14 dead, 50 wounded in shooting at Colorado theater

[Glenn]

I am wondering why nobody returned fire and be willing to defend themselves and others.

[ButchEire]

That's really coming off as insensitive, especially since Kobi's post points out that there was a smoke bomb set off prior to the shooting. Where would you suggest the individuals who actually carried firearms would aim?

Originally Posted by Glenn

I am wondering why nobody returned fire and be willing to defend themselves and others.

[Glenn]

Originally Posted by ButchEire

you suggest the individuals who actually carried firearms would aim?

High-powered rifles like the one the person probably used should give a clear line indication of where the target is even in the dark because of the flash. I believe citizens have a right to bear arms.

[The_Lady_Snow]

Originally Posted by Glenn

High-powered rifles like the one the person probably used should give a clear line indication of where the target is even in the dark. I believe citizens have a right to bear arms.

Bearing arms responsibly is also a given, responsible gun owners aren't going to go off cock eyed in a theater filled with smoke, children, families.

Thank goodness no one took their right way to far, I can't even fantom the carnage.

[aishah]

i hope it's okay to post this here...one of the things that commonly happens in the wake of things like this is to talk about mental illness, and it feels like "lone crazy gunman!" becomes this trope/catchphrase. with the arizona shooting...there were obvious political implications though the shooter wasn't clearly on the left or right. it seemed somewhat ideologically motivated. there have also been other ideological acts that have been labeled "lone crazy gunman" in the last few years.

obviously we don't know what the case is here yet - if it was politically motivated or otherwise. but with people associating these crimes with mental illness, and with the cultural tropes we have about "crazy" people being dangerous and violent...i just wanted to point out how problematic that dialogue can be for people who have mental health disabilities.

most people with mental health issues are not violent. violence, even heinous and extreme violence, is not only caused by mental health issues. a lot of people who are considered perfectly sane do very extreme and terrible things. so...i am not saying this person wasn't having mental health problems...i just...hope that we (as in, u.s. society) would not jump to those conclusions so quickly and always assume mental health problems unless there's actual evidence.

i do agree that mental health services need to be expanded...a lot of my work is in the mental health field and there are so many gaps. i am not certain expanding mental health services would stop acts like this from happening. i think expanding social services for all people who are unable to access health care, food, etc. would do a long way to generally help with coping with a lot of different social problems.

[skeeter_01]

Personally I believe that not only should we pray for the victims and their family, I think the shooter needs prayers too. He must have such a torchered mind. And let's not forget his family! His parents, grandparents...I just can't even imagine how devastated they must feel....

skeet

[Martina]

The Arizona shooter was paranoid and suffered from some kind of psychotic illness. The fact is that a very, very few people suffering from psychotic illnesses do hurt others.

Usually, they are within the first year or two of developing symptoms. Usually they are under 30 and male. I sympathize with families who have tried to get their family members help. I remember one sad story of a young man who shot a doctor who provided abortions. His parents did not know what to do when the young man started showing symptoms. They didn't have a lot of resources or information. But they tried. It is not easy for people to access mental health services in our country. When the patient is an adult, but doesn't necessarily want help, it becomes very difficult.

I read a while ago that there are always social factors as well, like drug use. But mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, have been part of the profile of a number of mass killers.

[Runner]

I'm not American so perhaps it is my ignorance of "the right to bear arms" that would make me question how an individual could build up an arsenal along the scale that James Holmes had? Also how he could order the level of ammunition online, all reportedly legally, which he did without triggering somewhere on a law enforcement level that he may be a risk?

My own opinions as to whether one should carry a firearm I accept are a whole different thread but I genuinely ask are there no limitations?

Regarding the previous posters comments questioning why someone didn't return fire? I honestly find this comment beyond belief

[aishah]

Originally Posted by Glenn

I am wondering why nobody returned fire and be willing to defend themselves and others.

i don't know anyone who usually takes guns to a movie theater for fun...am i missing something?

aside from the practical aspects of how would you aim in a smoke bomb and would it have done much good since the guy was wearing a bulletproof vest.

this feels like victim blaming to me.

[Martina]

I imagine it will turn out that he is mentally ill. Like the Arizona shooter. It's senseless. The only lessons are re gun control and helping people who are slipping into serious mental illness as early as possible.