This is one of those times that I'm somewhat embarrassed of America. People killed just because they chose to go to see a movie. If that isn't bad enough, in typical American fashion, we overreact after the fact.
Yes, the shootings are a tragedy. A local as well as national tragedy. My heart breaks for the victims and their families. It's something that no one should ever have to go through. While not in any way condoning the actions of James Eagan Holmes, I have to question the failings of our society that led this young man to his actions. For a person to be this obviously disturbed (he allegedly had this in the works for 2 months!) for such a long time, how did no one notice? How did he slip through the cracks? His actions are due to our society's failure to pay attention to each other. I'm not suggesting that we spy on each other (we have things like the Patriot Act for that). I'm saying that we need to take notice of each other more. Say HI to your neighbor. Be a part of your community. If you see someone in trouble, take a moment to ask if you can help. If it's something beyond your control, take the time to seek help for the person. Sure, it may take some of your time...but most Americans waste most of their time anyway. Really...if you're willing to stand in line to pay $4 for a cup of coffee...you have time to spare.
As I stated earlier, America is overreacting as usual. Theaters are banning patrons from coming to viewings in costume. While I personally find the notion of dressing up as a movie character a tad odd, there are obviously many who find it fun. And good for them! But now, due to an isolated incident, that's now a NO NO. Land of the Free...as long as you don't have any FUN.
It's sad that many movie goers are actually frightened of going to the movies. I saw a young man interviewed on the news who worried that it could be part of a larger plot. It's sad that Americans, or anyone out there, would feel that way.
Many NRA types out there are currently espousing the notion of vigilante justice: "If there were more God-fearing people armed with guns in that theater, that gunman would've been shot down before he had a chance to do more damage!" REALLY? That is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard! So your Average Joe or Jane Public, if they'd had a gun, would have marksman skills enough to pick off a single person, in black riot gear, in a darkened theater filled with tear gas and hysterical people? I don't think so!
More gun owners is not the answer. Being an active part of society IS! Had someone paid enough attention to Holmes, someone would have noticed that he wasn't quite right. Had someone extended him a helping hand before all of this, before he started planning it, none of this would have happened.
An old high school friend, Sherri Perine Jackson, came up with an excellent idea. While the producers of The Dark Knight rises are in no way responsible for this tragedy, it would be a nice gesture if they took a portion of the profits of the film and donated it to the families of the victims. It could be spend for funeral costs, counselling, a memorial, an outreach program...any number of positive gestures. Like I said, while not responsible, it would be a kind and positive gesture.
Dear reader, please don't be reactionary. Unfortunately, in this day and age, tragedies like this are far too commonplace. Overreacting after the fact is not the answer. Tighter security is not necessarily the answer (unless you LIKE the idea of pat downs before entering any public place...I can see that happening. Once upon a time, the thought of going through a metal detector to enter an office building was unheard of...). If you want things to change for the better, YOU have to make it happen. No government agency can or will do it for you. No left or right wing group will do it for you. YOU have to make it happen. Take a chance and take the time to be a positive force in your community. If you see someone who needs help, HELP! You'll feel better and so will they. Sometimes, all a person needs is to know that someone else gives damn.
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