“This morning we woke up to news of a tragedy that reminds us of all the ways that we are united as one American family. The federal government stands ready to do whatever’s necessary to bring whoever is responsible for this heinous crime to justice.
“We will take every step possible to ensure the safety of all of our people. We’re going to stand by our neighbors in Colorado during this extraordinarily difficult time.
“Even as we learn how this happened and who’s responsible, we may never understand what leads anybody to terrorize their fellow human beings like this. Such violence, such evil, is senseless. It’s beyond reason. While we will never know fully what causes somebody to take the life of another, we do know what makes life worth living.
“The people we lost in Aurora loved and they were loved. They were mothers and fathers. They were husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbors. They had hopes for the future and they had dreams that were not yet fulfilled. If there’s anything to take away from this tragedy it’s the reminder that life is very fragile. Our time here is limited and it is precious. What matters at the end of the day is not the small things, it’s not the trivial things which so often consume us and our daily lives. Ultimately it’s how we choose to treat one another and how we love one another.
“I’m sure many of you who are parents here had the same reaction I did when I heard this news. My daughters go to the movies. What if Malia and Sasha had been in the theater, as so many of our kids do every day? Michelle and I will be fortunate enough to hug our girls a little tighter tonight, and I’m sure you will do the same with your children. For those parents who may not be so lucky, we have to embrace them and let them know we will be there for them as a nation.”
Ugh. This day is just the worst in recent memory. Yeah, I realize that these kinds of things happen on a daily basis around the world, and as some people say, “Well, these kind of things happen on a daily basis around the world, what makes it any different than any other tragedy that’s occurred in the past or will in the future?” and to that I say ‘bullshit’. Bullshit. Every tragedy matters, every person killed for nonsensical, pointless, selfish reasons is a life to mourn, and f-ck. I’d rather spend my entire life feeling empathy for these people than to brush it off and say, “Yep, it’s just another one to mark down in the history books.” No, thank you. I’ll take crying over these people I don’t even know to being indifferent over them any day.
The President got this one spot-on. Go love your loved ones, and if this needs to be a reminder to anyone who does get caught up in the mundane, trivial things, so be it. Things can end in the blink of an eye.
I don’t things like this “happen every day.” I don’t believe anyone brushes off the gravity of this awful tragedy.
Pfft. You should read some of the comments I’ve seen around the internets, and hear some of the conversations on Facebook. It’s … well, it’s awful, to put it mildly.
though it’s terribly sad, it pissed me off right away – his line about being an “american family”. man, FUCK borders – this is about being a human, we should be a world family! it’s hippie dippy of me to say, but seriously, enough with the ‘MERICA bullshit – how about we start respecting our fellow man/woman/child anywhere & everywhere? it was an american who lost his cool & just killed a theater full of people. yeah right, go ‘merica…
I agree with you, but if he did go that route conservatives would be taking jabs at him for not being “American enough” or for “not loving his country”. Truth is many, many voters buy into the insane nationalism of this country. Sad and scary, at times.
you’re so right, mcmiller. shame…
Beautifully said, Sarah.
Nice writing Sarah. The young couple they interviewed who had a baby with them at the theater (and survived) made the same point – appreciate today and make sure to let your loved ones know you love them.
Ditto, Sarah.
He continues wasting America and making us poor and homeless.. the wars.. he wants chaos.. loves his drones..
You’re an idiot.
Indeed-it can all be over in a matter of seconds. The only real antidote? “Love each other”, as I believe Jesus said (I am a lapsed Episcopalian, and we never read scripture anyway..)
I’m a Buddhist now, but at a loss for a Buddhist quote.