PS

I'm starting a new feature today.  It's called PS, and it's meant to add a few additional thoughts to items already covered.  Yes, it's a lot like my old "Unfinished Business."

Today's topic is the horrible events of Monday evening in Ross Township, Monroe County, where three people were shot to death at a supervisors' meeting.

Every body that holds public meetings is now talking about increased security, and that's not a bad idea.

The alleged gunman in the Ross Township case began his shooting spree by firing from the outside, shooting through the windows.  Can we ring every building with police and security officers?  Hardly.

A lot of these townships don't have their own police departments.  They can barely fill potholes.  Hiring security will likely mean a tax increase, and add more to it if they want to purchase metal detectors and hire the people to run them.

On the other hand, what is the cost of a human life?  A little bit of security is better than none at all.

Security is not a magic wand.  If someone is intent on causing harm, and if they're prepared to give up their own life in the process, there's little you can do to stop it.

I've heard discussions centering around the township's relationship with the alleged gunman.  Some said he wasn't bothering anyone at his home.  He should have been left alone.  If that had happened, a few people would still be alive today.

On the other hand, what if he died up there, because of unsafe and unsanitary conditions?  The media would have been all over the powers that be for negligence.  Rules and ordinances are on the books for a reason.

Now, a few words about the media.

I watched as some of my brethren went on the air with rumors and hearsay.  I hope they can live with themselves.  However, the infractions were few and far between.  Most of what I saw and heard was accurate and responsible.

There were times I was very proud of my friends and competitors.  Usually, when you're at these mass media events, toes get stepped on.  Someone gets in someone else's way, accidentally or deliberately.  I didn't see any of that during my morning and early afternoon in Ross Township.

Some of the photographers at the media village that popped up in the park next to the municipal building pulled out giant trash bags to make sure we had a place to toss litter.  We left the park as clean as we found it.

Yes, I know that doesn't sound like much, but it does show the vast, vast majority of people who hold microphones and cameras are decent, responsible people.

The events of Monday evening were not pleasant, and not easy to tell.  Competitors respecting each other, and the community they visit, goes a long way toward making the situation manageable.