I have started this thread because I, for one, feel the need to express my heartfelt sympathies to Michael, Drew, Ryan, the other band members and to any of Michael's staff and crew who have been affected by the horrific incident at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut yesterday and whether it be directly, or indirectly, by having something so catastrophic happen on their doorstep, I want them to know my thoughts and prayers are with them for, at this time, my mind goes back to our very own atrocity here in Scotland in Dunblane and the heartbreaking emotions that created when lifes were shattered and innocent little souls taken.

No words can truly express the worldwide horror that such a heinous act of violence has wrecked upon such a small community and which has, irrevocably, changed the lifes of so many and which, without doubt, time will never heal but only afford the ability to bear without hearts, openly, being seen to break.  My thoughts and prayers also go to all the surviving children who, by one act of madness, have been stripped of their innocence and who now know that death and guns are not only for the movies and television screens but are a part of everyday life and that is why now, on here, I ask my American "cousins" to please back your President in whatever changes he proposes to gun laws because changes have to be made and they have to be made in honour and respect to everyone who has lost their lifes in Newtown and I would also advocate, they be made in memory of the 20 little souls who should not be where they are today but who should still be here on this earth, filled with all the joyous expectations of Christmas, and all those presents, hidden in wardrobes, under beds, etc, Santa should still be going to deliver on 25th instead of, when next touched, are going to be by hearts ripped wide open by the unbearable pain of death; caused not only at the hands of a poor, troubled and tormented soul, who lived amongst us but by, without question or doubt, your existing gun laws:   please keep those 20 little souls in mind when you are asked to agree to changes in gun laws; please ! 

Sylvia.  Your wee Scottish friend.

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