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 There
are no words to describe the events of June 2nd. As I stare at this
page - hours after beginning - these are the first words I have
written. The details are now well known and understood. For some
reason none of us yet know, 12 of our friends, colleagues and fellow
citizens were taken from us this month. The shock which still
reverberates around our community is unprecedented. More
importantly, the pain for the family and friends of those directly
involved is unimaginable.
The pain is raw and no one can tell whether or not the
passage of time will ease it. So many questions now require answers;
but as a community we can and should concentrate upon making sure
that those who have lost so much now have all of the love, support
and resources they need. Never before have we encountered a
situation like this; we have no reference points of experience or
knowledge; we have nothing to guide us through this. And as
difficult as this is, it will be unfathomably worse for the families
of those no longer with us.
As I write, not everyone has been laid to rest and
without doubt the incessant intrusion and prurience of the national
media (with some notable and honourable exceptions) has weighed upon
and affected the ability of those in grief to act as they would need
and want to in a time of tragedy.
Shameless. Callous. Voyeuristic. Uncaring. Just some of
the kinder words used to describe the media presence forced upon us
in recent weeks. As without value, purpose or benefit it will be for
the families affected by the events of this month. Significant and
lasting change within the British media must surely be a consequence
of its often grotesque approach towards the recent events visited
upon our community.
There will be detailed questions asked of the police and
of the emergency services. There must be a detailed review of the
legislation governing gun ownership. There will be many more
questions than this and these will and should be determined by the
entire community - not just by politicians. No stone should be left
unturned.
But first - at least in my view - we must come together,
give all that we can, do all that we can and begin the process of
healing. Having now begun, there is a lot I could write, but this is
the only thing right now that I know we must do.
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