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fried eggs

(910 posts)
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:08 PM Jun 2013

In my opinion, the Sandy Hook Massacre carried a higher emotional toll than 911

I'm not referring to the victim count or the number of family and friends directly affected by 911. I'm talking about the millions of Americans who cried for days and weeks following Sandy Hook. Many are still crying six months later. I don't recall seeing that same visceral reaction after 911. The sentiment following the 911 attacks, if I recall correctly, was fear, anger, shock, disbelief.

So why is it that our lawmakers were swift in concocting legislation related to 911, but weren't able to come together to make sure our nation never has to face another incident like what happened at Sandy Hook elementary again?

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uppityperson

(115,674 posts)
1. In my opinion, there was a long visceral reaction after 911. Your list of fear, anger, shock, disbel
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:14 PM
Jun 2013

disbelief misses an important one of sadness for a hell of a lot of people.

I also do not see any purpose in comparing how many people cried after different mass murders.

If your point was how bushites shoved through legislation and attacked countries after 911 vs congress dinking around with gun legislation, that is another point.

And I do not see "legislation related to 911" that made sure our nation never has to face another incident like what happened " at 911.

Finally, what legislation would you like enacted to "make sure our nation never has to face another incident like what happened at Sandy Hook"?

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
2. I think Newton really effected me more than the others also. But honestly I think
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:28 PM
Jun 2013

something like this to happen right before one of our most important holidays for children. I know that probably sounds terrible of me but that really sadden me. But I cried a lot at the lose of 9/11 and people who couldn't be found. Tragic.

Myrina

(12,296 posts)
4. Because the post-911 legislation made some (well placed) people rich(er).
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:31 PM
Jun 2013

Any forms of gun control would limit profits.

 

Decoy of Fenris

(1,954 posts)
5. Because our nation has a short attention span.
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:31 PM
Jun 2013

Six months later, I mention "Sandy Hook" and I get blank stares. Same with Aurora.

That, and fear/anger are easier to manipulate than sadness, in addition to the higher death count of 9/11 as well as infrastructure damage. To be blunt, outside of a "Feel bad" story, Sandy Hook really didn't catch much attention, and what little it -did- catch was forgotten by most.

kiva

(4,373 posts)
6. May be a YMMV sort of thing.
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:33 PM
Jun 2013

After the first few days, no one I know has mentioned it except to discuss the need for gun control...but then, perhaps my friends aren't as emotional in general.

 

datasuspect

(26,591 posts)
10. agreed
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:52 PM
Jun 2013

coming from hearty blue color stock chock filled with tough people, we didn't cry over much. even though many among my people have suffered tremendously. kinda like a "keep a stiff upper lip" thing.

I'll be honest with you, extreme expressions of emotion make me very uncomfortable.

we had to fight for practically everything since we could walk, so i don't know much about allowing myself to feel vulnerable enough to show what i (probably incorrectly) consider weakness. in my family, boys don't cry. and the women are more often more badass than the men, especially where the kids were concerned.

kiva

(4,373 posts)
17. This is me too.
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 03:12 PM
Jun 2013

I'm uncomfortable with this sort of grieving over people I don't know - I feel sorry, and often get angry, but I don't tend to cry over these things.

HappyMe

(20,277 posts)
7. I don't know.
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:44 PM
Jun 2013

They were both horrifically tragic in their own ways.

The number of people crying has nothing to do with it. I'm not willing to belittle anybody's grief to make a 'score card' of sorts. My son and I were across the street from the now 911 memorial a couple of years ago. We saw the plaques on the firehouse. We clutched one another and cried. When I sw the Newtown moms on The View this morning, I shed a few tears.

I don't have any answers about gun control. I do what I can to support reasonable legislation.

 

backwoodsbob

(6,001 posts)
8. 6 months later people are broke down crying in there house?...really?
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:46 PM
Jun 2013

send them to me so I can console them.

 

datasuspect

(26,591 posts)
9. i don't know anyone who actually "physically" cried over that
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:47 PM
Jun 2013

but then i don't know any of the families, immediate members of the families, friends of the families, or people close to those families who suffered such tremendous loss.

 

FarCenter

(19,429 posts)
11. Guess you didn't watch the video of the people jumping from the twin towers to escape the flames?
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 01:59 PM
Jun 2013

Like the couple who jumped holding hands.

 

Arugula Latte

(50,566 posts)
14. I don't know. Remember all those New York Times profiles of 9/11 victims ...
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 02:10 PM
Jun 2013

Last edited Thu Jun 13, 2013, 02:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Many left behind babies, toddlers, young children ...

But I will say, the other day I was telling a friend about an animal sanctuary that is being created in memory of Sandy Hook victim Catherine Violet Hubbard, and I choked up. She used to catch insects but would let them go and tell them: "Tell all your friends that I am kind." Makes me cry every time I think about it.

https://www.facebook.com/CatherineVioletHubbardAnimalSanctuary?fref=ts

 

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts)
16. I live in NYC and lost several friends in the WTC so for me 9/11 was worse.
Thu Jun 13, 2013, 02:38 PM
Jun 2013

I think if you ask most Americans they would say 9/11 but it might not be true for everyone.

I agree that after the tragedy of Sandy Hook congress should have been able to act and they should be ashamed they did not.

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