Now, again, is the time to build unity in our diversity -- without losing the vestiges of a cultural past to which we are attached.

We can comfort our children, everyone's children, and the children we once were with the patchwork quilt that symbolizes our national character and identity.

We can make collective decisions about mental health care, better gun control and rein in aspects of the violent entertainment world that holds our kids' dreams hostage to cynicism and rage.

We can create an economy that fairly enables every person to enjoy individual levels of success while protecting that patchwork quilt that keeps us going, makes us strong and gives every child the same fair chance to thrive.

We can create a society where every person has the chance to live out his or her life in happiness and with purpose.

Will this prevent tragedy?

Will it prevent evil?

No.

But it can make overcoming evil possible.

When the adults of this world can say we have done our absolute best, we can blunt evil's impact, and provide our children an example that can sustain them through the worst of times.