Jared Loughner: The face of crazy …

Once again the world is presented with the news of a tragedy; a story being repeated endlessly in the media – often as a pretext for discussing social issues and a political agenda. What many people fail to realize is that this is simply a part of modern life and the events of the tragic day are likely to be repeated in spite of any newly-crafted legislation; and especially that which denies us our God-given right to self-defense.

I continue to be appalled at the both the media and the politicians as they attempt to blame political parties, organizations and ideologies connected with the shooter. They refuse to accept to the fact that this was a crazy loner who was hell-bent on killing.

On February 15, 2008, I wrote the following blog post and it is still relevant today as it will be in the future …

THERE IS NO STOPPING CRAZY!

Whether induced by drugs, mental illness or emotional rage, the sad fact of the matter is that legislation can not and will not stop senseless murder and mayhem.

I cannot believe the number of media talking heads and pundits who linked the deaths in the North Illinois University with gun control.

These people do not understand that even if there were no guns, insane or enraged people will lash out with whatever weapons are at hand. Even to the extent of driving a car through a crowded school gathering.

We live life in a somewhat fragile environment, dependent on the moral perspectives of individuals, good-will of our neighbors and the laws which regulate our society.

But there is no perfect society as constant conflict and crime vie with accidents to take our fellow humans from this unpredictable world.

So the next time someone points to this terrible tragedy and attempts to link it to gun control, demand that they point out exactly how any law could have prevented this event from happening.

Point out that had someone been able to provide armed intervention, the carnage may have been moderated. But it is unlikely as students attend school to learn about life, not to fight to save theirs.

-- steve

CBS reports...

6 Dead In N. Illinois University Massacre

Gunman Killed Five, Then Himself On Stage In Front Of Panicked Students

"A gunman opened fire on a geology class at Northern Illinois University Thursday afternoon, killing five people before killing himself on-stage in front of panicked students.
NIU President John Peters said a total of 22 people were shot, including the gunman. Four people, including the gunman, died at the scene; two others died later at area hospitals.

"Officials said the gunman opened fire in a lecture hall shortly after 3 p.m. and the campus was immediately placed on lockdown. Police were on the scene within minutes, but the gunman had already killed himself by the time they arrived."

"The shooting happened at a geology lecture class in Cole Hall. Officials said the gunman emerged from behind a screen at the front of the lecture hall and opened fire with a shotgun.
Police said the gunman, armed with a shotgun and two handguns, shot the teacher, a graduate student instructor, and several students before killing himself onstage in front of the class."

cbs2chicago.com - 6 Dead In N. Illinois University Massacre