today.
I am certain I can't complain.
I can't sit here and think of the things that I can't fix in my life, such as bills and a shortage of money. I can't complain about school and how stressful it is. I can't complain about the people I'm around that act like fools. I can't even complain of headaches or being tired.
I know that as everyday goes by I live a much better life that most people in this world. No matter what stresses and troubles I come across, there is someone out there that isn't as fortunate as I am.
It's only often that I'm faced with those people that aren't as lucky as I am. Today is one of those days.
Somewhere between 11:00 and 11:50, sitting in my policing class (what a coincidence), a girl gets a text message informing her of the Virginia Tech shootings. A few classmates and I head down to the computer lab to read the articles posted on CNN and MSNBC. I must say that it's one of the most horrific things I've seen or read in a while. I can only imagine what pain they're going through up there, with all the chaos and unanswered questions.
This sort of thing affects me as a normal civilian and as a person devoting they're education and the rest of their life to criminal justice and the legal system.
It wasn't until today and a few short minutes ago that I have ever seen a press release to update the world of a tragic event and have actually understood why police officers are rude and harsh with reporters and may not have any answers for all the thousands of questions.
I used to never understand why police officers didn't know the facts. They're on the scene. They're in the buildings. They're face to face with the victims and sometimes even the criminal. Why don't they know these answers?
It's amazing how in depth a criminal act can be. And no one knows the precautions unless you've been told. Because words can easily be misconstrud, one thing can instantly become another. It's very important that police officials, with high authority, get their facts right the first time and that you don't go against your words. You only state what you certainly know.
I truly believe that some reporters have no soul. Not all, but some. What most people do not see or understand is that police officers are regular, everyday people. Whether they're police officers, a part of SWAT, investigators or even a 911 operator...they're normal people. What reporters and impatient people don't understand is that police officers are in the same situation as the victims and those around them. They see the blood, they see the people who are scared beyond belief, the see the wounded and the dead. They have to bring a sense of security and saftey to these people who are in a situation that no one would ever dream of facing. They carry out the hurt and the dead and sometimes have to deliever the fatal news to family and friends of victims that it's the end of their road. Whatever they may have to do, they can't show their pain or discomfort.
To sit here and hear reporters drill and cock attitudes with a police chief made my skin crawl. They're so worried about making that dollar that they don't even consider the feelings of others. I understand people have to work, and that sometimes the job of being a reporter is a very good thing, but when you seem to critize your authority in a situation like this and question their knowledge you need to put up your pen, paper and camera and take your ass home.
Today, I really can't complain, aside from the reporters I heard questioning a police chief during a press release. Nothing I face today is worse that what those at Virginia Tech are facing.
My heart is with the students, faculty, family, friends and police officials. I can only hope that things settle well and that justice is served where it need be.
I can't sit here and think of the things that I can't fix in my life, such as bills and a shortage of money. I can't complain about school and how stressful it is. I can't complain about the people I'm around that act like fools. I can't even complain of headaches or being tired.
I know that as everyday goes by I live a much better life that most people in this world. No matter what stresses and troubles I come across, there is someone out there that isn't as fortunate as I am.
It's only often that I'm faced with those people that aren't as lucky as I am. Today is one of those days.
Somewhere between 11:00 and 11:50, sitting in my policing class (what a coincidence), a girl gets a text message informing her of the Virginia Tech shootings. A few classmates and I head down to the computer lab to read the articles posted on CNN and MSNBC. I must say that it's one of the most horrific things I've seen or read in a while. I can only imagine what pain they're going through up there, with all the chaos and unanswered questions.
This sort of thing affects me as a normal civilian and as a person devoting they're education and the rest of their life to criminal justice and the legal system.
It wasn't until today and a few short minutes ago that I have ever seen a press release to update the world of a tragic event and have actually understood why police officers are rude and harsh with reporters and may not have any answers for all the thousands of questions.
I used to never understand why police officers didn't know the facts. They're on the scene. They're in the buildings. They're face to face with the victims and sometimes even the criminal. Why don't they know these answers?
It's amazing how in depth a criminal act can be. And no one knows the precautions unless you've been told. Because words can easily be misconstrud, one thing can instantly become another. It's very important that police officials, with high authority, get their facts right the first time and that you don't go against your words. You only state what you certainly know.
I truly believe that some reporters have no soul. Not all, but some. What most people do not see or understand is that police officers are regular, everyday people. Whether they're police officers, a part of SWAT, investigators or even a 911 operator...they're normal people. What reporters and impatient people don't understand is that police officers are in the same situation as the victims and those around them. They see the blood, they see the people who are scared beyond belief, the see the wounded and the dead. They have to bring a sense of security and saftey to these people who are in a situation that no one would ever dream of facing. They carry out the hurt and the dead and sometimes have to deliever the fatal news to family and friends of victims that it's the end of their road. Whatever they may have to do, they can't show their pain or discomfort.
To sit here and hear reporters drill and cock attitudes with a police chief made my skin crawl. They're so worried about making that dollar that they don't even consider the feelings of others. I understand people have to work, and that sometimes the job of being a reporter is a very good thing, but when you seem to critize your authority in a situation like this and question their knowledge you need to put up your pen, paper and camera and take your ass home.
Today, I really can't complain, aside from the reporters I heard questioning a police chief during a press release. Nothing I face today is worse that what those at Virginia Tech are facing.
My heart is with the students, faculty, family, friends and police officials. I can only hope that things settle well and that justice is served where it need be.