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By: Jamie Collins
Today, we felt compelled to share an opinion piece, written by the Founder in light of Friday’s tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut. Please note that this piece does not necessarily represent the views of The Paralegal Society as a group, its individual Mentors or its Members, although it certainly may. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.
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Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Last Friday, I dropped my 7-year-old, first grade son off at his elementary school, as many other parents did. We waved goodbye to our children as they stepped outside our parked vehicles or onto big, yellow school buses in route to another day of education at their respective elementary schools all across the country.
Little did we know that Friday, December 14, 2012, would change us as a nation. It would bring the citizens of this great country to their knees. We would hear graphic radio accounts, see tragic photos scrolling across our television screens, and view countless media interviews, timelines, and personal accounts telling us what took place at Sandy Hook Elementary in the early morning hours of what was believed to be a normal day. As we dropped our children off, we were completely unaware of the absolute horror that would ensue. It would become a tragedy of unconscionable loss that would affect the most innocent among us – our children. It would shake us as a nation to our very core, as parents and fellow human beings. We would find ourselves searching for answers where there were simply no real answers to be had.
That evening, I had the privilege of picking my son up from school. I pulled into the parking lot, lined with the cameras of a local news crew, undoubtedly filming a story we all expected to view with heavy hearts on the evening’s nightly news. I felt an overwhelming sense of deep, personal gratitude sweep over me as I began to walk toward the building to pick up my precious child. Knowing that I had my son walking securely beside me was a gift. It was a gift for all of us who had the fortune of doing so on that day. It is a gift we often overlook. One we now know to be grateful for on a deep and meaningful level after helplessly watching the tragic events of December 14th unfold before us.
As a nation, we found ourselves transfixed to our television screens and hanging on every word of national broadcasts, as we listened and watched, gripped in horror. We found ourselves wondering how such a horrendous event could occur in an elementary school, of all places. In that moment, we knew that there were so many others within our country: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors who learned they would never see the smiling, happy faces of those precious 6 and 7 year old children again. There would be no more bedtime stories, bandages after bike wrecks, family game nights, helping with homework, cuddling on the couch or hugging their children tightly. There would be no formal goodbye. There would be only empty chairs in a classroom and a gaping hole left in a community and a nation.
This tragedy is beyond logical comprehension. It is a horrific story of young lives lost far too soon to an act of senseless violence. It is a sequence of events that has become all too common within our society. Perhaps the terrible tragedy that unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, will finally wake us up as a nation. May it implore us to take major steps in the right direction to prevent these types of tragedies from routinely occurring within our society. The time has come to ask ourselves what must be done to ensure that we aren’t making it easy for mentally deranged individuals, or those in search of unjustifiable vengeance among us, to commit savage and senseless crimes against our fellow citizens, and possibly, ourselves.
We must ask ourselves what the real problem is — Is it a mental health issue? Could we offer more support and better assistance to those with disabilities or other mental health issues? Is it an assault weapon issue? Would passing a ban on assault weapons really help? Is it a break down in our norms and societal structure overall? While these isolated incidents may lead some to believe it is the latter, I must continue to hope that is not the case. Most of us are good people with morals who care about other people. Yet, one person, making a series of really catastrophic choices can forever alter the lives of so many others. I believe it’s not a one size fits all type of a problem. A broad brushstroke will certainly not lend itself to becoming the solution. We must look long and hard at all of the issues that could be at the core of these incidents that have now become commonplace in our society.
While I believe that citizens of this great country should have the right to bear arms, I don’t believe our forefathers had high-power, assault-style weapons with large ammunition clips, such as Uzis and M-16’s, in mind when they created the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Perhaps you agree with me, and perhaps you don’t. I will candidly admit that I am not naive enough to believe that a ban on assault weapons would prevent all senseless tragedies from occurring, but I do believe it could drastically minimize the collateral damage caused when a mentally disturbed member of our society decides to go on a rampage. (I realize that the gun used in the Connecticut shooting was a semi-automatic assault weapon, not an automatic assault weapon, which seems important to point out for purposes of this discussion, but I stand behind my opinion on assault weapons.)
