Naturally, the usual discussion on gun control is part of the national discourse. It always happens after sad, tragic events such as this one. And then, after the story cycle dies down and we move on to other diversions and news, nothing will be done to change gun laws. Fingers will point to the NRA, lip service will be done on how it is too easy in states like Colorado, where the shooting occurred, for almost anyone to buy a gun/rifle. The shooter, 24-year-old former Med Student James Holmes, had two guns (one was found in his car), an assault rifle, and a shotgun with him: that's a lot of firepower.
Unless legislators change their gun laws despite having rifles held to their own heads from NRA lobbyists, things will go on as per usual. And that's where I admit a form of apathy and resignation reigns in my life on this issue. As with anything someone really, really wants, no strict gun laws will ever stop someone from buying their weapon of choice. Period. The only element I feel is extremely important in the Gun Control debate is the waiting period and proper background checks before anyone can go into a gun store and waltz out with their powerful new toy/protection/revenge-tool on the same day.
That practice in some states just isn't wise. For example, guns are used for suicides far more than murder in the U.S. 'Tis true. Read This
In the Aurora, Colorado, situation, we have not yet been told what police may already know, which is the motive for the shooting. A month ago he dropped out of Med School. Why? A broken romantic relationship? Too much stress with school? A dislike of Action Films because they aren't "real" and he'll show 'em what true violence is like? Off his meds (if on any)?
The interesting part of today's tragedy is how easily Holmes surrendered to police, as well as the fact that he alerted authorities to his "Booby-Trapped" apartment following his arrest. No suicide. Unusual with this kind of crime, true? It was not an impulse massacre. It was well-planned. Beyond his stash of weapons, he was dressed for a fight with others who tote firearms as he was wearing a Kevlar Vest…. So, what happened? Did killing a mass of people take the edge off his Cray-Cray? Tension gone? Mission accomplished?
RIP, all victims of this horror. Get well, all wounded. Peace be with the families and community.
For updates, stay tuned to your TV and I-Net sites. I'll update if new information worth repeating comes to light.
Image via: http://ricksblog.biz
* = In Flux
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