I thought some here might be interested in the response of the local leader of the so-called "Christian Right" to the bloodshed in Santee. I earnestly hope they start a recall drive and will donate to it if they do.
School trustee says hopeless comments about life heard from students
By Jill Spielvogel
STAFF WRITER
March 7, 2001
A day after the shootings at Santana High School, a school district trustee who is active in anti-abortion protests put out a news release blaming the violence on students' "consistent disrespect for human life."
Gary Cass, a trustee for the Grossmont Union High School District and a local pastor, said he and other members of the anti-abortion San Diego Christians United have heard disturbing and hopeless comments about life from Santana High students during rallies on the edge of school grounds.
"I have heard some very strong comments, troubling comments that not only seem to devalue life in general but sometimes even their own lives," he said.
Trustee Ted Crooks said he was aghast at his colleague's statements.
"I remain appalled at Mr. Cass' lack of sensitivity, taste, even manners, that he would make this kind of baseless, despicable attack on students that don't need any attackers right now," Crooks said. "I think Mr. Cass confused disrespect for him with disrespect for human life."
Crooks said Cass put personal political gain above the needs of the students. Crooks and Cass have frequently been on opposing sides of school board issues.
Santana is a wonderful school with caring, thoughtful students, board President Dan McGeorge said. The board and district should concentrate on healing and dealing with the tragedy families and the community are facing, he said.
Cass said that his group has demonstrated at other campuses in the Grossmont district but that statements showing a disrespect for life were stronger at Santana than at the other schools. He said the problem is a national one, though, and that schools everywhere need to look at religious education as a way to give students a moral foundation.
The school district's administration declined comment.
Copyright 2001 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. |