If you agree with me that we need to look to a solution — then we must impress upon our political leaders that they need to take a cold, hard look at what the key issues are and work toward putting legislation into place that will protect us all. They must act, and act now. They must work to create and pass legislation that makes sense, continues to allow us our constitutional rights and freedoms, but takes into consideration what is in the best interest of our society, as a whole. Does the average Joe really need an assault weapon? Should those with mental health issues really have nowhere to turn then they are in need of support?
I implore you to ask yourself: How many letters you would write, e-mails you would send, and petitions you would sign if this tragedy had taken the life of your own child, grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor? We have the right to be angry. We have found ourselves with “what if” scenarios swirling in the back of our minds as we enter shopping malls, movie theaters, and drop our children off at their local elementary schools, libraries or other public places as the result of news stories. Not only do we have the right to be angry, we have an obligation to be outraged.
We have a moral responsibility to do all we can to urge lawmakers to take swift and decisive action. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat. I don’t care if you’re a Republican. Whether you have Obama stickers affixed to the bumper of your car or were in the process of mailing a letter of condolence to Mitt Romney prior to reading this post makes absolutely no difference. Quite frankly, I don’t care if you’ve never voted a day in your life. We are a nation of people with a government that was founded by the people, for the people. When those people decide to come together to take a stand on an issue, they become empowered.
We have the power to unite for the greater good of our society.
We must bombard the in boxes and mail boxes of lawmakers.
We must speak out.
We must sign petitions, write letters, and tell Congress: Enough is enough.
We must put politics second and humanity first after the terrible events which occurred in Connecticut last Friday morning, and all the similar events over the past few years. We, as Americans, are no longer willing to passively sit by on our couches, glued to our television screens wondering what we can do in the wake of a horrific tragedy such as this.
We have had enough.
The time has come for action. Do what you can right now to make your voice heard. Send the e-mail sharing your thoughts, make the phone call to a Congressman’s office, write the letter, forward this blog post to people you know, and above all else, hug your children tighter when you pick them up from school tonight. It is a gift. Let us never again forget to realize it.
Ask yourself – What would you be willing to do today if you had lost your own child, grandchild, niece or nephew on December 14, 2012, in such a horrific way?
As a citizen — you have the right to be angry.
You have the right to be outraged.
You have a personal obligation to take decisive action and make your voice heard.
Write the letter. Send the e-mail. Make the phone call. Sign the petition.
As a society — we have the right to be angry.
We have the right to be outraged.
We have a personal obligation to take decisive action and make our voices heard.
Enough is enough. And we have definitely had enough.
“We have got some very big problems confronting us and let us not make any mistake about it, human history in the future is fraught with tragedy … It’s only through people making a stand against that tragedy and being doggedly optimistic that we are going to win through.
– Robert James Brown
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Do you agree or disagree? Please feel free to share your thoughts via a comment. We’d love to hear from you.
The Paralegal Society™ 
Here is a link for locating/e-mailing your representative(s): http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/#listrep
Jamie,
I am not at all surprised that you, a “good human”, felt compelled to write these words. When you and I exchanged text messages on Friday afternoon, I didn’t correlate that you would be picking up your own young son from school soon thereafter. My two sons are grown so my perspective is different. Wow, how tough it must have been for you. I bet you hugged that young boy so tight when you finally saw him. He is such a precious boy too — I remember the video you shared of him dancing at the wedding. Adorable and so full of life!
I haven’t been able to watch much of the news items about this tragedy. It is unspeakable to me. I did have the same thought you did about how easy it is for a loner teenager who obviously has societal issues to gain possession of not one, but multiple firearms. There have been too many of these incidents too close together over the past few years. Unfortunately, I think the mental issues/access to firearms issue is such a large one and it can’t be resolved quickly. I wish that wasn’t the case though.
Take care,
Amy
Jamie,
That is the one thought that I cannot get out of my mind…How those mothers must feel, I applaud them for being able to put one foot in front of the other. I am stricken with grief, there are no words.
