Pats plan tribute to Newtown and its victims (1 Viewer)

[BustedKnuckles]

The New England Patriots will wear black-ribbon logos on their helmets Sunday in honor of the 26 victims of Friday's Connecticut elementary school tragedy.

The Patriots will also light 26 white flares during a moment of silence before Sunday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

New England sees Newtown as part of its fan base and had a direct connection with Friday's tragedy.

The Kraft family that owns the Patriots also owns a box company, Rand-Whitney, that has factory less than two miles from Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Rand-Whitney's parking lot was used Friday as a meeting area for media members after the tragic shooting at the school, a Patriots official said this weekend.

The New York Giants will honor the victims by having S.H.E.S. (Sandy Hook Elementary School) written on their helmets for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Will they be filming this?

 

[wilked]

Will they be filming this?

Are you asking if they are filming the game? I am guessing you are not an interviewer on your day job...

 

[Alkahsu]

Will they be filming this?

Are you asking if they are filming the game? I am guessing you are not an interviewer on your day job...

If you think he's asking if they are filming the game your comprehension/deduction/common sense is a 0 on a scale from 1-10.

 

[Widbil83]

I think this is great. What I don't like is another looming Bob Costas gun lecture which I am sure he will give at halftime.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims.

But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

 

[Mentos]

Will they be filming this?

Are you asking if they are filming the game? I am guessing you are not an interviewer on your day job...

He was either making a spy gate reference or was asking if NBC will be showing the 26 flares bit during the telecast.

 

[Shutout]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

I'm sure all those types of things are being done. Kraft is classy and its classier to do that type of thing without announcing " hey, look at me! I'm giving money to this." And that's how it should be.

 

[ROCKET]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

It's obvious you don't know much about the Kraft family or the Pats organization if you have to even ask if they will be donating $$.

 

[[icon]]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

It's obvious you don't know much about the Kraft family or the Pats organization if you have to even ask if they will be donating $$.

Kraft might not lead the perfect personal life, but the guy and his football team give to charity.... A lot. Of special note are his donations to children's charities like Dana Farber Institute / Jimmy Fund.

 

[Sinn Fein]

so are the Giants and Jets

And every game will have a moment of silence before the game.

 

[Run It Up]

so are the Giants and JetsAnd every game will have a moment of silence before the game.

Cool story.

 

[General Tso]

Will they be filming this?

OK, so this has to be said because I am at the point where I'm starting to lose faith in humanity, especially in this place...Jokes are not funny when it comes to this tragedy. It's just the opposite. It's disrespectful in the ugliest of ways. I am so livid at some of the stiuff I have seen in this forum the last few days. One guy talked about having sex in the middle of the grieving thread on Friday night. Tasteless jokes and insults being thrown around at every turn. Grow the #### up.

 

[tjnc09]

Setting this thread up for but interesting they aren't doing one for the mother.

Agree on Kraft - guy doesn't need the spotlight

 

[DesmondBishop]

Hopefully the hearts are in the right place for all the teams doing this. I saw this: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/16/cruz-will-honor-one-of-the-fallen/

Can't help but think Cruz is a kid that get's it and has his heart in the right place and doesn't need any additional press. Also saw these on twitter:

Ralph Vacchiano ‏@RVacchianoNYDN

Cruz told ESPN's @JosinaAnderson that Jack's family "told him they are considering burying young Pinto in Cruz's #80 Giants jersey." #NYG

Expand

7m Ralph Vacchiano ‏@RVacchianoNYDN

Victor Cruz personally called the family of Jack Pinto, a 6-year-old Sandy Hook victim, after learning Jack was a @teamvic fan. #NYG

Expand

I trust the players to do things for the right reason most times, the NFL and ownership, that is a little harder to tell.

 

[Fantaholic]

I am going to the game, and I was hoping that they were going to honor these families. I am looking forward to it and hope they do them justice. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have 3 little girls and have been tremendously affected by this. Hits home in a way that nothing ever has, especially sitting here watching them play around the Christmas tree. God bless

 

[Casting Couch]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

I'm sure all those types of things are being done. Kraft is classy and its classier to do that type of thing without announcing " hey, look at me! I'm giving money to this." And that's how it should be.

