Trigger warning! Terrorism, violence, mas-murder

[Boston001]

I was just reflecting on something I wrote on Facebook ten years ago, and it is just as important today.

April 18, 2013. As I listened to the interfaith prayer service to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings today. I reflected on the past years and the horrors we have seen given in every country all over the world,,, I know few will read my words but this does not diminish their importance. People don't just snap one day and become mas-murders, this is something that is cultivated over years and therefore they can be identified long before they do something. As a person who has suffered from depression most of my life, A person who has PTSD, A person who has been abused, I can tell you firsthand how hard it is to get help,,, and the most important fact to remember here is that "No One" is being proactive to identify people and treat people with mental illnesses. People with mental health issues have to admit they have a problem and find help on their own. We can pass gun laws, fill our society with surveillance systems, and put armed law enforcement on every street corner in the modern world and, there will still be people who slip through the cracks and harm other people. These crimes can be prevented! A person who has a high probability of doing harm to others will send signals long before they load the gun or sets the trigger on the bomb. Terrorism is not political or ideological. It is a lone gunman or a group of mentally ill people who have aligned their intent to do harm. Many of the friends family and coworkers of people who have committed these atrocities say in hindsight that they knew something was wrong, but failed to say something for fear of being mistaken. "If you see something say something" A mistake can be forgiven, but death and violence are forever

[Hb2003]

facts !!

[EndUser13]

Very well written, you make some nice points. I like so much of it but I'll try not to ramble in response 😅

There have been times in the past where I have worried about BS red flag laws and my guns being taken away over a PTSD diagnosis.

[Boston001 in reply to EndUser13]

That without going into detail, is why I referenced gun laws. I don't own a gun, but the guy casing my neighborhood doesn't know that I don't own a gun, therefore I like the law just as it is. Question, as a gun person, if they took your guns away, could you still find a gun illegally? Guns and bomb-making supplies aren't the problem.

[EndUser13 in reply to Boston001]

Yeah I'm probably on a couple of lists... 😂 Yes, I could easily build a wide array of weapons. I just prefer to garden or do some woodworking 🙂

I am very keen about the failure of "gun control". I bought my first in response to being robbed at gun point (by a felon who wasn't supposed to be able to have one).

Again, I really like what you wrote!

[Dolphin14]

Great Post

Very emotional and very true.

See something say something

We've lived by the words. I would rather call a false alarm than think I could have raised a flag.

There is great depth to this. Some don't want to get involved, some don't pay attention to their loved ones enough to see what's so obvious, some reach out for help and are either ignored or can't find it.

I read this with such a heavy heart.

Thank you

🐬

[Boston001 in reply to Dolphin14]

My Mum is one of those people. None of her children or grandchildren have issues. None of us have problems with mental health, or drug and alcohol issues. Love can blind people's intuition. Or in my family's case the elephant in the room.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Boston001]

Yes.... so you know what I'm saying. So much can be missed if someone can't or won't tune in.

[RupertBrown]

So much of what you said rings true. I saw an interview with a man who, as a high school student, planned to shoot up his school but was stopped before he could. In the interview he said almost exactly what you did. If we would look for, recognize and help these kids who are struggling, how many less shootings would there be?

[bethelbee]

Well written. I agree with almost everything you said. I agree that not enough is being done to identify those with mental health issues and try to get them help, but don't agree that all shooters have mental illness. As far as gun laws, yes, we can pass them but anyone who wants one will find a way, legal or not.I liked your last sentence..

[Boston001 in reply to bethelbee]

Please explain about your option about shooters.

[Midori]

I totally agree with you, Boston. We have to push for things to change, because we are mainly out of sight and out of mind,(theirs, not ours!) They won't come to us!

Cheers, Midori