All of us at The CT felt a pang of emotion when news of the Virginia Tech massacre came to us, and we’re willing to bet more than a few of you had similar feelings. We felt horror, sadness, and disgust, not simply because of the massacre itself, but because the news came along with a wave of false sympathy, political agendas and – worst of all – blame.

As journalists, we know there is almost always a time to ask questions beyond “why,” but there are also times when ethics and morality come before journalistic duty. It is shameful to us to see that in light of this tragedy, politicians and even other newspapers are only using the event to point fingers and advance their goals.

Regardless of which side you are on in the political battles taking place, it is disrespectful to so easily forget that the 33 people dead are not just a statistic, but are 33 caskets being sent home, 33 funerals, and 33 families now without a son, daughter, brother, sister, husband or wife.

So we ask our readers to represent the community with the highest of moral standards, as you so often do, and to take a moment to reflect upon the situation, really think about what the tragic event means to you, and honor those lives that were lost.