I don’t think that all guns should be banned but I agree with you assault weapons have no place in our society. You should not be able to buy a gun that can kill 20 people in 8 seconds. Those types of guns should only be sold to the military no one else. I think the bigger issues here is Mental Health, we need to bring this to the forefront. We spend millions on cancer, rightfully so, but how many people are dying from the effects of non-diagnosed or non-treated mental illness. I think the numbers are starting to meet.
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
Reminds me of something that is simple as the above, but very profound:
“All it takes for evil to thrive is for good men and women to do nothing.”
Faye
I agree partially with your analysis of the problem. Your solutions fall short. Just ask the Koreans whose stores were NOT looted and families NOT hurt during the LA Riots because they were on the roof with their AR15’s engaged in self defense. We live in a different world. There are those with mental health issues and those who are terrorists who want to hurt innocent people. I worked in a prosecutor’s office long enough to learn that if a perpetrator is bent on destruction, then the choice of weapon won’t matter. Tim McVeigh did it with fertilizer. The 9/11 murderers used airplanes. I have an AR15 and will stand for my right to own it. I will stand for the right to match my self defense capabilities with those from whom I may need to defend myself.
I believe detective Mark Furhman has offered the best analysis I have heard to date. He notes that we can never know who the potential perpetrator is. We DO know the targets. Schools, Theaters, Malls or restaurants. We do know that the police CAN’T GET THERE FAST ENOUGH. So this 66 year old lady who owns a Walther PPK380, a Glock 19 and an AR15 will stand for the right to defend myself and my family with a tool that I am trained and practiced to use. Do you know that teachers in Israel carry? There are no school shootings in Israel! Bombings…yes – but not mass shootings. I agree with the solution of the Texas school district: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/harrold-texas-school-guns_n_2316729.html.
Finally, as someone who did special education advocacy for students with mental illness, autism and learning disabilities for several years we need to do a better job of treating those conditions, as well as educating the public about them.
We also need to look at the other problems in our society. Did you know that Switzerland not only does not ban guns, every adult is issued one and is required to to be trained and maintain it. Yet gun violence is practically non-exiistant.
The problem with banning guns (though strict permit laws are helpful) is that it does not work. Just ask the good citizens of Mexico who are slaughtered everyday despite incredibly strict gun control laws.
More than likely, the shooter was taking some sort of serotonin reuptake inhibitor just as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were.
Having said that, the ONLY thing that could have prevented this terrible tragedy on the day that it occurred would have been a school principle armed with a gun.
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2012/12/17/austin-gun-store-owner-offers-teachers-a-discount/
Amy, it’s always great to hear from you! I think any of us can relate to this tragedy in a very deep way. The fact that I have a son that exact age and grade made me fully aware of how he would think and feel and act in that moment. It is just too much for any family or community to have to deal with. It is truly the saddest story I have ever heard. We have certainly suffered many other losses as a nation, but with this one, involving predominantly first grade children, it is just absolutely horrific and emotionally jarring.
Faye, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this important topic. I have had the same thoughts in my mind — wondering how these parents are even able to get out of bed in the morning. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Marcy, I appreciate your sharing your thoughts and differing viewpoint. I do not, by any means, think our politicians should rush to come up with a solution, nor do I feel they should do anything that would equate to a “knee jerk” reaction, but should look long and hard at why these types of things keep occurring and try to come up with viable solutions. I do not claim to have the solution. I don’t know that any of us could claim to. I do not believe it’s a “one piece of legislation” type of a fix for a situation such as this. We have a major problem that must be addressed, much like peeling back the layers of an onion. Politicians need to attempt to reach a consensus as to why this is happening. They need to brainstorm and really attempt to hash it out. We all certainly have our opinions, but they must really focus long and hard on the issues to bring light to them, and take appropriate action. I do not claim to know what that is. I don’t know how any of us could. It’s a very complicated issue with no easy solution.
