Hits and misses
A quick look at some of the key issues making headlines in the Observer-Reporter
Miss: We’re not sure what former Sen. Rick Santorum was thinking earlier this week when he dismissed the March for Our Lives rallies as a political movement and suggested students learn CPR to combat mass shootings rather than stage protests.
“How about kids instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations that when there is a violence shooter that you can actually respond to that,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union” program Sunday.
His comment drew fire from thousands, including Erica Lafferty, whose mother was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
“Rick Santorum’s words are an insult to the kids of Parkland, my family and to the countless others who have had loved ones taken by gun violence,” she said. “For anyone to suggest that the solution to gun violence is for kids to learn CPR is outrageous and indicative of the NRA’s desire to say or do anything except strengthen America’s weak gun laws.”
Santorum backpedaled Wednesday, saying he misspoke, and joked that “Sanjay Gupta’s job here at CNN is probably safe as being the medical commentator on things.”
On that point, we agree.
Miss: While we acknowledge that Rostraver police Officer Martin Palla had a right to stand armed with his AR-15 last week during the March for Our Lives rally in Greensburg, we have to question his motivation.
“I believe that both sides of this debate have a common goal, and that’s the safety of our students,” Palla told a reporter with the Tribune-Review.
It’s clear where Palla stands on the issue of gun control, but what’s not clear is why he chose to intimidate youngsters.
We believe the residents of the community he serves deserve better.
Miss: Apparently, mum’s the word with our new congressman, Conor Lamb.
Lamb appeared on stage during last week’s March For Our Lives demonstration in Pittsburgh. When a reporter asked whether the former federal prosecutor would support a ban on assault weapons as he left the stage, he responded, “I’m not here to talk to the media.”
Congressman, we recall that you were quite talkative during your interview with our editorial board in the run-up to the March 13 special election.
We remind you that the people who elected you deserve answers to questions, including the tough ones. It is your obligation to provide them.
Hit: Kudos to the students and staff at Trinity Middle School, who last month opened a food pantry at the school for students who may need some assistance at home.
Every Monday and Friday, TMS students are able to anonymously visit the pantry, fill their backpacks with pantry staples and take the items home. The pantry was established through the generosity of students and staff during the school’s Hunger Games food drive this fall.
Students helping students is a good thing, indeed.