Surely this is enough evidence to end the silly first name syndrome discussion.
A month ago, six African-American teenagers drowned in a single incident in Louisiana, prompting soul-searching about why so many young black Americans can’t swim.
When 15-year-old DeKendrix Warner accidentally stepped into deeper water while wading in the Red River in Shreveport, he panicked.
JaTavious Warner, 17, Takeitha Warner, 13, JaMarcus Warner, 14, Litrelle Stewart, 18, Latevin Stewart, 15, and LaDarius Stewart, 17, rushed to help him and each other.
None of them could swim. All six drowned. DeKendrix was rescued by a passer-by.
By going swimming with just one of them someone was going to get hurt, but all 6 going together was inviting serious trouble.
I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, legislating to make people give their kids sensible first names may well be the first step in breaking the cycle of mayhem amongst the poor and mentally infirm.
Silly First Name Syndrome is a killer. We need to stamp it out.
