Attitude?

To the Editor:

I spoke to Lisa Gissen a few days before the after-prom party they were hosting at their house. I contacted them because my daughter was invited and asked if she could attend. I do not know the Gissens personally; however, many of my friends and neighbors know them, speak well of them, and their son has visited my house on occasion. After speaking with them I found them to have a responsible plan for the party they were hosting and felt comfortable allowing my daughter to attend.

So what criminal activity were the Gissens involved in? They wanted their son to have fond memories of gathering with his friends after the prom. They wanted their son and his friends to be safe. They wanted their son and his friends to have responsible fun. As a Christian I applaud their efforts to try to create a comfortable, safe environment for their son and his friends. As a neighbor I am appalled that uninvited guests who caused trouble are not the focus of the letters to the editor or the reporting. I am troubled that people in the community are so quick to judge the Gissens’ actions without any personal knowledge of the situation, the people involved, or any consideration for the family.

As a member of the community I hope that this letter will provide support and comfort to the Gissens who, as parents, sought to create a positive, safe, enjoyable evening for their son and his friends as they end their high school careers. For those so quick to judge, to ask for resignations and to thwart the attempts of well meaning adults, I question what your agenda is? And for those parents who have some courage, I ask that you support the Gissens in your words and your deeds and not be daunted by the “holier than thou” approach of those who have attempted to do nothing positive but feel compelled to criticize a decent, responsible family in the community.

Douglas and Frances Brennan

8 Antler Pine Road, Sandy Hook                                     May 16, 2007