John Hanlin is the sheriff of Douglas County in Oregon. In his 5 p.m. news conference on October 1, he stepped up to the podium to update the American public on the terrible events that occurred at Umpqua Community College. With the eyes of the nation on him he knew the importance of what he was about to say. "Let me be very clear, I will not name the shooter," he said. "I will not give him the credit he probably sought prior to this horrific and cowardly act." He went on to tell the media it was to “not to glorify and create sensationalism for him." because "he in no way deserves it."
With the recent outbreak of mass shootings in America only one thing remains clear: something needs to change. But what? That is the question that has so many distraught. Does America need to rethink gun control? Find a way to spot the mentally sick before they strike? Increase security everywhere? Whether you agree or disagree on a particular way to limit these attacks, no one can deny that they must be stopped.
I believe this new concept that has just been introduced by sheriff John Hanlin is a great starting point. Obviously this will in no way physically stop these psychotic maniacs who plan on destroying the lives of others, but the idea that a person will no longer even be recognized is new. "I will not give him the credit he probably sought prior to this horrific and cowardly act." When these people decide to act in such a demonic way they know they will go down in the history books, even if it is for reasons that are monstrous. In a new age when it has become so easy to obtain a lethal weapon, it is important to know that if and when somebody is thinking of doing something horrific, they will be merely an afterthought in the eyes of the nation.
In no way am I saying that the lives of the ten dead and seven wounded should be forgotten, not to mention the hundreds and thousands emotionally scarred from this careless shooting. I am saying that the United States of America will not be faltered or slowed down even after these vicious attacks. Similar to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 America will reemerge stronger after being sucker punched by these cowardly actions. The United States will support the city of Roseburg (where the college is located) and every single person and family impacted by this shooting.
The lives of those effected and lost will never be forgotten. Even after this inhuman attack America will only be stronger. It makes me proud to know that these spineless mass killings will no longer even be remembered for who performed the unspeakable act, but rather for how America stared adversity in the face and emerged victorious, again. The next time you feel sadness for the pitiful shooting that happened just last week please remember, you live in the greatest, most powerful country, and just be proud. God bless the USA.
