Dateline Dayton – The tragedy in Orlando could have been my son, your son or daughter who was killed. Maybe he or she was. I feel for the families of victims, whether killed or injured.

Parents cannot control their children after a certain age, but they retain a responsibility to protect others from harm. By all accounts, the parents of the mass killer did not fulfill their duty. He should have been given mental help, or possibly been committed.

The terrorist’s deadly actions leading up to last Sunday do not speak well for the background checks of the security firm he worked for or their monitoring. I don’t want someone already investigated twice by the government protecting me or my property.

The terrorist’s father also needs help, as he has a lot of memory lapses. He may be covering up the real views of his son.

Hard to understand how was the terrorist was able to travel abroad, working as a security guard. Pay must be a lot different from when I knew people working security.

I do not judge any class of people by the actions of one. But the Muslim community has to convince me they don’t support terrorism. They need to get the radicals out. Muslims must report anyone they suspect of terrorist inclinations.

Just living in this great country, taking advantage of all it has to offer should motivate us.

I feel sorry for those who lost their lives or were injured, the gay community, the City of Orlando, the police and the good members of the Muslim community.

Personally Speaking

Two weeks ago, Pauline and I attended the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus presentation at the Victoria Theater. A shooting could have taken place there. I hope this act of terrorism does not stop the gay community from staging outstanding events.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglbal.net