Kraft is a total class act, one of the best owners in the sport.

 

[pizzatyme]

Father of 5 here. I have been deeply touched as 4 of the 5 are school aged. I'm glad the NFL is doing something.

I was in BW3s and had a chance to see several of the tributes/ moments of silence. I was especially touched by the Rams tribute. The players all held hands and made a circle around mid-field with Fisher and Frazier holding hands along with 2 players in the center. Very moving.

God Bless those families and that community.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

How does donating money help the victim's families in this situation? Funeral expenses are the extent of their financial losses. Their real loss is far greater than that and money does not compensate that loss.

 

[Scooby1974]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

How does donating money help the victim's families in this situation? Funeral expenses are the extent of their financial losses. Their real loss is far greater than that and money does not compensate that loss.

Money doesn't fix anything, I agree. But money does pay for funeral expenses, years of counseling,travel to bring family in, and the in-numerous other expenses these families will incur for funerals, funeral dinners/etc. There isn't a whole lot people can really do except check their own hearts and make sure there isn't something sick brewing inside them.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

How does donating money help the victim's families in this situation? Funeral expenses are the extent of their financial losses. Their real loss is far greater than that and money does not compensate that loss.

Don't think they'd be trying to compensate for any loss. But families could set up a fund in their child's memory, or something of that nature.

 

[Kiddnets]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

I'm sure all those types of things are being done. Kraft is classy and its classier to do that type of thing without announcing " hey, look at me! I'm giving money to this." And that's how it should be.

Kraft is a total class act, one of the best owners in the sport.

As a Jet fan I despise the PAts and Bellichick but really admire Kraft as an owner. Woody should learn something from him....good to see the tributes...its miniscule in the grand scheme of things but was a nice gesture.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

How does donating money help the victim's families in this situation? Funeral expenses are the extent of their financial losses. Their real loss is far greater than that and money does not compensate that loss.

Don't think they'd be trying to compensate for any loss. But families could set up a fund in their child's memory, or something of that nature.

True - and I agree with others that Kraft could be helping these families out behind the scenes, I was really juyst saying to the person I responded to that questioning the "gesture" was unnecessary and suggesting that the team really isn't doing anything without turning over the gate receipts is kind of unfair. This isn't a typical "rasing funds" type of charity event, raising awareness and/or paying tribute to the victims alone is "nice".

 

[Warrior]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

Maybe you should donate $10k. That would be nice as well.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

It's obvious you don't know much about the Kraft family or the Pats organization if you have to even ask if they will be donating $$.

Kraft might not lead the perfect personal life, but the guy and his football team give to charity.... A lot. Of special note are his donations to children's charities like Dana Farber Institute / Jimmy Fund.

Didn't mean to imply that he definitely wasn't doing anything else. I don't know anything about his ownership style and it's great to hear that he's one of the "good ones." I just think we have such an emphasis on symbols and little gestures, and they tend to make the people doing them feel better about themselves but don't do much for the actual intended recipients. It reminds me of that character in one of the Mark Twain books who immediately broke out a tribute poen anytime someone died. It was like she couldn't wait to write the poem, and it really became about that tradition rather than providing any comfort to the family of the deceased. On Facebook, people were passing around tribute banners an hour after the events. Someone just couldn't wait to slap one together and let everyone feel good about passing it around. Just not sure what that does. I guess I'm just cynical about that stuff. I'd much rather see actual donations (which it sounds like the Krafts are likely doing) for all the things mentioned in this thread-- counseling, family expenses, etc. Not that they're required by anyone; I just think it's actually doing something, rather than pretending to do something.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

Maybe you should donate $10k. That would be nice as well.

I agree with you. If I were in such a position, I would definitely walk my talk. I hope to be there in the future.

