Looking to Prevent Drownings, Accidents, Neglect and Promote Supervision of Minors and Kids
To the Editor:
Any unnatural loss of life or serious injury in modern America is generally investigated. Even if not a crime or neglect case, advocacy can follow to prevent someone going missing, danger, abuse or death.
Many grieved with us over the drowning on June 16th of 2009 of our late teen son Kaelan Alexander Palmer Paton near the Falls of the Housatonic River. Yet few realize the importance of having an investigation into such a turn of events even though there were all minors involved.
Even eleven years later in 2020, I would welcome input from anyone as to who was there, which parents or other adults knew or approved of the dangerous outing and response teams to appreciate what unfolded that day.
It's time for a "collaborative community response", much like is recommended to prevent domestic abuse and racism among other crimes and forms of neglect and ongoing conflict. A 'negative peace' and 'no clear game plan' is not the same as a positive practice of peace and clarification of terms and roles of youth and adults in various capacities. That's what is needed to spell out and promote heavily.
I offer forgiveness to all who did not realize the danger of the river. Hopefully adults would have prevented them from jumping in that day and would do so in the future as well.
A report within days or weeks would have been helpful. A standard could be set voluntarily and even made into law to learn and recognize what occurred and ways to make amends. A meaningful apology of action or show of good will to prevent such tragedies would prove a valuable response.
Why wouldn't there be guidelines akin to when a fatality occurs in a workplace that mandates an investigation?
Regarding the events of that day and in general, I ask the following (and would appreciate any info and ideas.)
What could be done to make the danger of the Falls clear to all going there? Is it legal to swim, jump from lower or higher rocks? What is the penalty for doing so and who can enforce the rules, if not legal? Who is liable if a person is injured or dies and under what circumstances? What are the responsibilities and optional outreach a town or the state could provide?
Responsibilities for youth, parents, teachers, local community and rescue personnel could all be spelled out for voluntary improvements in various settings.
As more mature youth and legal adults, people could be accountable to 'stay on track'. A reasonable lifestyle could preclude speeding, drinking and drugging to avoid going to jail if injuring or killing someone.
Thank you to all who consider the greater good for people from all walks of life, colors and ages. This new adventure of reform calls for our best collective efforts.
I offer many ideas and resources on Livfully.org and hope to network with more people and places through online forums. I can be reached at cppaton@yahoo.com or 347-471-9209.
Catherine Palmer Paton, Falls Village CT
