Tragedy in Connecticut

In my home state, a mere 35 miles away from our school community of Stamford, CT, a horrific, senseless, and tragic shooting has occurred at an elementary school near Danbury --where multiple deaths and the passing of children and adults has happened. For me, for all of us, the reaction to this must be shaped by the tears and prayers for those directly affected, but it must also be swift. The question we must ask ourselves as Americans, how many must die before we wake up to the dangers of not having a gun policy in our nation? All like-minded Americans must rise as one voice, demanding progress on things we can do to make these unfortunate tragedies less likely to occur. We must rise up as advocates for each school child in America, for those who serve them and for a nation which deserves better. The right to bear arms continues to be misinterpreted and abused.

Is this the event which creates the critical mass necessary for change to come to America? God speaks with and through the spirit which exists in all of us, among others, this spirit is that which enables us to be human. How many more must lose their lives before a nation wakes up and demands our policy-makers to see the self-interest in collective action?

A senseless act of violence. The responsibility for change resides in all of us. Speak up. Demand change!

Eric Cooper