 

[B-Deep]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

It's obvious you don't know much about the Kraft family or the Pats organization if you have to even ask if they will be donating $$.

Kraft might not lead the perfect personal life, but the guy and his football team give to charity.... A lot. Of special note are his donations to children's charities like Dana Farber Institute / Jimmy Fund.

Didn't mean to imply that he definitely wasn't doing anything else. I don't know anything about his ownership style and it's great to hear that he's one of the "good ones." I just think we have such an emphasis on symbols and little gestures, and they tend to make the people doing them feel better about themselves but don't do much for the actual intended recipients. It reminds me of that character in one of the Mark Twain books who immediately broke out a tribute poen anytime someone died. It was like she couldn't wait to write the poem, and it really became about that tradition rather than providing any comfort to the family of the deceased. On Facebook, people were passing around tribute banners an hour after the events. Someone just couldn't wait to slap one together and let everyone feel good about passing it around. Just not sure what that does. I guess I'm just cynical about that stuff. I'd much rather see actual donations (which it sounds like the Krafts are likely doing) for all the things mentioned in this thread-- counseling, family expenses, etc. Not that they're required by anyone; I just think it's actually doing something, rather than pretending to do something.

IT is not pretending to do somethingWhat can anyone really do? the damage is done.all we can do is all you can do when someone close to you is grieving...you can reach out your hand, offer a shoulder to cry on, act like a human beingHere we have nfl teams/players trying to do just that. Trying to show that Tom Brady and Eli Manning feel as sick and helpless about this as a guy at the 7-11. Trying to show that the entire damn country just wants to give a hug to the community and tell them we wish we could turn back time and stop this, and you are poo-pooing it.It's called empathy, the stickers and writings are simply a way of letting the world know we grieve with this peopleit is far from pretending.

 

[Not Sleeping]

All I know is that Brady, as a father of a 5 year old himself, seemed completely unaffected by the tragedy as he blew snot out of his nose on camera during the tribute and moment of silence. When that tribute started, I thought, "Damn, how can they think about football now when you think about what each one of those flares represents?" Then the camera cuts to Brady, horking a snot rocket as the flares are shot up into the air, and I thought, "Wow, this guy must be the greatest competitor of all time, or a sociopath to not be affected by this." Maybe he's both?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

It's obvious you don't know much about the Kraft family or the Pats organization if you have to even ask if they will be donating $$.

Kraft might not lead the perfect personal life, but the guy and his football team give to charity.... A lot. Of special note are his donations to children's charities like Dana Farber Institute / Jimmy Fund.

Didn't mean to imply that he definitely wasn't doing anything else. I don't know anything about his ownership style and it's great to hear that he's one of the "good ones." I just think we have such an emphasis on symbols and little gestures, and they tend to make the people doing them feel better about themselves but don't do much for the actual intended recipients. It reminds me of that character in one of the Mark Twain books who immediately broke out a tribute poen anytime someone died. It was like she couldn't wait to write the poem, and it really became about that tradition rather than providing any comfort to the family of the deceased. On Facebook, people were passing around tribute banners an hour after the events. Someone just couldn't wait to slap one together and let everyone feel good about passing it around. Just not sure what that does. I guess I'm just cynical about that stuff. I'd much rather see actual donations (which it sounds like the Krafts are likely doing) for all the things mentioned in this thread-- counseling, family expenses, etc. Not that they're required by anyone; I just think it's actually doing something, rather than pretending to do something.

IT is not pretending to do somethingWhat can anyone really do? the damage is done.all we can do is all you can do when someone close to you is grieving...you can reach out your hand, offer a shoulder to cry on, act like a human beingHere we have nfl teams/players trying to do just that. Trying to show that Tom Brady and Eli Manning feel as sick and helpless about this as a guy at the 7-11. Trying to show that the entire damn country just wants to give a hug to the community and tell them we wish we could turn back time and stop this, and you are poo-pooing it.It's called empathy, the stickers and writings are simply a way of letting the world know we grieve with this peopleit is far from pretending.

