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Kids could have been rescued
5/24/2013
After viewing the heartbreaking images of the devastation in Oklahoma, in particular, the complete destruction of the grade school, I wondered "why?"
We live in an age when technology provides us with the answers to protect ourselves from the forces of nature, but we fail to incorporate those features. The students who died might have been saved had the school facility been built or retrofitted with a reinforced concrete hallway with a concrete "roof" to shield the students and faculty. Creating a concrete tunnel to serve as the main corridor would provide a central "safe room" which every class room has immediate access to. It could be painted/decorated just like the standard corridor, but it would be a steel reinforced safe room. This is a feature that could be retrofitted, and certainly designed into new schools.
It is the duty of our school districts to consider the risks from natural disasters and plan ahead to protect the children and adults who spend so much time in our schools. A simple change to create a central hallway that is safe will save lives. Prayers to the people of Oklahoma who suffered such unimaginable loss.
Bernie Ask
St. Simons Island
Brunswick is a great town full of friendlies
Last Tuesday, on my way to Florida, I was able to drive off I-95 at a Brunswick exit just before my car died on the side of the road near the exit ramp. As I stood near the car waiting for the tow truck, seven separate people stopped to see if I needed help.
The first five looked to be people on their way home from work; the sixth was an Officer Phillips from the Georgia State Patrol, who looked under the hood and then stayed with me; the seventh was Police Chief Matt Doering of Glynn County who also stayed until the tow truck arrived. I am so impressed with the kindness of Brunswick people, I had to write. To all seven of you, plus Dependable Body Shop, Enterprise Car Rental (who rented me a much needed car after hours on their moving day), and Phillip's Automotion, I extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation. You're a great town.
Erica Rollings
Savannah
Parents must stop renting houses for children
My heart is truly broken over the news of Dalton Collins' death. Not only am I a friend of the family, I also was one of his elementary teachers.
Dalton was one of the most beloved students I have ever had. This was an unimaginable tragedy for our entire community. I pray that parents will wise up and stop the "tradition" of renting senior houses for their children.
This horrible and unnecessary loss of a precious child could have been avoided if, as a community, we stand up for the health and wellbeing of our children instead of mindlessly carrying on a "tradition."
Laura Kipp
St. Simons Island
Jeff Chapman can not fool Glynn County voters
It would seem from Mr. Chapman's comments on his low grades received by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce that he believes his way/outlook more correctly identifies with the voters in Glynn County.
Perhaps he could give council to the other representatives who foolishly voted at a much higher level and obviously were not swayed by the old "saw" of Mr. Chapman. He couldn't sell that theory to the voters when he ran for governor -- what makes him think we are buying it now?
Dick Justice
St. Simons Island
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