The Tragedy of Newtown

At a time like this, we realize how almost trivial writing and thinking about dining out becomes. I grew up in CT and can tell you that Newtown is one of those typical, small, close-knit bucolic southwestern CT towns so characteristic of the area.

That someone driven to the breaking point of sanity slaughtered all those teachers and children is incomprehensible. That he walked in with four weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition is unfortunately and tragically far more fathomable. After all, we live in the society of the gun. Rest assured the NRA publicity machine is already cranking up the (you know, “People, not guns, kill people,”) standard rejoinder from the pro-gun lobby. Ted Nugent will undoubtedly weigh in before the day is done.

My question is when are we going to end these needless and mindless slaughters? Unfortunately, not while anyone can legally compile an arsenal of hand guns and automatic weapons. And the pro-gun lobby carries a big stick in the USA.

So, it’ll just be a matter of time before the next homicidal maniac, armed to the teeth with weapons he bought on line, unleashes his rage on a group of helpless citizens. This is beyond sadness. This is madness.

I am appalled and saddened and at this moment. I have lost my appetite.