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Seeing the toll of violence

Subsequent to the sad and tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, can we open our hearts and minds to a larger perspective than the predominate discussion of recent weeks? Instead of madly rushing, once again, with vengeful minds for the "easy solution" to gun-violence, can we be inwardly quiet, enabling ourselves to ponder certain facts that indicate how deeply violent matters truly are in our culture?

Yes, it's true that the loss of one child is too many. However, a glimpse, if you will:

According to the US Centers for Disease Control, in 1993: 614,000 American children were physically abused, 500,000 were sexually abused, 532,000 were emotionally abused, 507,000 were physically neglected, and 585,000 were emotionally neglected.

Five hundred sixty-five thousand of these, the most vulnerable among us, were killed or seriously injured.

There are no words.

Each of us must enter this deep river, open our eyes, open our minds, open our hearts, and see it.
DOUG HOENER, ROCHESTER