mother of my oldest grandchild. As we
joined Angie’s family in the struggle to get through the terrible aftermath of
her murder—to ask questions—we were met with deceit, anger, cover-ups, and
lies. Our questions were met with everything but answers. Everywhere we were
confronted with disingenuous expressions of sympathy and support; half-truths;
hypocritical offers of help; and worst of all—a callous disregard for our
feelings and the depth of our pain.
When the words of law enforcement and
elected officials took on a pejorative, even a disparaging tone—our pain
deepened. These are the individuals we are supposed to hold in high regard, the
individuals we to turn to find answers and to find justice. We found neither.
We found intellectual fraud and dishonesty.
Our story is not unique; we are not
the exception—we are the rule. Whether one is a survivor of Columbine,
September 11, the Appalachian School of Law, the Aurora theater massacre, Sandy
Hook, or any senseless crime, the thing victims and their families ask is what
you rarely get, honesty and truth.
People in positions of authority,
people we put our faith and trust in to protect us and to protect our civil
rights—have (and do) mislead and deceive. They play with words and demonstrate
an unlimited capacity to rationalize the worst behavior.
I will go into the duplicity in
greater detail in upcoming posts. (To be continued)
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