It’s logical to believe that our response, as a nation, to this latest massacre will be a defining moment in our history. The events of Columbine in 1999, Virginia Tech in 2007, and Aurora, Colo., in July have built a painful legacy punctuated in somber anniversaries, which now number as “one too many” for the American public to bear.
The difference in Newtown was notable — they were prepared with a security plan, had full control of school entry points (locked doors), and were well trained in the actions to take during an emergency. It didn’t matter. Within minutes an unprovoked gunman broke into their quite rural school and abruptly ended 26 lives. This, in a town that had only recorded one homicide in the past decade.
The frustration weighs heavy on a society that has grown sick of the senseless slaughter that has moved from inner cities to the high schools, public universities, suburban malls and movie theaters of rural America. In Georgia it’s reached local churches, with no refuge — not even a house of worship — safe from the murderous intent of a crazed gunman.
However, this was unprecedented. It was an elementary school — and 20 of the victims were between the ages of 6 and 7. How do you console the grieving parent of a 6 year-old senselessly killed along with his classmates 10 days before Christmas?
While the long lens of history may not fully capture when the tide turned, or where government decided it was finally time to develop new sweeping legislation to prevent another senseless slaughter, I believe Newtown represents that turning point, our true “defining moment.”
So, as we pray this week for the families and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy, let us hope for all our sakes that our collective actions extend past the well intentioned condolences and flags set at half staff. As a civilized society where we truly value the sanctity of life, we simply can’t endure another repeat of these events.
Thomas Cheater represents Ward 6 on the Marietta School Board.
Follow us on Twitter!
To be fair, I thought Tom was hinting at legislation too. That is one problem of living in a society where political figures hint at what they want to do then bury many other agenda items in their proposals.
Did you know that this crazy boy was denied an opportunity to purchase guns in CT the week before he perpetrated his horrendous crimes? That he killed his MOTHER in order to get weapons? Which goes to show that people intent on killing will find a way no matter what, even if it means killing their own moms, finding explosives whatever. CT has some of the strongest gun control laws in the land, yet that did not stop these acts.
You are naive sir. Bad people will find a way to do evil. The only way to counter evil is to recognize it for what it is. Guns are not inherently evil. You need to recognize where the threat comes from and address it, and until then, don't try to scold people for something no law could really prevent. Killers are LAWLESS. Evil must be met with equal force by GOOD people. Guns are not the problem.
By the way, I realize you are a politician and therefore unable to be direct and truthful, but if you are talking about gun control, the least you can do is say the words. To do otherwise is disingenous and cowardly of you.