To the people of Littleton in general
and Columbine High School in particular
April 26, 1999
Dear Friends:
On behalf of countless millions of Americans, you are compassionately informed that our hearts, out thoughts, and our prayers are with you during this most devastating experience that has come into your lives. But be strong and of good courage in order that the LORD OUR GOD be with you throughout your sorrow and the excruciating pain.
Perhaps the most significant point of your present dilemma is that you are now the most qualified authority in addressing this kind of calamity -- not that such has never happened before, but because never has there been the destruction in mind, spirit, and body as you have suffered and witnessed. This is very important in that since the totalness of your involvement has been greater, then you are expected by the POWERS THAT BE to demonstrate and to practice a greater leadership. Time or this letter will not permit me to explain every detail of what could or should be said; however, let me continue from the point just raised.
There is sufficient evidence that there was advance knowledge that something terrible was about to happen at Columbine High School. Certain students and certain authorities possessed such advance warnings. Yet that terrible something occurred. Why? That one question is what most persons want answered. Contrary to many comments, the answer to that question is rather simple and almost self-explanatory; however, no response is forthcoming at this time so that greater attention can be given to the fact that even with advance knowledge a dreadful misfortune prevailed. Again, this is important. It is important because following each of the previous similar incidents, I went on record with a prediction that a more disastrous repeat was on the way. And unfortunately I am not privileged to discontinue my prediction at this time because what has happened at Columbine, a far greater repeat is already headed our way. The question is, where will it leave its mark? It could easily be here in Detroit the next time around.
The Detroit school system in years past had its out-of-control school problems. I was called upon by parents and school administrators to go into these problem schools and bring them under control. I took the school with the most problems and with 35 selected students, brought that school under perfect control within 90 days. I was so proud of that success that as I walked the quiet and deserted hallways where formerly there had been congestion and chaos, I cried -- not because I wanted to cry, but because my emotion of accomplishment simply took over. Today, Detroit's public schools are in their worst shape ever, as they have gradually drifted back into an out-of-control state. Why have I not been called back into action? My program and participation included no abuse or misuse of public funds on matters where I was involved. I hope you get the picture. Also, please be advised that any one of Detroit's public schools, despite having been warned, is a candidate for the chaotic conditions suffered by Columbine and the Littleton community. Your expectation is to be on standby and with veteran experience assist these 'newcomers' -- those in need of someone who truly understands.
What is being said in this letter is that as individuals and as a community, you have an extremely difficult mountain to climb. You may not want to climb it, and you may doubt your capacity to climb it -- but, climb it anyway. You see, you are not to climb it for self-satisfaction or for some involuntary physical reaction. You must climb it for the people who surround you and also because of the many more people who are in need of the courage and perseverance you must demonstrate in your tribulation in order for them to sustain a decent way of life.
Please let me interrupt this line of thinking by injecting a personal reference as an explanation. I have been trying since this past December to make a presentation before the U.S. Senate regarding the impeachment trial of the President. The Senate reached its determination on the trial on February 12th of this year. Since that date I have been involved in actions to reconvene the impeachment hearing. As you can imagine, to achieve such a goal means that I too have a mountain to climb. It is not a mountain I wish to climb and I doubt my ability to climb it -- yet, I must climb it anyway. I must climb it because although more skillful persons are raising their voices, not one of them has stepped forward to do any climbing -- I must climb it because so many less qualified people have asked me to climb it for their welfare and peace of mind -- and, I must climb it because the future of this nation is at stake.
There is no need for me to point out the various signs and evidence that are advance warning of something terrible waiting to happen to our nation, because the Columbine tragedy says it all. You see, when advance knowledge of trouble ahead fails to encourage proper corrective measures, then we have reached a point and time where in order to save the fort, someone has to climb the mountain. I am compelled to say that as a people and as a nation our survival will depend on persons like you -- persons who in having their world cave in on them like the destruction of an earthquake, the fierceness of a tornado, or the ravages of flood waters -- when all is said and done are found standing -- scared, completely exhausted, totally depleted -- but nevertheless survivors.
In conclusion, may I leave you with a thought which tends to partially answer the earlier question of 'Why?' When the Senate opened the impeachment trial hearing, the chaplain gave the invocation, thus, in theory, allowing the presence of God to be at the forefront of all that was to take place. At Columbine and other schools, God has been 'kicked' not only out of the building but off the premises; thus when something happens at school and there is a need for God, in theory, He cannot be found -- He is not privileged to be on the scene. What do you think would have been the 'climate' at Columbine had an acknowledgement of God's presence been an integral part of the school's programs? Why is the practice of government denied our educational institutions?
To each and all of you at Littleton and Columbine, it has been very meaningful for me to communicate with you on behalf of so many of your fellow Americans. Do remain steadfast and focused on your primary responsibility which must be to weather the storm in which you find yourselves so that your proven diligence will enhance the lives of people everywhere. To such an end, may God be with you always, as I include
My Best Regards,
Sincerely,
LeRoi R. Haskins