Well, that's why I said it's nice. Really, that's all it is. Sharing a Facebook banner with your friends doesn't really send a message to anyone about anything. If it makes you feel like you're a part of some process, cool. Originally, the flag lapel pin was supposed to be a sign of symbolic support. Now it's just part of a uniform. People notice it if it's not there. What does it even mean anymore?I know that I'm being a cynic instead of jumping on board and sharing a photo of a candle or something. I think a moment of silence was appropriate and I thought the President's speech was heartfelt. And I didn't mean to imply the Krafts did just that and nothing else. Sounds like they're generous, active people. But do I think little things like that are really "offering a shoulder to cry on?" Are we "giving them a hug?" Not really. I'm not saying we're doing A when we should be doing B. I agree with you that there's nothing symbolic to do when the damage is done. That's why I think it's nice, but not really more than that. Sorry if I'm explaining it poorly.

 

[B-Deep]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

It's obvious you don't know much about the Kraft family or the Pats organization if you have to even ask if they will be donating $$.

Kraft might not lead the perfect personal life, but the guy and his football team give to charity.... A lot. Of special note are his donations to children's charities like Dana Farber Institute / Jimmy Fund.

Didn't mean to imply that he definitely wasn't doing anything else. I don't know anything about his ownership style and it's great to hear that he's one of the "good ones." I just think we have such an emphasis on symbols and little gestures, and they tend to make the people doing them feel better about themselves but don't do much for the actual intended recipients. It reminds me of that character in one of the Mark Twain books who immediately broke out a tribute poen anytime someone died. It was like she couldn't wait to write the poem, and it really became about that tradition rather than providing any comfort to the family of the deceased. On Facebook, people were passing around tribute banners an hour after the events. Someone just couldn't wait to slap one together and let everyone feel good about passing it around. Just not sure what that does. I guess I'm just cynical about that stuff. I'd much rather see actual donations (which it sounds like the Krafts are likely doing) for all the things mentioned in this thread-- counseling, family expenses, etc. Not that they're required by anyone; I just think it's actually doing something, rather than pretending to do something.

IT is not pretending to do somethingWhat can anyone really do? the damage is done.all we can do is all you can do when someone close to you is grieving...you can reach out your hand, offer a shoulder to cry on, act like a human beingHere we have nfl teams/players trying to do just that. Trying to show that Tom Brady and Eli Manning feel as sick and helpless about this as a guy at the 7-11. Trying to show that the entire damn country just wants to give a hug to the community and tell them we wish we could turn back time and stop this, and you are poo-pooing it.It's called empathy, the stickers and writings are simply a way of letting the world know we grieve with this peopleit is far from pretending.

Well, that's why I said it's nice. Really, that's all it is. Sharing a Facebook banner with your friends doesn't really send a message to anyone about anything. If it makes you feel like you're a part of some process, cool. Originally, the flag lapel pin was supposed to be a sign of symbolic support. Now it's just part of a uniform. People notice it if it's not there. What does it even mean anymore?I know that I'm being a cynic instead of jumping on board and sharing a photo of a candle or something. I think a moment of silence was appropriate and I thought the President's speech was heartfelt. And I didn't mean to imply the Krafts did just that and nothing else. Sounds like they're generous, active people. But do I think little things like that are really "offering a shoulder to cry on?" Are we "giving them a hug?" Not really. I'm not saying we're doing A when we should be doing B. I agree with you that there's nothing symbolic to do when the damage is done. That's why I think it's nice, but not really more than that. Sorry if I'm explaining it poorly.

going to a funeral is nice toodo i think the community appreciated what the patriots and giants did, yes I do. It is no different then signing a codolence card for a co worker you hardly talk to when hearing their parent or spouse died.sometimes all we can really do is say we feel bad about the situation, and sometimes that means as much as forwarding cash

 

[B-Deep]

And there's nothing wrong with wanting to feel like part of a healing process in this

we need people trying to feel closer to these people and to everyone, that's what we are missing. IF a facebook posting makes you feel like you are holding hands with the world against people who would commit such crimes then GREAT, post away. We need to feel that way.

