A few days ago I heard about the untimely and tragic psssing of Mr. Russell Giroux. My sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends.
I have seen the news reports and videos regarding the unfortunate incident that took place at a boys junior high basketball ball game in Alburg, playing against athletes from St. Albans. It is alarming and shocking to watch. I'm certain that no one involved intended or anticipated this tragic outcome. Thankfully, no innocent children were seriously hurt.
Sporting events are an important part of our community's culture. Family members are dedicated to their children's team winning a victory. This can create an atmosphere of high spiritedness.
As adults, we have an obligation, a duty, to set the right example for the youth of our community. This means being a trustworthy community member and to always strive to do what is right. Violence is only acceptable in a life or death situation. In the protection of your own life, the lives of loved ones, or innocent people nearby when you are out in the community.
Using violence as a means to win an arguement or to sooth one's bruised ego, is not only childish and ignorant, but it can also be deadly. You cannot take back a hit, punch, kick, or a bullet, no matter how much you might wish you could. It is always better to walk away and let someone have the last word than to be facing the kind of tragedy that we have happening now.
When adults do make a mistake, they need to own up to it and take responsibility. This is also setting the right example for our youth. It also makes other community members trust and respect you more.
I will be coming back home to Vermont this weekend. I heard about this story in a place pretty far away from Vermont. This has not made us look good to others. We need to do better and think about what kind of image we want to earn with the broader society of our country.
Take care, and be safe.
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