Almost as tragic as the Aurora Theater massacre was the response. When a senseless act of tragedy occurred, people immediately made it about politics. In one of the first reports that morning, ABC news tried tying the tragedy to the Tea Party. People on both sides of the gun control issue tried using the tragedy to further their argument. Some argued that allowing people to carry weapons into the theater would have stopped or lessened the tragedy, others argued tougher gun control laws could have prevented it altogether. Amidst the questions of could a gun stopped a surprise 90 second rampage in a dark smoke filled room, and whether a criminal would have obeyed the law when purchasing his arsenal, something important was forgotten. Innocent people were suffering and needed our prayer, care and support. Also law enforcement was still trying to understand what had happened that day. Hours after a tragedy that took the lives of about a dozen and wounded dozens more, is making your political point really the most important thing to do? At a time when law enforcement is still trying to figure out critical parts of the tragedy, is it really the right time to decide what could have prevented it? We still don’t know how a broke grad student can afford and purchase a shotgun, automatic rifle, two pistols, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, full body tactical gear, canisters of tear gas, and explosives? We also don’t know why he simply turned himself in without a fight right after the shooting spree.
I hope some day people will realize the insensitivity and irresponsibility of politicizing a tragedy as soon as it happens. Let us also start praying that Colorado will be spared this kind of tragedy for quite a while. In the meantime there are things that can be done to help. The cost from medical bills related to this tragedy are going to add up, and the family of Petra Anderson are rallying to help raise money for these unforeseen expenses. Please watch the video by Chloe Anderson and watch, share, and donate to help the families of the victims.
http://www.indiegogo.com/readytobelieve
https://twitter.com/HopeRisesRelief
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#ReadyToBelieve?
Willie Deutsch 