Monday, January 14, 2013
Newtown Victims Looking for Answers
Families of Newtown Victims Look for Answers on Gun Violence. Recently several parents whose children
were killed in the Sandy Hook shooting attended the national debate on gun
violence this past Monday. In hopes to prevent any similar tragedies, they have
begun a nonprofit organization. Here they requested a "national dialogue around issues of mental health, school safety and what
their organization, called Sandy Hook Promise, described as “gun
responsibility."" What is most interesting in this article, is that
the families of the victims have spoken little of their opinions of what
changes should be made. Tim Makris, one of the group's 17 founders, claimed it is not
taking any big stances--choosing to educate themselves first and focusing
on their community at hand. While showing gratitude towards Obama and Biden, he
claims they do not have an immediate response. The group desires the nation to
thoroughly discuss the different types of measures that could be taken because
what has already been done has not "gotten us very far" as a nation.
There is a need "to do something different" he says. I am in complete
agreeance with Makris and find it commendable that he and the victims are
taking the time to think future actions through.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am surprised that this group had not come out in support of an assault weapons ban, but I think it is good that the group's focus is on healing within the community, because that's work that is very personal and difficult and better left in local hands.
ReplyDeleteI think it is understanding that the families are more focused on healing the community. My first thought after a tragedy would not be about government legislation. However, I do believe our nation should work towards preventing tragedies like this in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Talia regarding the initial reaction to such a tragedy. It has only been a month since the shootings occurred, and that is not enough time for a community to heal. Not even close. Speaking out within their community is the first step toward what will eventually become discussion of gun laws legislation.
DeleteI think it is a good that this good is focusing on their community. That is the best thing they could be doing right now. I think new gun regulation will come in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI believe that new gun regulation is necessary but it it critical to put the Newtown community back together before trying to solve a problem that had caused so much controvery in the past. Whether new gun regulations are passed or not these families will still be grieving. So lets fix their community before tryign to solve the world's problems
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. People should be more focused on that community and those families. While there are still issues with guns elsewhere, its more important to focus on them than try to fix everything else.
DeleteIt is definitely unexpected that this group did not immediately take an overt anti-assault weapons stance. I find it incredibly commendable however that they did not just come in with a hysterical plea but came in with such a humble request, acknowledging that they are not sure what should change but that something needs to.
ReplyDeleteI agree that they should be focusing on healing as a community and remember the lives lost. Remembering those who are lost instead of using the deaths to move forward is the way to go. As a nation, we will never be able to heal from this massacre. Also, is anyone else amazed about the story of the person who took a little girl right from school without showing ID? It's little things like this that will only cause more problems such as the Newtown shootings.
ReplyDeleteI am also glad they're focused more on community healing and are in favor of only general government action leaving the ones who are more versed on the issue to make policy
ReplyDeleteI certainly respect the parents' hesitation to give a response until they become more educated in the topic. It certainly seems like they don't want to make one bad move with working towards measures that will prevent another tragedy like Newtown from ever happening ever again, as they should be. I support their efforts and hope that we will see changes soon.
ReplyDeleteAs a few people have stated, unification of Newtown is much more important than gun control as an initial reaction. Gun control and regulation will come but not until after this happens.
ReplyDeleteI too commend these families for trying to do some good out of this and working to heal the community so soon after the tragedy took place. Instead of getting really political, they just want to make some good change for the community and eventually towards mental health studies in general.
ReplyDeleteI'm slightly shocked that these families aren't more in favor of heavily fighting gun use. Unification seems like a better step for the town of Newtown then fighting guns because no one can completely heal from such a tragedy, but the people know something will eventually be done on the topic of gun control.
ReplyDelete