There are few people in the United States whose past several days have been purely festive, contented or even merely productive. The tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary School has shaken the nation, and in nearly every home, office, school, mall, and playground, this holiday season has been marked by a terrible sadness.
Perhaps the one thing we as a people can take from Newtown, Connecticut is that something needs to change. In fact, a number of things need to change. Because while this tragedy shook the nation, it is not the first of its kind, and it was the result of many cultural factors that we see all around us every day. American gun culture, violent and cruel video games, still-prevalent bullying in schools, mediocre access to mental health care and the tone and content of media coverage for events such as this are among the topics we need to study as we work to change - IF we work to change. The answers won't be easy, but surely we can do better than we are doing now.
This isn't just an issue for politicians. Business plays a part in deciding what products we develop and market to adults and kids. The public plays a part in not losing interest or focus on this issue two weeks or two months from now. Students play a part in not bullying and tormenting other kids, parents in reconsidering what kinds of video games their kids play - and what they learn about guns and violence. And, yes, our political leaders need to demonstrate sustained courage and wisdom.
May we all do our part. That would be the best way to make this marred 2012 holiday season worthwhile, and to honor all the people impacted by the tragedy at Newtown. Wishing you peace and love during the holidays and beyond.
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