Batman Massacre

It surprises me and possibly even makes me angry, that people today aren’t as shocked as they might be. Last night when the newest installment of the Batman movies premiered, a man with four assault rifles opened fire in a movie theatre in Colorado. Twelve human beings were killed while reports of over fifty others remain injured. Children of ages 6, 9 and 13 were shot in the massacre. A six year old child was shot. In our country. The country we pride ourselves on. I’m not going to preach about gun laws and permits because I know that even if I scream it no one will listen. At least no one who supports the hand gun and firearms laws. I don’t believe in guns, I don’t believe in what they stand for, what they do or what they’re supposed to do. That is my own opinion and it is not likely that I will change my mind. It’s just as unlikely for people who carry handguns or hold gun permits to change their minds about using their firearms for protection. This is not what I want to get at. It’s the fact that although life goes on and I support fully that no one should dwell on the past but move on to the future, that the people of today should have done more than just a moment of silence. These people died today. Twelve, a small number, but a huge loss. They were butchered by a man who was ill, his mind far from sane. I’ve heard and seen posts online that “if only someone with a gun permit could have shot the guy.” So the first thought, not that assault rifles should be outlawed from the public, not that gun permits should be stricter, not even that guns themselves should be illegal, but that if only someone else had stood up in the crowd and shot the man dead.

Because that would solve the problem?                                        

This whole tragic, chaotic mess is horrible. It’s heart-wrenching, it’s painful and it’s scary. Yet I see everywhere people are moving on. After only a few hours, we have the ability to move on from something as evil as this.

If you read this tonight or tomorrow or in a month from now, just do one thing to honor these people who were killed. Log off from the computer, disconnect from the Game boy, detach yourself from all of the electronics and hug someone. Yes, I said it. Go out and hug your parents or your siblings. Hug your husband or your wife. Call your parents, your guardians, your grandparents, or your friend. I’m asking you to get off the internet and enjoy something that those twelve people can’t. I’m asking you to care more than just murmured whispers and solemn voices in the dentist office or work place.

Enjoy being alive and safe.

Not everyone has that luxury.

-Eleanor Hastings

7-20-12