Comments on: Oklahoma City, Columbine, Virginia Tech and Now Ft. Hood

By: Magmak1

Magmak1 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:20:18 +0000

IMHO, this is a simplistic glossing-over of the issues, evidence, facts, histories in four incidents at a time when the wounds, tensions and opinions are still raw and are being purposely irritated. There are other incidents which could have been noted as well; recent executions indicate one, and there is probably a lengthy list, some items on wich occurred outside the boundaries and culture of the US.

I reject any rapid, knee-jerk or immediate reactions that suggest blame or solution. I think the author (as well as all of the rest of us) need to look much deeper for our understanding and to cross-examine other social, cultural and governance factors and influences. It is easy to note guns, violence, religion, “terror” wars, etc. While the idea that an individual must be responsible for his deeds has some merit, there must also be an examination how, in our world today, people can be brought to a place at which they would do something unknowingly or unconscionably by others who will not allow themselves to be held accountable for far worse acts of violence and evil. If we are going to start laying blame and looking for social response, our sights need to be elevated from merely the “shooters” in such events, or even the “conditions” which some feel are the environment that makes such events possible, and they need to seek other culprits hidden in the deep cover.

By: rosemarie jackowski

rosemarie jackowski — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:48:26 +0000

It is OK to demonize the killers and also the greater society at large. Everyone must be held responsible for their own actions. No exceptions. Society will not work otherwise.

BUT, yes the culture of war and violence that we all tolerate is also an issue. We are complicit.

Oklahoma City and Fort Hood have a common thread. Both were committed by those who had the taboo against killing eliminated from their minds by US military training.

How long does it take to change the kid next door into a killer? Only a few weeks of basic training.

By: bozh

bozh — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:41:38 +0000

In blaming americans for violence on interpersonal level, is shepherd blaming all americans equally?
I say that the top layer of US society shld take much more blame for disatrous interpersonal relationship in US than the lowest classes and all the layers in btwn.
And i am not talking only about killings that occur on interpersonal level but also all kind of disinformation, half truths, lying by omission, oppression, warfare, healthneglect, torture, thieving, miseducation, etc.