If our town hasn't had enough unimaginable grief, some incredibly warped individuals have taken the opportunity to use this tragedy as spotlight for their own reckless notoriety.
These so-called "conspiracy theorists" and "truthers" have taken to the air waves to spout their ridiculous claims of a national political movement behind the Sandy hook shooting. Those of us in town – all 28,000 thousand or so –are, unfortunately, personally aware that this tragedy did, in fact, occur. The victims were our friends, neighbors and family members - friends, neighbors and family members who are no longer with us and will not be returning.
Add to that the newest claim that one of our own was in on this madness, pulling off an Oscar-winning performance as a distraught individual, who, using a prewritten script, described how six frightened children ran from the Sandy Hook school to his house where he safely harbored them until rescued.
One clearly deranged individual that the press deigned worthy enough to give air to, claimed that Rosen was a pedophile. I will not grace that story with a response.
He and his family have received death threats and harassing phone calls as a result of the media's continued airing of these outrageous claims to "make news" and thereby perpetuating the myth.
Gene Rosen has lived in Newtown for 30 years. He is a local business owner with an exemplary career, now retired, as a psychologist working for the State. Currently a member of the Newtown Animal Control Advisory Board my fellow board members and I as Chair, are rightfully outraged by these claims against our fellow volunteer, board member.
Board VP, Robin Olson has this to say: "I've known Gene for many years. He's a kind, gentle person who loves and cares for the people and pets in our community. He has a good heart and faced a terrible situation with grace. I'm so shocked by reading cruel accusations about him online, by people calling themselves "truthers" when clearly the truth is the last thing they care about. The people in our town are hurting so deeply. I don't know why anyone would want to add to our burden with foolishness and grandstanding. These attempts to tarnish Gene's reputation, to frighten him or his wife with threats after what he suffered is completely unforgivable and frankly disgusting.
Don't fret, Gene. We've got your back."
I think that says it all.