Many of us cannot name the victims of the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, but we can name the gunmen. We may not be able to recall the names of the people killed at the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., but we can name the gunman. This pattern is likely true for many other massacres in our nation's history — and may indeed be the reason why these deranged people, so intent on killing themselves, take others down with them in a blaze of horror and pain: because they will live on in infamy.
When it comes to those precious children in Newtown, Conn., I want to remember their names and their faces, and those of the brave teachers, administrators and faculty members who lost their lives. The name of the gunman will be bandied about for years to come — but the names of those who lost their lives likely will be buried along with them as the media move on to something else. We can keep their memories alive.
All around me, I see good news happening, but it rarely is covered. In these past few weeks, so many good deeds have been done, so many stories of hope and triumph, but coverage of such is few and far between. We are inundated with things that are negative, violent and horrible.
I know most people are, indeed, good people. Our world is a good place. We can all do things that cast ripples of kindness into the world.
Something as simple as a smile, as valuable as a listening ear, as generous as spare change can make a lot of difference. Each one of us can do something in honor of hope, love and faith to make this world a better place.
Remember the faces and names of Newtown — they represent families everywhere. Let us do the living they did not get to do and use their memories to bring back the good.
CLARE MERTZ
Voorheesville