Here is what I do claim to know: that ignoring that tragedies like this are occuring routinely in our society, and burying our heads in the sand is not an option. We now expect these types of horrific shootings and events to occur. We EXPECT them….what is wrong with that picture? It’s almost sick to think that we, as a society, now expect absolutely horrible and tragic things to happen to us, and just hope they won’t happen too close to home. When that begins to happen, we have to realize that we deserve better…and we should expect it.
I think that often, as citizens of the United States, we fail to realize what it truly means to ELECT our officials and live with a democractic government. Sure we all know what it means. We learned that in elementary school, but do we ever really THINK about what it means as adults? We may feel like our one vote doesn’t make all that much difference or when we raise our voice that it may only fall on deaf ears — but when enough people speak out, take a stand and demand a step in the right direction — things happen. This has really shown itself in recent times with presidential candidates lobbying hard to gain the votes of demographics they rarely ever addressed before. When they believed students would turn up at the polls to vote — they talk to students and attempt to stand behind student-based legislation. When they believe Hispanics will show up at the polls — they talk to the hispanic population and begin to stand by issues that affect them. People do have power. They have Congressman who were put into office — by them — to do a job. There come certain times in our society when we can no longer pretend that what we, as individuals, do or say does not matter. If enough of us do or say the same thing, we will be heard, and it does matter.
As for becoming for involved, to e-mail your Congressman couldn’t be more easy! You simply click the link above, enter your zipcode, then enter your information into prompt boxes. There is even a pull down menu for you to select the topic that your message relates to, i.e., 2nd amendment, human rights, etc. We all really need to embrace these means of communication more, and especially at pivotal times when we feel that something is on the line.
(I may have just won an award for the world’s longest comment…)
Marcy – I agree with you 110% on every point. Gun ownership is enshrined in our Bill of Rights and exploiting public tragedies to erode our 2nd amendment rights fits right in with Agenda 21 and the UN’s mission to disarm the American public. http://www.un.org/disarmament/
I personally think its an astonoshing coincidence that the author who brought the “agenda” behind Agenda 21 to the attention of the sleeping masses through her work, The Hunger Games is from Newtown, CT. Don’t you?
Here’s a fact: there are 32 bathrooms in the Whitehouse. And here’s another fact: President Obama was “fake crying” when he addressed the devestated people of Newtown, CT on Dec. 16th.
No president, Republican or Democrat, will use the power of their office to prevent an increase to the list the bottom of this article of school shootings and rampages committed by individuals under the influence of psychiatric drugs KNOWN to cause psychosis, violence and homicide:
http://psychiatricfraud.org/2011/04/the-real-lesson-of-columbine-psychiatric-drugs-induce-violence/
HOWEVER they will use the power of the Presidency to destroy the 2nd Amendment. And when that happens, “may the odds be ever in our favor.”
I think that it is a good idea to contact your representative on any issue. But, my concern is that we WILL see that “knee jerk” reaction. People want answers and they want them now. Congress will then respond to the immediate demand in an attempt to satisfy their constituents. Look at every other situation in the United States where the people have demanded and Congress has reacted. We then spend quite a bit of time cleaning up the response. Your answer about looking long and hard at this issue is the best answer – but I am afraid that it will not happen in the proper manner (bringing in experts, listening to people, and listening to the survivors).
The other thing I want to mention is the problem may also be with the media. I am not a “Blame the Media” person but I think that there are unintendend consequences of their reporting. They are trying to find a “manifesto” for the shooter. They place his picture and name all over the media. By giving the killer a posthumous voice, the media is allowing him/her to be heard. I know that we want answers but do you really think that there is an answer to this senseless violence? Someone who is watching who also wants to be heard may see the oppportunity in another shooting to allow him/herself to be heard.
P.S. Thanks for writing this article – and thank you to the people who are offering intelligent responses without accusing anyone and getting all political. THIS is the kind of dialogue we need (leave it the paralegals to figure that out!!!).
I like that Jamie is taking an active role on this one and urging everyone to write their congressman to make a change. She motivates us through her choice of words. She empowers us by providing a link on how to do it. This really demonstrates her leadership ability more than anything else. What is refreshing is that it comes from her heart rather than anything she learned in a class or seminar. One thing I’ve come to know about Jamie is that her actions come from within.
