Dear PLSS Members & Friends:
While these monthly “Messages from the Executive Director” are generally full of dry and witty (or so I’d like to think) shameless plugs and updates about our organization, the state of current events has compelled me to take on a more serious tone in this month’s message….
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people like you can change the world over;
for indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead
Like all of you, I was shocked and saddened by the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones, to the students whose childhood has been tainted by bloodshed, and to the entire community of Newton, Connecticut, who must now struggle to move forward despite the cloud of grief overhead.
Friends – events such as this should serve as a reminder: there is much work to be done. However devastating, the massacre at Sandy Hook has irrefutably prompted a necessary national discussion- about mental health, about gun control, and about the value of our nation’s teachers.
I hope to be part of that discussion, and I encourage you to be as well. I believe that too often we find ourselves distracted by the cheap and insignificant aspects of every day life, while not devoting enough attention to the things that matter – lasting relationships, meaningful contributions to community, and, well – compelling change. Leaving the world a better place than when we entered it; giving something of ourselves to others.
But I will not be discouraged, Friends. No, instead I choose to be optimistic. Why, you ask?
Because for every Adam Lanza in the world, there will always be a hundred people like the teachers and faculty members of Sandy Hook Elementary School – people who disregard their own mortality, who run towards gunshots and into falling buildings to save the lives of others. Because for every Adam Lanza, there will always be a hundred people like our PLSS alumni – people who dedicate themselves to service, whose work gives a voice to the voiceless and brings hope to those who had none. And finally, because for every Adam Lanza, there will always be a hundred people like you and I – people who fight for justice both inside the courtroom and out, who strive to uphold not only the rule of law but also the spirit of it.
In the face of this terrible tragedy, I am unfalteringly optimistic because I know what individuals like Adam Lanza, sadly, do not – That there will always be so many more people working to enrich the world than are trying to destroy it; who believe that humanity is innately benevolent, not cruel; who are quick to offer compassion and kindness rather than intolerance and hate.
And so I urge you, Friends – let this tragedy serve as a reminder that there will always be SO much more good in the world than there is evil. In the past few weeks, civilians from every corner of the country have mobilized to raise money for the victims of Sandy Hook; all-over there has been an outpouring of love and support for these families who have suffered the ultimate loss – that of a child.
But, Friends – let Sandy Hook also be a constant reminder that we can, and should, do more to help those who are suffering at the hand of poverty, prejudice, or, as in this particular case – mental illness. Let us not forget that when a civilized society disregards, degrades, or diminishes the plight of any segment of its population, the consequences are dire for us all.
Though we may not realize, the skills that we acquire here at McGeorge transcend the legal sphere. We are learning every day how to become not only attorneys, but also – leaders, orators and advocates. Soon enough, we shall find ourselves in a position to effect meaningful change, whether as counsel for an individual client or as a representative of an entire constituency.
Friends, I entreat you- let us embrace these opportunities to effect change as they arise, and in doing so always remember the courage of those who’ve gone before. When the time inevitably comes that we ourselves are asked to display fortitude in the face of danger, oppression, intolerance, or prejudice – let us do so without hesitation, and with the knowledge that our efforts are a small price to pay in light of those who gave their lives so that we might speak freely, criticize government overtly, and practice religion openly.
Let us all – liberal and conservative, male and female, young and old – come together and find a way to ensure that senseless tragedies such as Sandy Hook never again occur.
Let us all unite to change the world over; for truly, a thoughtful, committed group of people like you are the only ones who ever have.
– Amanda Dickey, PLSS Executive Director
No comments yet.