Issue 242

July
2010

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Help the Healing Begin
says Jamie Reed, MP


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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