I also dig that she isn’t shying away from the potential political issues that surround gun control or mental health or whatever the issue is anymore. I’m so confused I don’t even really know at this point.
All I know is that yesterday I read an article that listed all the names of those that were killed and almost all of them had the number 6 in the age column. My emotions still haven’t settled down from that yet.
They say something good will come out of something bad or evil. And my mom always taught me that no matter how bad something is, the good guys will always win. It’s always something that has been reassuring to me, especially when I watch scary movies. But this isn’t a movie is it?
Yet for some reason, I still believe it to be true. And for all those in pain and suffering as a result of this, myself included, I ask that you renew your pledge to the good side.
Smile. Hug your kids. Be thankful for what you have. We are all going to be better as a result of this unspeakable, horrific act. It may be difficult to believe in right now, but like my mom says . . . the good guys always win.
Thank you for sharing your viewpoints, Ann. I have to say that I don’t know how any of us could say the President was fake crying though. His first national address made me and a co-worker both cry in our offices because we could see how hard he was struggling just to make it through the speech. Thank you for sharing the links with us.
Jen, I agree with you that media sensationalism is a very important thing to talk about in this debate. You are absolutely right. We all want to know more about what is going on, what happened, why, etc., but at some point, when every single radio and television station, and even ESPN are constantly talking about nothing but that for a period of weeks, it does elevate the person committing the crime into a state of fame, even if it is for all the wrong reasons, and not the intended outcome. As someone who was, at one time, surrounded by an onslaught of news cameras covering a tragic multi-murder funeral that I attended for family members of mine, I can tell you that the last thing the family wants is pictures of them in deep grief during that ultimate low moment of their lives broadcast on television or in newspapers. I do understand the need for media coverage, but at times, it can go too far.
I agree that it’s great that we can have so many differing views on this string sharing their thoughts honestly and openly without being disrespectful. There could never be compromise if we weren’t willing to listen to each other’s ideas. Sometimes, it changes your viewpoint and sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s always great to hear what other people think about an important topic.
Jamie – If you watch the footage again you will see that it is clear that Obama was fake crying. His administration is responsible for killing majority of the 168 little children in Pakistan who are dead thanks to continuing illegal drone strikes, and I’m pretty sure he shed no invisible tears for them either. He doesn’t care about your son and he doesn’t care about my son either. Neither did Bush. It has nothing to do with partisan politics.
This terrible massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary was likely a false flag – a staged even to push a covert agenda, starting with guns. It is NOT a coincidence that “SANDY HOOK” is labeled a “strike zone” in the movie that provided the backdrop for the lasted staged “lone gunman massacre” in the Aurora, CO theater. See for yourself:
http://gothamist.com/2012/12/18/sandy_hook_labeled_strike_zone_in_d.php
wow
Ann, it sounds like you are posting a theory then trying hard to make the pieces fit it. In the Batman movie, Dark Knight, the villains are targeting “Gotham”… and, the Sandy Hook referenced is a barrier split located in Monmouth County, eastern New Jersey, bordering NY. Not CT. If there was any relationship to this movie and the shooter it would be far more likely that he saw the movie, made a connection with the area mentioned in the movie and the name of his school (this could be enough for someone with a mental illness to feel that a message is being sent to him) Or, he identified with the CO killer in some way (a kindred spirit as both had were reported to have a high IQ and mental instability, or idolized him in some way). Or, it is possible that there is absolutely no connection what so ever and we just have alot of angry, confused, and emotionally challenged kids who are acting out in more aggressive and dangerous way now days. The Columbine shootings kept authorities busy with copycat and would be copycat killers for many months after… Ann, do you know that just hours before the tragedy in CT authorities arrested a Teen in Oklahoma for an alleged school attack plot? http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/okla-student-18-arrested-in-alleged-shooting-and-bombing-plot-at-bartlesville-high-school/2012/12/15/8deeefb8-46e7-11e2-8c8f-fbebf7ccab4e_story.html
Guns are not the issue – legal guns – or even assault weapons. Look at what a man in china did a week before: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/china-man-with-knife-slashes-22-school-children/310432-2.html
This man didn’t have a gun, he had a knife and did as much damage as he could.
