On the 10th Anniversary of the Kirkwood Tragedy
All we want is justice
The Way I See It, St. Louis American Newspaper
Jamala Rogers (February 11, 2008)

When breaking news interrupted the regular TV programming, it was mumbling until I heard “shooting at Kirkwood zoning and planning meeting.”
I screamed at the television, “Nooooo, Cookie!”
I knew who the shooter right then was but it was a while before news reporters identified Charles “Cookie” Thornton as the alleged gunman that left five dead and 2 injured, Kirkwood Mayor Mike Swoboda seriously. Thornton was shot dead by police.
This is a tragedy of epic proportions, one in which our humanity shouts out in sorrow and compassion. But if we don’t seek genuine understanding of the overall situation we are doomed to a repeat.