[Motorola Droid X2] litetaker:
It is times like these that make me sorely wish that Batman is real. We need a real figure like the Batman, with a strong moral compass and will to do the right thing in the worst situations, to (at least for me) make us feel that there is some good in the world. Of course, there are loads and loads of people who fit the bill, and many showed immense heroism in this movie theater. And I guess that is a good enough reminder that there is good in people, and that the only way to win (against the bad) is to NOT fear them (bad people) or hate them, but to forgive (and forget) them...

I've also never believed in capital punishment. People are quick to say that he should be killed (given the death penalty) for his crimes. Then, I say, what was the difference between us and him? I don't say he should roam free in the streets, but I believe a life long imprisonment without parole is all that is required.

And has anyone ever noticed that all these guys, are loners, people without any life and who don't socialize? I find it appalling that even his labmates in his university, who knew that he was sort of a loner and quiet guy didn't suspect anything? They said, they didn't believe that he had the capacity to do something like that, given he sits all by himself, quietly... Well, you don't know what quiet people think. People who talk, socialize are more easy to read as they are open and speak out... We should vigilantly identify such introvert people as it is (1) useful to make them get out of their shell (2) probably helps them cope with life and thereby avoid such violent thoughts (3) make it clear to others that the person is in psychological distress and may need medical help... He was (is?) a PhD student in Neuroscience... Being a grad student myself, I can understand grad life is very stressful. Plus, he was in the process of withdrawing (i.e. dropping out of college). That should have been a clear indication of mental stress and he should have been counselled and all... Moreover why did it not raise red flags when he procured so many weapons, although legally, in a short period of time? No one should be carelessly allowed to purchase soooo many weapons, and that too in a short period of time. And what about all those tactical gear??? Weren't they red flags too? I dunno the rules in this country clearly as I am new here... but rationally thinking those things should be seen in background checks and when cross-checking recent weapon purchases... I also believe that easy access to weapons is definitely not making people "safer"...

May be what I said may not have adequately prevented this tragedy but the truth is neither do the current rules and laws prevent it... There is a serious epidemic of sorts, where people are able to legally purchase these weapons, have a clean history and still are turning to violent crimes. We need to have a "serious" political debate and reform in this regard and not one of those lobby driven "political dogmas"... Remember, after all, all the rules, regulations, laws and consitutional rights are constructed by us.. Not a higher being. They are subject to change. And I hate when people and/or groups defend them as if they are universal truths handed down by god and avoid discussing the crux of the matter and just break it down to political drama and partisan fights...

People in power are generally those that are least deserved to be there... Those with the right head and intentions, generally end up in a position of no power...

</rant> (I will now stop discussing this further, online...)