Wisconsin Reactions To Connecticut Shooting

In addition to the 20 children killed in yesterday’s shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, six teachers and school officials were also killed.Brian Kennedy is president of the Wisconsin American Federation of Teachers.He says the six adults were also members of the Federation, and that his voice mail is full of messages from other teachers.Kennedy says this tragedy shakes them to their core.

“We’re not supposed to see this kind of barbaric activity in a society like ours,” he says.”My kids are between the ages of 8 and 14.I don’t want them growing up in a world where these things are more commonplace…..Does that make sense?”

Kennedy says he’s not sure if legislation or what kind of laws need to be passed, but he says children need to feel safe in schools and all public places.

State Senator Bob Jauch says the country is in mourning now for the children killed in Connecticut, but he says that needs to turn into hope.But before that can happen, he says the country has to stop its divisive and angry talk.

“Rather than getting into a fight about gun control, we ought to be asking ourselves what we can do to lower the decibel of hatred in this country so that we work more together as a united society.”

Jauch says it’s also important to appreciate and not vilify teachers.His wife Cecilia has taught in the public school system for 33 years.