Cliff Stearns: “it reflects well on the human condition that tragedy often brings out the best in people: compassion, resolve…”

“it reflects well on the human condition that tragedy often brings out the best in people: compassion, resolve, understanding. Sometimes, unfortunately, a tragedy can also release the darker human impulses: cynicism, dishonesty, and opportunism. It is a regret that many times individuals will take advantage of a tragedy to promote an ill-conceived agenda. Last month, the Nation was stunned by the shocking death of 6-year-old Kayla Rolland in Mount Morris Township, Michigan. This young girl was killed in a classroom by a fellow student, a 6-year-old boy. This loss echoed beyond the family involved, her school, and their community. It touched all of us, evoking a sense of nationwide grief and dread. Madam Speaker, sadly, it was not long before the heartbreaking death of this girl was transformed into a means of a lot of political points. That very day, the President announced that this tragedy should be an election issue. He went on to demand passage of various gun-control measures. First, we should look at the facts of this matter and consider what difference this administration's proposals would have made.”