They symbolize two important, opposing things: Our standing with these (victims) and their families and our standing against those who perpetrate these acts and against the forces we often feel so helpless to stop.

I extend my deepest condolences to the victims and the families.

reflects an insensitivity to the victims [and] the victims' families.

To the families of the victims and those close to them, I express my most heartfelt condolences,

Strength and wisdom are not opposing values.

This was an awful tragedy for the community, but more importantly for the victims and their families. Our goal has been to treat the families fairly and with compassion. This resolution allows the parties to continue to heal both emotionally and physically.