Yesterday was a day of blog silence for many, a way to pay tribute to the victims of the Newtown shooting. It was an act I took part in, though I decided to forego the special badge that announced my participation. But today, my moment of silence has ended.
I've heard the perspective that bloggers can provide uplifting content for others, give them something to focus on other than the news. But personally, I don't think we can afford to ignore what's in front of us, to be uplifted in a time of senseless tragedy. I think we need to speak often and vigorously. Now, while this moment is fresh and still so raw. We, all of us, need to be the catalyst for change.
I remember Columbine so clearly. I was on my honeymoon, full of hope for the future, shattered by what I saw on television. That was almost fourteen years ago and at the time felt like a crazy, isolated tragedy. Since that time, crazy has turned into commonplace. It breaks my heart over and over again.
We need to talk. We need to examine ourselves. We need to determine whether we need so many guns - and if so, whether we need assault weapons in the hands of our citizens. We need to look hard at the issues of mental illness and emotional problems, be prepared to recognize them in people we love dearly. We need a solid system in place to support those individuals and their families.
I wish I lived in a world where love conquers all, where I don't have to worry that a similar fate could befall my six year-old. I don't. But I hope I live in a world where reason and compassion can overtake political divide. I hope I have a future where these types of mass killings begin to abate.
There's a lot of work to do. I hope we'll do it - all of us, together. That's the best way I can think of to support the community of Newtown.
Oops, Sariette! Sorry about that! The oven temperature should be 400 degrees F.
Posted by: Suzonne | 15 February 2013 at 04:14 PM
Please can you help me with the oven temperature for the Classic Sugar Cookies. Thanks you so much. Sariette.
Posted by: Sariette Perdijk | 14 February 2013 at 12:33 AM
Very well said.
Posted by: Shannon {A Mom's Year} | 18 January 2013 at 04:05 PM
Amanda, I appreciate that there are (at least) two sides to the gun control argument. Personal experience colors my own stance, as it does for most of us. But no matter where anyone stands on the issue, I hope that the Newtown massacre will also highlight an equally important issue - what are we going to do about the way we recognize, handle, and treat the mentally and emotionally ill?
I think it's a complex, complicated issue that we face in this country - and there's no single set of laws that are going to fix everything. But I'm hoping we continue the dialogue and find ways to fix what we can.
Posted by: Suzonne | 31 December 2012 at 06:55 AM
Here's an interesting perspective: http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/an-opinion-on-gun-control/. He says it much better than I can. As someone who owns an "assault weapon" (for deer hunting, and because our home is very isolated. If someone unwanted entered our home, there's no one that could see or hear and save me/ call the cops.) What happened in Connecticut was a tragedy, but the killer broke the law to get the guns. More laws wouldn't have stopped him, or anyone else looking to use a gun to commit a crime.
Posted by: Amanda | 30 December 2012 at 08:41 PM
I'm from France, and don't see the point to have a gun at home. So having assault weapons...
I hope very much that people of America, especially women, can raise and say no to the second amendment.
Posted by: Hélène | 18 December 2012 at 11:24 AM
This is such an insightful and beautifully written piece. Whatever the answers, we need to continue the conversation.
Posted by: Nancy | 18 December 2012 at 10:30 AM
Anita, I was gratified to hear a few politicians publicly shifting their views on gun control. I can't remember the last time that's happened. It's not the whole picture and it won't solve the entire issue, but it would be a start!
Posted by: Suzonne | 18 December 2012 at 07:56 AM
I couldn't agree with you more. I have written to both of my senators requesting that they introduce laws restricting gun control. I plan to write to my state representatives.
Posted by: Anita | 18 December 2012 at 07:42 AM