Why?

"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." --Nelson Mandela

It is in our greatest time of sorrow and disbelief that we ask why? Why did this happen? Why can't we seem to prevent this type of crisis? Why were such completely innocent children so senselessly murdered? Why does the human mind erase all traces of empathy to slaughter? Why do we continue to allow such easy access to weapons? Why are we ignoring signs of hostility and violence in our youth? Why is our mental health system letting young people fall through the cracks? Why are we debating about gun control again when we had the opportunity to change laws after the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings? There are so many questions that need to be answered. The children and adults who lost their lives today at Sandy Hook Elementary could have easily been your children or my loved ones. The residents of Newtown, Connecticut believed they lived in an ideal location where their children would flourish in safety far away from fear and brutality. All of these important questions make us pause and examine our own lives and communities. Let us reflect and be grateful for those around us whom we love and cherish. Let us show compassion for all children and adults affected by this tragedy. Let today bring us hope for our ability to create change tomorrow. Why? Because it must be done.