I just read about the shooter from Arizona being sentenced to life after being deemed competent to stand trial. I felt sad for everyone involved, and thought, like many of you, what could have been done to prevent this tragedy? Never mind the pain and loss for the families affected directly and indirectly by his actions, but also what about his family?
So my questions come...
Where was everyone in his life; employers, friends, family, schools, doctor, etc?
Why does one have to say, "I'm suicidal and have a plan and the means to carry it out.", or "I'm homicidal and have a plan and the means to carry it out." before anyone takes you seriously?
Why is it okay that people with severe mental illness are walking the streets talking to themselves because they're in ”no imminent danger to themselves or others”?
Why do we not do more, rather then just talk about prevention!
Why is it easier for us as a society to wait for people to commit a crime from which they'll face jail time, rather then offer them access to services before the fact? Time in jail costs all of us much more then prevention and also rehab, and does nothing to prevent recidivism.
And yet, why ask why. I know how our society works. I see people genuinely wanting change and even taking steps to make it happen, but it's something we all need to reflect on. We all need to look at and take responsibility for ourselves, and also come together as a society with our many talents to grow, learn, and help one another do the same. There aren't easy cookie cutter answers, don't believe the people who tell you there are.
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