Patch East Hampton-Portland, CT --Newtown resident MaryAnn Murtha has written an opinion piece that's been read all over the world during the last week.
The piece, which was published on Patch as well as other outlets, asks the public and the media to refer to the December attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School as 12/14 instead of "Newtown" or "Sandy Hook." Twenty-six children and educators died in the massacre by a gunman, and as Murtha points out, the numbers 12 and 14 add up to 26.
Murtha says:
"Many have asked, What can we do? Well, here’s my answer: For the sake of the victims, their families, Sandy Hook and Newtown, call the shooting 12/14.
"The national media have, insensitively, begun to call 12/14 “Sandy Hook” or 'Newtown.' Listening to TV the other night, I heard someone say, 'We just don’t want another Newtown.' Ouch.
"Our friends in Columbine know. Our friends in Aurora know. Our friends in Oklahoma City know. Having your town’s name synonymous with an evil act does not aid the healing process; in fact, it adds to the pain and casts shadows. Here in Newtown, we have seen enough darkness. We need your light, your love and your support."
Will Murtha's suggestion work?
*Take our poll and tell us in the comments.* Reported by Patch 3 hours ago.