This isn't anything new, nor is this anything surprising, but when has America had enough? The number of school shootings I've been aware of for my 19 years of life is only a fraction of what more is to come. Simply go on Google and check it out for yourself. Trying to even count the number of shootings that have occurred since the turn of the century will surprise you, because normally, most have just heard of the Columbine shooting, Sandy Hook shooting, Chardon shooting, etc., but there are so many more. Attempted shootings happen all the time at schools across the nation, the media just rarely illuminates it because they don't tend to be full-fledged massacres. Regardless of the number injured or killed, the episodes have to stop.
The reason I wish to shed light on the matter is due to the most recent school shooting in Oregon. According to CNN, a gunman killed 10 people and injured seven more at Umpqua Community College. After quick response from the police, the gunman proceeded to kill himself as well. The shooter, Chris Harper-Mercer, came in feeling seemingly happy about what he was doing, reported witnesses. Harper-Mercer asked many of the victims their religion prior to shooting them, specifically asking if they were Christian, but would kill regardless of what they believed in.
Seven other people were injured, and the shooter is dead, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin told reporters. Earlier estimates had put the number of people hurt much higher.
Besides the lives lost and the horror behind this entire event, what really disgusts me is the fact that the shooter seemed happy. How could anyone be happy about doing something so horrible and merciless? It is terrible to think that human beings are really capable of such terror and how easily it can be caused.
How can parents even feel comfortable sending children off to school at this point? Elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and even colleges are affected by the savage rampages of those not fit for society. No one in the world would think something so atrocious could happen to young elementary students until the Sandy Hook shooting happened. No one in this world would expect that they are going into class that day to experience the most life-changing event they will ever encounter.
Let's talk about solutions. Stricter policies on guns? Better look out for those who fit the "profile" of a school shooter? As drastic as you want to get, nothing will fix the problem. Schools all across the nation have implemented A.L.I.C.E. training, which I believe at least prepares students mindset for the possibility of a shooting, but nowhere near stops it. No one in their right mind goes to class day after day actually rehearsed for such a scenario to occur. It's sudden and mind blowing for the students having to deal with it.
Teachers themselves have to consider the thought of saving their students in such a matter. Once again a recall to the Sandy Hook incident where such a brave teacher risked her own life for the sake of her students. No teacher should ever have to put their life on the line when they received a four-year degree in education, not life saving.
School shootings are an everlasting tragedy. The pain and suffering that so many innocent lives have had to endure is a grossly large number. Being aware and being prepared are ways to at least be cognitive of the issues, but no one will ever be able to feel the anguish of the situation until it's too late.
