Basic Rules Of Kindness

To the Editor:

Over the last few weeks and months there has been much talk about what Newtown cannot afford. We all agree that these are possibly the worst financial times many of us have ever seen. Many of us have seen diminishing retirement and college savings plans. We all worry about what the future holds for the future generations and ourselves.

I am not a financial expert and would never even begin to speculate as to where we go from here. However, as a parent and a teacher, the one thing I know we cannot afford, now more than ever, is to become an angry, vicious community. As a parent I try and teach my children the golden rule of “treating others the way you want to be treated.” As a teacher I remind my students that although we may not always agree with one another, we must always respect and honor one another. My students and children are reminded that they are always allowed to express their opinions as long as they are not presented in a hurtful or harmful manner. I think most children, at some level, understand that to be part of a community you must care enough to take responsibility for your words and actions.

In the difficult days and weeks ahead I hope all the people of Newtown will remember these basic rules of kindness and show the class and restraint necessary to work through these difficult times while still maintaining our dignity. We can’t afford anything less.

Julie Shull

27 Narragansett Trail, Sandy Hook                           March 10, 2009