Thank you, Tribune-Review, for trying to know more about what happened in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve. Thank you, injured victim and paraplegic Jeremi Sensky, the Sensky family and friends, for trying to make sense of what happened during the deadly terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day (“Canonsburg man hurt in New Orleans terror attack gives his account of the incident,” Jan. 2, TribLive). Your incredible resilience and empathy for others is very commendable and essential, in these very trying times, which are happening all over the world.
You all should be considered an inspiration to our society and schools for more civic and ethical engagements that are more proactive and preventive. As Sensky, according to his daughter, would say, “keep on keeping on.”
As an expert witness for play safety and a Pennsylvania school safety and security assessor, I can tell you what should have happened with protective bollards and barriers, but the City of New Orleans is required to say what happened, without any sugar-coating and cover-up. You can find out more on YouTube.
Then, once we know the best practices, we can know and care more on how to expect the best. Once we know what is necessary, we can help make what’s necessary happen. Then maybe we can feel safe again as we wheel or ease on down the sidewalk and when the children are in the school of their choice, again.
Thank you, Jeremi Sensky, for trying to live your best life and make some sense of what happens.
Dennis Smiddle
Canonsburg