In Alabama on Tuesday, January 29, a five year old boy was taken for hostage from his school bus after a 65 year old "survivalist" shot the driver during an altercation, according to NBC News.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/03/us/alabama-child-hostage
The survivalist, Jimmy Lee Dykes has kept the Asperger's Syndrome child http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/mental-health-aspergers-syndrome, Ethan, hostage for what is now going on five days. They are in Dyke's "bunker" (a large hole in the ground, somewhat like a shelter), which is equiped with electricity, tv, and supplies. Thankfully, FBI negotiators have been succesful in getting Ethan's medicine to him as well as crayons and a coloring book. The FBI is communicating with Dykes through a long PVC pipe.
What is so inspiring about this tragedy, is the upmost bravery of the bus driver, Charles Albert Poland, Jr. His two children described him in loving terms and described his love of his job and the children that were placed in his care on the rides to and from school. They said Poland saw the children as his own. In a terrifying moment, and one that took his life, Poland stood tall and attempted to save all the children from Dykes. While Dykes was successful in capturing Ethan, Poland lost his life but saved those of 21 other children.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/02/01/alabama-school-bus-hostage-showdown-enters-fourth-day
Can you imagine yourself being confident and brave for the lives of others? This man willingly sacrificed his life for the 22 children that he so very much adored. Poland is a hero and his death is not in vain.
Relating to this story is the current issue of gun control. How different could things have been if bus drivers were allowed to carry weapons for the safety of the little lives they are in charge of twice a day? What victory would it have been if little Ethan was with his family now enjoying a sunny Saturday because Poland was armed and able to defend himself and the other 22 precious lives on the bus?
Today, I encourage you to evaluate your ideas on this issue. Place yourself in the shoes of Ethan's family as well as Poland's. More importantly, keep these families in your thoughts.
No comments:
Post a Comment