My most heartfelt apology.....

[Green Mountain Dem]

to all of the United States, and as a matter of fact, to the entire world. I have lived all of my 62 years in the Green Mountains of the great State of Vermont and I have never, and I mean NEVER, felt ashamed to admit that I am a citizen of this wonderful state. Tonight I cry for my state, and it's citizenry, for our respect for peace and tranquility and a standard of living envied by all. It was announced today that the body of a UVM student missing since last Saturday was found on a remote road on the outskirts of Burlington near a popular local swimming hole.
I cry for my daughter and my granddaughter as they will never know the Vermont where I grew up...where we didn't lock our doors, and could walk down any street at any hour without fear, and even leave the keys in our cars.

My prayers and condolences go to the family of Michelle Gardner-Quinn who came to peaceful and rural Vermont from Arlington, VA to continue her studies at the University of Vermont. I live only mere miles from where her lifeless body was found and that area will have a new meaning for me. The foliage is beautiful right now, but all of its luster has been decimated by this tragic event.

RIP Michelle

[niyad]

1. there are no words.

[villager]

2. yes, well, the "shadow" is everywhere these days....

condolences to Michelle's family, friends -- and the entire community in Vermont...

[pooja]

3. It is a magical world where little harm usually gets in.. but its there

It happens...Be as the Amish.. learn to praise the life, hope her soul is in a better place, and go on with the trust and love and good people that make that state so wonderful... 18yrs of training in the green mountains has many people outside of our paradise wondering where they can find more people like me. Continue on. Peace!

[AspenRose]

5. Very true

I am reminded of the poor pregnant woman assaulted with racial hate in Maine recently.

And did you know the KKK is in Berlin, NH?

My husband's from New England. I love it up there. But it's true, evil is everywhere. While the OP's sentiments are quite moving and appreciated, there's no need to apologize for that ugly fact of reality. No one, no place, is exempt, unfortunately.

:hug:

[Frustratedlady]

4. Of course, everyone knew that's the way it would turn out.

How terribly tragic. Bless her heart.

[countmyvote4real]

6. I am sorry, wherever these crimes happen.

I live in NYC. Believe it or not, we are still shocked when crimes like that are reported and documented here. I'm sorry that it happened, but it did. So, I'm actually grateful that your community has been forced to deal with the public airing of this obvious sex crime. It raises awareness for things that have been obscured in the past. May she rest in peace and her killer found immediately.

[Lindacooks]

7. These things have been happening since the beginning of mankind.

People used to be skinned alive, burned at the stake - things aren't getting worse. There's always been violence and cruelty.