The shooting at Colorado’s Arapahoe High last week is
the latest tragic example of a disturbed individual who decided his life was
over and wanted to inflict maximum grief on others before he journeyed to the
other side. Getting demoted in the high school debate team evoked a
murder/suicide response!
Karl Pierson entered the school last Friday armed with a
shotgun, a machete and three Molotov cocktails with the intention of killing
his debate coach and as many students as possible. The carnage was limited to
17 year old Claire Davis before Karl was confronted by an armed school resource
(police) officer. Realizing that his rampage was over, the suspect turned the
shotgun on himself.
There is an established pattern to these attacks. They are
directed at “gun free zones”. Assailants choose locations where people are not
capable of defending themselves. Schools, theaters, airports and workplaces are
chosen to maximize news coverage in a desire to share their inner pain before
they leave this life. All seem to have submerged themselves into an emotionally
dark mental state where they no longer have a grip on reality.
Having armed responsible adults in these locations would
discourage these attacks. In Switzerland, every adult male owns a weapon and is
a member of the military. Perhaps it is time for less gun control and more
training. Local residents could take some responsibility for their own
protection. While budgets do not allow for armed police officers in each
school, there are plenty of retired peace officers who would be happy to guard
their grandchildren. Trained and
certified parents could take shifts as well if necessary.
States should develop mental health programs to identify
and treat those individuals who are seriously disturbed before they commit
violent acts.
Claire is currently alive and hospitalized in critical
condition. Pray for her and her family during their time of need.
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