It is difficult to know how to write about the tragedy in Connecticut, though so many have been so eloquent. I find myself stumped. I try, with various levels of success, to be predominantly “cause agnostic” on this blog, and simply point readers toward things I find inspiring, and hope a few others might, as well. I definitely pepper postings with my own leanings and passions, but try very hard to understand all sides of an issue. I know there is great passion about the debate on gun ownership in the United States, and I leave my personal opinions to the side on this, at this time. I do feel it is the time to discuss it. I do feel we honor those who were lost to such senselessness to put our own energies toward making better sense of things. And I know we can do it without getting our hackles up or attacking the positions of others–the vitriol on social media has been sickening to me, and I hope that particular bile will exhaust itself quickly.
As a many-year resident of Connecticut, about 35 miles from Newtown, and as someone who has been a classroom educator, I personally ask that you please be careful how you speak, no matter how much your buttons and beliefs get pushed. I suspect we will be discussing this issue, as a nation, quite a bit…and I suspect the place we wind up won’t be 100% satisfactory to folks on either side of the debate. Be true to yourself while honoring the children and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School, and the children you encounter each day.
For those anxious to take some action, here are some resources worth exploring, and ways to volunteer and get involved.
BRADY CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE–Take Action page
COALITION TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE–Get Involved page
SANDY HOOK SCHOOL SUPPORT FUND–part of the United Way
NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Send letters of condolence to those in the town: Message of Condolence, PO Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470. This is a new, official post box set up by the US Postal Service, assuring the mail will be delivered apporopriately.
Change by Doing 