I wrote and originally posted this six years ago on a day that shocked America. Since the original posting, a few names in that article have changed and those changes are included here. One thing, however, remains the same.
We are no longer shocked by events such as the one that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Oh, we say we are but the sad reality is nothing has changed since that fateful day and there is – after all of the political bullshit, finger pointing and name calling – a reason nothing will ever change. We have become a society obsessed with one word. One despicable word.
Twenty little children went to school today. Their biggest concern when they got there was thinking about who they would play with at recess.
Recess never arrived.
And now that girl with the freckles will never have the chance to go to the prom with the little guy in the front row; you know, the one missing a front tooth.
The body of a little boy who wanted nothing more than to be a policeman when he grew up, had his body covered with a sheet by a man in blue. The child who thought policemen weren’t afraid of anything never realized they cry.
Recess never arrived.
Who sang the best at last night’s winter concert? Who goofed up? The time to discuss that, amidst all the giggles, would come at recess.
Recess never arrived.
Twenty extraordinary children – and every child is extraordinary in their own beautiful way – died today. I don’t know why it happened and neither do you. There will be an endless stream of speculation but the reality is only one person knew and he is gone.
But I do know this: This country has a fascination with the word HATE. If you don’t agree with someone’s opinion, you are automatically a hater. You see it everywhere; in online comment sections and it is the standard response on Facebook. If you didn’t like Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, Democrats called you a hater. If you don’t support Donald Trump, Republicans say you’re a hater.
If you are a Red Sox fan, it’s a given that Yankee fans will dismiss you as a hater and vice versa. The same thing holds true for fans of Ohio State and Michigan or Auburn and Alabama. Pick a musician, any musician. Those who love them will always hear from those who hate them. That word, that despicable damn word, is so casually tossed around we have become numb to it.
Somewhere deep inside the mind of an obviously troubled individual, that word festered and grew into an uncontrollable rage. Authorities will attempt to dig deep into his psyche but no matter what they discover, one inescapable truth will remain.
For twenty innocent children – kids who hadn’t learned the ugly meaning of hate – recess never arrived.
Such a sad day in history. Unfortunately, the bullshit has become a lot more intense and a complacent society has become more and more so. Thank you for this beautiful sentiment. It is regrettable that we have a memory like this one and so many more that will remain in our hearts and minds. It appears that most, with a sense of humanity, and empathy, have not yet begun to fight! If nothing more, I pray this will become a major win for all of us! These little ones and all of those who have died senselessly, deserve a win!
Suzanne, thank you for such a lovely and well thought out comment. I also hope a change in thinking will come, and I pray it comes soon.
OMG, I remember this as well as Columbine and all the other senseless acts against children …… how sad that our society has come down to this. Who knows what the answers are to fix the problem but I think there are several issues at play. The two most important are responsibility and accountability ….. seems these don’t exist any more. What I am about to say is about fact, not sympathy. When I was growing up I was abused and bullied. Our dad would beat the shit out of us on a regular basis. Kids at school picked on me, bullied me and would gang up on me … weapons of the day back then were brass knuckles and switchblade knives. Through all that bullshit I NEVER thought of blowing up my school or whatever. When people say being bullied causes them to do these horrible acts…I say bullshit!! Nobody seems to want to be accountable for anything these days …. until issues are address from politicians (won’t even touch that one) to each of us as individuals … things won’t change. What is different than when we were growing up?? Why are there those out there who seem to promote hate as the new norm?? Why is our criminal justice system such a joke?? We as a society need to address these issues and start making everyone accountable … then we may see change. I could keep going on … but have been long winded enough .. sorry about that.
Penny, NEVER apologize for speaking your heart. You nailed it with “responsibility and accountability” both being a major part of the problem.
So glad I found the time to read this Ray. I am so concerned about the future in this country. We all seem to be numb to appalling events and accept them as normal. I think Penny nailed this. Parents are too permissive and there are no consequences for inappropriate or rude behavior. This now has escalated to government. Wow!!! How can we ever fix this when people feel entitled!!
Sandy, we are all numb to these events, even if people say they aren’t. If the people in this country truly were shocked and outraged, they’d do something about it (and we do have that power!)
It must be fixed and it must be fixed NOW!
Ray, is it possible using the word ‘hate’ so often reduces (supposedly) the impact of the meaning? Personally, trying to distant the true meaning of the word from the topic at hand, tends to focus my attention from the subject. The word either intensifies negative emotions or forces one to dismiss the reaction. 😩
Sharon, the word, in my opinion, is tossed around so casually that people don’t truly understand the vile nature of it.
Kids hear (supposed) adults use it and they continue the contemptible behavior without even knowing what they’re saying.
Again, two heads ARE better than one, Ray😳 I focused so primarily on accountable reactions I left out our young with impressionsable minds. As a rule I do think ‘hate’ has such a Strong connotation and usually delivered with such an attitude it’s meaning is absorbed by osmosis!!