There will come a time to discuss public policy. This is not that day.

Today I think of Ramah, convulsing over the innocents that Herod ordered killed, and the Word describing the scene: "Like Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they were no more."

Refusing to be comforted. Did you catch that? It's the appropriate response of a parent who has lost a child. Why would you want to feel better?

I've read some lousy responses to the tragedy, and I've heard from some people who I wish would just remain silent and weep instead of opening their mouths. But I did read one response I appreciated. Carolyn Custis James brought it to my attention (thanks!). It's by a writer at the New York Times.