I know this may not be the best place for this, but I consider you all my extended group of family and friends. We share a bond and relate to each other, and I appreciate this community.

You may have heard, there has been a shooting, a slaughter, really, in Newtown, CT. 27 people have been killed at an Elementary school, most of them kids.

That is my hometown. I know that place. Well. I know those kids and those workers and those emergency responders. My oldest son is in Kindergarten. If I still lived there, chances are he would have been in that class.

So far, everyone I know personally is okay, but I am in utter shock. Please send your thoughts, prayers, and good vibes to that community.

I tried to avoid reading about this until I was done with work, but I couldn't. This is so... ugh - I don't have the words for it. I've got an 11 year old and an 8 year old in school right now, and right now all I want to do is get home and see them.

My heart goes out to all the families affected. I can barely stomach reading the reports - I can't comprehend being caught in the middle of it.

I really feel sad for that community.

It makes me mad whenever I see reports like this of little kids being shot like that, or reports of a kid being found beat to death that had suffered years of beatings. I can not comprehend why cowards would do things like that.

I have held newborns in my hands and have looked in wonder at this bit of life. I have shared play time with 5 year olds and have been amazed at what their developing minds can come up with. How anyone could decided to do them harm is beyond understanding.

What is even sadder is I now wonder when and where it will happen next.

It is one thing if he had a beef with his parents and went after them. No excuse, of course, but this was her CLASS...they had nothing to do with it! Apparently one person was found dead in their home as well...I just cannot even focus.

My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and their friends - indeed the entire community. I have not actually heard any of the news casts regarding this, but it is a very sad and tragic event regardless of the circumstances behind it.

All I can say is that those who perpetrated these things are deeply evil.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are in need.

Our prayers go out, for everyone.

This was... beyond horrible.

The Auld Grump