Everything is not a ledger, people's feelings and emotions matter. I know we may be pretty cool here on a football board, but after a tragedy like this anything that brings people closer together to help each other feel better is a good thing.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Wearing a ribbon is nice. Letters on a helmet is nice. A little ceremony is nice. Not saying it's nothing. It's a respectful acknowledgement of the victims. But I'd be impressed if they donated the gate receipts. Or the parking. Or said anyone who buys a certain item at the game, all that money goes to the victims' families. A symbol is nice, but I'd prefer something more concrete than a symbol. Otherwise it's kind of like a politician who always wears their flag pin. It's nice. Doesn't mean a whole lot by itself, but it's nice.

It's obvious you don't know much about the Kraft family or the Pats organization if you have to even ask if they will be donating $$.

Kraft might not lead the perfect personal life, but the guy and his football team give to charity.... A lot. Of special note are his donations to children's charities like Dana Farber Institute / Jimmy Fund.

Didn't mean to imply that he definitely wasn't doing anything else. I don't know anything about his ownership style and it's great to hear that he's one of the "good ones." I just think we have such an emphasis on symbols and little gestures, and they tend to make the people doing them feel better about themselves but don't do much for the actual intended recipients. It reminds me of that character in one of the Mark Twain books who immediately broke out a tribute poen anytime someone died. It was like she couldn't wait to write the poem, and it really became about that tradition rather than providing any comfort to the family of the deceased. On Facebook, people were passing around tribute banners an hour after the events. Someone just couldn't wait to slap one together and let everyone feel good about passing it around. Just not sure what that does. I guess I'm just cynical about that stuff. I'd much rather see actual donations (which it sounds like the Krafts are likely doing) for all the things mentioned in this thread-- counseling, family expenses, etc. Not that they're required by anyone; I just think it's actually doing something, rather than pretending to do something.

IT is not pretending to do somethingWhat can anyone really do? the damage is done.all we can do is all you can do when someone close to you is grieving...you can reach out your hand, offer a shoulder to cry on, act like a human beingHere we have nfl teams/players trying to do just that. Trying to show that Tom Brady and Eli Manning feel as sick and helpless about this as a guy at the 7-11. Trying to show that the entire damn country just wants to give a hug to the community and tell them we wish we could turn back time and stop this, and you are poo-pooing it.It's called empathy, the stickers and writings are simply a way of letting the world know we grieve with this peopleit is far from pretending.

Well, that's why I said it's nice. Really, that's all it is. Sharing a Facebook banner with your friends doesn't really send a message to anyone about anything. If it makes you feel like you're a part of some process, cool. Originally, the flag lapel pin was supposed to be a sign of symbolic support. Now it's just part of a uniform. People notice it if it's not there. What does it even mean anymore?I know that I'm being a cynic instead of jumping on board and sharing a photo of a candle or something. I think a moment of silence was appropriate and I thought the President's speech was heartfelt. And I didn't mean to imply the Krafts did just that and nothing else. Sounds like they're generous, active people. But do I think little things like that are really "offering a shoulder to cry on?" Are we "giving them a hug?" Not really. I'm not saying we're doing A when we should be doing B. I agree with you that there's nothing symbolic to do when the damage is done. That's why I think it's nice, but not really more than that. Sorry if I'm explaining it poorly.

going to a funeral is nice toodo i think the community appreciated what the patriots and giants did, yes I do. It is no different then signing a codolence card for a co worker you hardly talk to when hearing their parent or spouse died.sometimes all we can really do is say we feel bad about the situation, and sometimes that means as much as forwarding cash

Fair enough. Don't misunderstand; I'm not saying it's bad to do it or we shouldn't do it. If you want to, great. Signing the condolence card is an excellent example. It's nice. "Nice" isn't a bad word or a backhanded compliment. But it's not a big deal, either. I'm glad to hear the Krafts are the type of people to go above and beyond a token gesture. That's all.