7/22/2012

Editorial: Safety, Security, and a very dark night.

Yes, it's me again. It happens every so often, that a news event so moves me, that I have to weigh in, and while I strive to never make this blog my personal soapbox, I feel that I can't just sit back and say nothing. I want to make it very clear, my thoughts are my own. They do NOT necessarily reflect the thoughts of the rest of the Slamfist team. So, if you will indulge me for a few moments, I want to toss my two cents in on the Colorado tragedy, if you wish to avoid reading about it, don't read any further. For those that want to see my thoughts, continue on after the jump.

Every day in this world, I am reminded that there are some very sick twisted individuals out there walking among us. And it saddens me, that these people can perpetrate such horrendous acts, destroying the lives of so many, and ruining a simple pleasure for everyone. Now, because of one man, people will very possibly be told that their lives must be disrupted, for the sake of some added security. One person acting out in public, may have destroyed the concept of the midnight show for everyone.

What this man did was horrific, the stuff of nightmares, and I fully believe that he should be punished. His actions are a direct reflection of everything that is wrong in the world today. Do I believe that because of this man's actions we should beef up security at the theater to airport levels? No. Do I believe that metal detectors at all the doors will prevent something like this from ever happening again? Not at all.

From what I read in various news reports, and seen on the evening news, the man bought a ticket to the movie, came into the theater, and sat down, just like everyone else. Would the metal detectors have prevented him from making it that far? No. Because I read further that his guns were still in the car. He waited until the lights had gone out, went out the fire doors, and THEN geared up. If any security measure should be implemented at this point, it is that there should be alarms on the fire doors! Open a fire door, the fire alarm goes off, and the theater gets evacuated. No need for metal detectors, no need for security officers to watch the door.

However, will even that make things safe? No. I'm reminded of a quote from one of my favorite comedians, Mr. George Carlin in regards to Airport Security. He said:

"Airport security is a stupid idea, it’s a waste of money, and it’s there for only one reason: to make white people feel safe! That’s all it’s for. To provide a feeling, an illusion, of safety in order to placate the middle class. Because the authorities know they can’t make airplanes safe; too many people have access. You’ll notice the drug smugglers don’t seem to have a lot of trouble getting their little packages on board, do they?"

The truth in there is simple, and if you think about it too much, mildly frightening. Sure, we can put up a thousand new security measures, we could force everyone to watch movies in the nude to insure there are no concealed weapons on them. The truth still stands, as long as there are people, there will be the sick twisted few that will perpetrate acts of violence like this. If we cut off one way for them to do it, they'll find new ways. Imposing new security measures will not prevent a criminal act such as this, it will only breed a better criminal.

I feel sorry for those that died, and were injured. I feel bad for their families, and friends. It saddens me to no end that things like this would happen. My heart goes out to them. I hope swift and decisive action is taken against the madman who did this.

So, weigh in on things in the comments. What are your thoughts?

1 comment:

  1. Sadly I dont think there is any one answer to this. A rational solution can and has been outwitted by crazy individuals time and time again. All we can do is continue to live our lives and hope for the best.

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