Tragedy In Aurora

Sometimes, there are things in life that are beyond comprehension. The recent mass shooting at the Aurora, Colorado movie theater falls into that category. As the details continue to unfold in the largest mass shooting in US history, one thing will likely remain clear....it was a senseless act of violence.

What is our society coming to if we can't even go to a movie without fear of being gunned down? I don't go to the movies very often anymore, but when I did, I viewed it as a way to escape from reality for a couple of hours. Are those days over?

As learn more about the shooter (James Holmes), we can expect the excuses to start pouring in. For instance, I have read that there was loud music coming from his apartment. Is this just a prelude to what will eventually amount to blaming the band behind the loud music? After all, in the aftermath of the Columbine tragedy, the rock band Marilyn Manson was partially blamed even though they had absolutely nothing to do with the crime. 

Gun control advocates have also began beating their drum. Some argue that the easy access to firearms contributed to to the mass shooting in Aurora. On the surface, they may have somewhat of a point. But the bottom line is that those guns didn't fire themselves. If someone wants to commit an heinous act like this, there are certainly other ways to do it rather than using firearms. How many guns were used in the 9/11 attacks? Maybe we should point the finger at the person who actually committed the crime instead of blaming it on weapons, music, etc.....

There will inevitably be a thorough investigation into the personality and background of the shooter. I expect to hear about traits or signs that may have indicated that he was indeed capable of such a violent outburst. But in reality, how can you possibly predict these things? If you go down the list of everyone you know, I'll bet you can find at least one thing from each person that could be categorized as peculiar.

After the shooting, cities across the country began beefing up security at local movie houses. I can understand the initial response. You never know when a "copy-cat" might go off the deep end. But where do we draw the line. Can we realistically expect to see an armed guard at movie theaters from here on out? Along the same lines, I heard a suggestion that perhaps metal detectors should be installed at theaters. What is happening to our society? I thought we're supposed to get more civilized as time goes on. I'm obviously living in a fantasy world.

Showing a sign of  solidarity, I was happy to see that President Obama and Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney pulled their campaign ads in Colorado yesterday. Both men also made public statements voicing their concern and sympathies for the victims. The President also showed class by ordering the White House flag to be flown at half staff. I'm always amazed at why it takes a tragedy to make our country set aside our differences and treat each other like fellow Americans.

 My heart goes out to all of the victims, their families and the people of Aurora. 

kw