Questions about Kent State

A few weeks ago we read an article about the Kent State tragedy. Four students were killed and 9 were injured. In the article, "Tragedy at Kent State", it says that the troops were outnumbered and out of tear gas. It also said that they "acted without specific order but did have discretionary authority to return fire." The article said that some believed the troops were responding to sniper fire, but there was no evidence of a sniper ever found.

Why do you think the troops fired into the crowd then? What was their reasoning? Were they scared and just acting on impulse?

Claire M. - 5th Hour

Website devoted to pics and documents from Kent State: http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/may4cont.html

Kent State's Online Exhibit: http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/exhibit/index.html

Is there a right way to protest?

I thought the article "Tragedy at Kent State" was very interesting. I don't agree with what the student did by torching the building, but why were they so angry? Was it because people they knew in the army were dying or were they just anti-war? What didn't the students agree with about President Nixon's decision? The student didn't start the protest off to good, but when they tried to end it peacefully was when things got out of hand. Student voiced there opinions (peacefully) during the rally which they had the right to do, so why did things end the way they did? I don't understand why all charges against the troops were dropped, the state giving the families and students money doesn't make up for the lives they lost and injuries they dealt with. I think there should be better ways to end or control situations like this. Without using violence, what is the best way to handle a group of protestors?

Shayna S.