Unspeakable tragedy

Most of the nation is struggling to comprehend the unspeakable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The shock upon learning of the killing of 26 people, 20 of them school children, was initially emotionally crippling.  20 children shot down at their school.  As the initial reaction passed, comments, opinions, and observations flowed as a torrent.  Much of this torrent will continue, with some seeking to gain some perceived advantage for their pet rock.  Others will seek to sensationalize.

I fear many of those jumping in with such commentary, blogs, opinion pieces, etc. will obscure or miss the point that should remain the primary focus. 

So abhorrent as to be unthinkable, the act of one individual struck at the soul of our nation, where children are properly held to be innocent and loved.  Religion, politics, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, employment, and the other groupings in which we either identify ourselves or society places us, don't matter when it comes to the health and safety of children.  Our society, replete with countless freedoms that enable its members to pursue happiness as they choose to define it, rightfully looks to its young children for their joyous laughter, absence of zealotry, unquestioned love of parents, race neutrality, innate curiosity, political ignorance, playful smiles, boundless energy, and carefree enjoyment of the day.

The unspeakable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School tears asunder our reverence for young children.  Even in a time of unprecedented strife and contention, as a people we hold that our children should be, must be, held in this special status.  All one has to do is look at what we do around the world to assist and protect children, children of multiple nationalities, religions, and races.  Look how we revile the mistreatment of children and deplore the horrible conditions in which some live.

Look at our generosity, particularly as Christmas approaches.  The national Marine Corps Reserves Toys-for-Tots Program, local programs that provide teddy bears for hospitalized children, toy drives of ever imaginable kind.  These are the proverbial no-brainers, because they help put smiles on the faces of children.  Putting smiles the faces of those we revere illustrates a positive aspect of our national soul.

As we strive to grasp the horror that has befallen the families of those young innocents killed at Sandy Hook, our hearts go out to them, realizing there are no words or acts that can dampen the incomprehensible anguish.

Let us, nonetheless, maintain the primary focus that our children remain innocent and loved.

Update:  It is understandable that the media wants to interview the parents of the murdered children.  However, it is appalling to read of reports of the media pursuing the parents, calling and visiting (uninvited) their homes.  Leave the parents alone.  Establish a process by which the families can contact the media, if - and only if - they so choose.  Create an environment that protects the privacy of these families, while providing for those who choose to to tell their story.  The media's manic declaration of "the public needs to know" rings falsely hollow in the context of this unspeakable tragedy.