The groups then will go along Oneonta streets and meet at the city's parking garage between Water and Market streets. At the garage, the Rev. Robert Longobucco of St. Mary's Church will speak on peaceful ways to resolve conflict, and at the vigil, participants will have an opportunity to speak and to recognize victims of violence. The event, planned in conjunction with National Crime Victims Week, is to encourage understanding and conflict resolution, organizers said. Our nation has been shocked by the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City and shootings in public schools. Incidents this year have been a painful reminder that Oneonta is not immune to violence and obnoxious behavior.
Questions linger about how the fight started and who was responsible.
An Otsego County grand jury has indicted two men, also 21, on assault charges, and participants' statements to authorities contend that racism was a component. Through the court process, some answers will come. However, we also need to look within ourselves for answers about the nature of violence and our views about it. The march Tuesday is a way to heighten awareness that violence is part of life but not part of humanity. The march can be a preventive measure, a reminder that violence is destructive and can hurt friendships, relationships, marriages, families and communities.