Silence begets violence

Although every national tragedy that our country suffers affects each citizen immensely, nothing could be more traumatic or terrible than the murder of innocent kindergarten children. This event will leave an irrevocable mark on our country forever, leaving kids nervous to go to school and parents wary of the safety of their children. I think that the shooting in Newtown has made people realize how important their loved ones are and how urgent the need is to address mental health in our society. We cannot let those who are troubled get left aside. As a community, we need to reach out and get those with mental illness the help they need, so that they don't irrationally cause damage to other lives. I think Catholic Social Teaching demonstrates the need to address our society's issues and work towards the future. The lives lost will never be forgotten, but our country cannot dwell on the tragedy. Rather, we must make an effort to better our country by improving gun laws, helping the mentally disturbed, and providing aid and support to those who lost their loved ones.