Anne, we have precautions to limit the number of car accidents. I wear a seat belt. Many states require them by law. I drive the speed limit. We have strict penalties against drunk drivers.
When there’s a thunderstorm, you don’t go outside.
There don’t seem to be any precautions against random madmen. There are no seatbelts or airbags, there is no shelter. There’s no penalty to deter people from committing these kinds of atrocities because the killer will end up killing himself.
Our law enforcement, FROM WHAT I’VE SEEN, exists to give a false sense of security, when in fact there is very little. Just watch the news, with all the reports of these warning signs that were completely ignored.
Oh sure, we’re going to take these kinds of threats seriously from now on. For 2 years. Maybe 3. Then we won’t. Then there will be another shooting. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I know you are simply trying to make a point about how miniscule the chances are that I would ever be in such a situation. But the fact of the matter is that the possibility DOES exist, and much in the way that I will always wear a seatbelt and never drive drunk, citizens should be allowed to take measures to protect THEMSELVES in these kinds of situations. Because God knows no one else seems to be concerned about it. I watched the memorial services when I was in high school and Columbine happened. I watched them today.
There’s no excuse for it, because it could have been prevented, or at least minimized. And yet we almost excuse it.
“Oh, just a troubled boy. These things happen.”
“We need to do away with these video games.”
“We need to take better care of the psyches of our young adults.”
All bullshit. You guys keep going with your pro-active solutions. I’d rather be safe. I’m tired of watching memorial services and hearing a parade of excuses and blame-passing.