To: Dateline NBC, INTERNET: dateline@nbc.com
CC: News 4 New York, INTERNET: news4ny@nbc.com
CC: The Journal News Westchester, INTERNET:letters@westchest.gannett.com
From: 72637.2465@Compuserve.com -or- WillW1947@aol.com
Re: School Shootings Etc.
The recent school shootings and violence in various schools has prompted me to
write this message as it brings back some unpleasant memories of my school
days.
I went to Hastings High School in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. just outside NYC. I
graduated in 1965. I have MANY pleasant memories but there are some not so
pleasant but very painful memories as well in which recent school shootings
have triggered the opening of old painful wounds as well.
When I was in high school I too was picked on, abused, bullied, & very much
made fun of. Because I was never seen with a girl I was called a fag or queer.
Because I was a bit awkward I was often called a clumsy ox. I was in many ways
the school's fool.
While in school my eyesight and hearing was gradually diminishing. I had in sit
up in front to see and hear all the teachers. One teacher in 7th grade Social
Studies had to have only girls in the front two rows. I guess he was a pedophile
at heart. When I also had to be seated up front he would sit as far away from
me as possible so I could not learn the lessons being taught. When a
flirtatious dirty old man he was. I had every reason to take it upon myself to
use a gun or riffle to shoot up the school the way I was treated.
Eventually I under went four operations in a twenty five month period. I graduated WITHOUT
being left back. I have an excellent job with Westchester County, N.Y. and before
I know it in 2009 social security will be kicking in and medicare 3 years later.
All this to go with my health insurance coverage with POMCO.
I notice the kids shooting others in schools claim to have been bullied and
picked on. These kids have more going for them than I did. They have full use
of their eyesight and hearing while I was losing mine. Of course had a great
family that was supportive and with me all the way and they may not be so lucky.
Even if both their parents live with them.
My dad died in Nov., 1962 (my sophomore year). Still the rest of my family
remained with me.
In July, 2000 my high school class held a reunion (35 years) and even those that
tore me apart and put me down in school ALL welcomed me with friendly handshakes
with open arms and minds. When a great feeling it was. Especially since it was
the idea of Steve Collins (of 7th Heaven fame) as well as myself that got the
very idea of this reunion in the first place in 1998.
In closing I can say I've been richly blessed and am glad I ignored much of the
abuse I took in school. I am most grateful of the support and understanding that
was there when I needed it.
These kids who shoot up their schools I do indeed feel for them. Perhaps in my
day with what I went through I may have felt the same way but I knew better and
had the support understanding I needed. However these kids today do have going
for them what I di not have in full use of eyesight and hearing. Perhaps they and
their families should look to God for the answers.
I do feel for these kids. However violence begets violence. Since God has been
kicked out of our public schools several years ago try inviting him into our
homes and even in school despite all odds and interference's in the words of the
late John Lennon GIVE PEACE A CHANCE and by all means HAVE FAITH as without faith
we are all nothing
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Will Wiehe (pronounced WEE-HEE)
Hastings High School graduate 1965.
(
geocities.com/rainforest)