The point is, what happened last Friday is horrendous, it is heinous, it is a travesty. However, God oftentimes allows these evils to occur to avoid greater evils in the future. Yes, I believe God is both good and bad (as we see it). Is the loss of these innocent children and the devastation caused by their deaths so terrible if because of their deaths 1,000’s are saved? I don’t know. I can tell you this, I thank God my kids are no longer in school. I can tell you I could not live through such a terrible time, the loss of my kids. I would whither and die from the pain, from the loss. My only solace is in trying to believe that God has a bigger plan and these children’s deaths were not for naught. I cannot believe these children and heros died for nothing. We must do something about people with mental issues, we must do something that the government requires psychiatrists and psychologist report erratic, anti-social behavior. A list, akin to the child molesters, of those who have these tendencies.
As for our President, I will say this, in my 55 years, I have never felt more protected, more cared for by any president in my life. I admire him, his wife, and the love he so openly shares with the country for his wife and family. President Obama is just what this country needed, a man who is of the people, all the people, and a family man. NO fake tears, true tears, tears we all shed thinking of our children and thanking God, we were not those poor souls who lost their children, big and small, on December 14, 2012!
Thank you, Karen.
This Newtown tragedy: Gun control (by whatever means) is a sensible approach in bringing some relief to the people of Newtown, but it is not the solution. It’s like shifting the burden from your head to your shoulder, with the high probability that a shooting incident of such catastrophe will occur again. Guarding schools or allowing teachers to have guns are not also the answer for remedy of the situation. Just imagine for a moment a gun- toting teacher in the Principal’s office being reprimanded for unacceptable behavior, and a possibility of being disciplined according to the rules of the school’s administration. Shoot to shut up or it’s a teacher’s prerogative out of the barrel of a gun. And so the situation or incident remains an unsolved mystery. – enough is enough ? What we need to make matters of this nature far less of a probability to happen, either in a school or mall or any other group gathering, is an understanding of the socio-psychological affect of people behavior in the norms of society, under economic and social conditions in which they live, work and play in the environment. Schools need to have educational programs of guidance and counseling to address unusual human activities within the school’s physical space. Awareness is the key to prevention, but like everything else, there is no absolute answer. Our world is a disturbing place to live in. Keeping an eye for an eye may make the visibility of another such calamity most unlikely to happen. Let us continue to pray for the lives that were lost and the grieving families for their strength to move forward .
Reblogged this on Poems Jogging in the Mind.
Great discussion, everyone! I’ve enjoyed reading all of your comments. It’s definitely not an easy topic to think through or resolve. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Regardless of what side of the gun control issue you are on, a piece like this is completely inappropriate for this blog. This blog is meant to support and encourage the paralegal profession, not to provide a soapbox for controversial political views.
I think you made yourself clear. However not every article is suited for every person and you can choose not to read the ones that you don’t like. I’m seeing more likes about the piece than dislikes which must mean that some people think it was good. what do you think?
Eric, Thank you for your support and kind words.
Michael, I respect your viewpoint, but I do believe this is a fair topic of discussion for any group, and particularly, a legal group. I can tell you that posting this and having the opportunity to read all of the various comments and perspectives that people have shared has helped me (and likely other readers) to develop a much better understanding of all of the various issues associated with this heavy and difficult topic. I agree it’s certainly not a pleasant topic of conversation, especially in light of the terrible event that prompted it, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk about it. What I hope people walk away with (after reading this article and the various comments) is additional information and insight on this complex and difficult topic.
I appreciate you taking the time to express your thoughts.
Leonard, Thank you for reblogging this post! It’s always great to hear from you.
To everyone else whom I missed, I read every word of your comments, and thank you for taking the time to leave them! It’s great to see you around TPS.