In June I wrote an article after the Charleston massacre. Go to roanokestar.com, enter Hollingsworth guns in the search box and you can find it; “Guns . . . a Little History and a Proposal” was the title. Now seems an appropriate time to expand on that column.
A number of points, previously made, have been proved to be correct. Controlling the sale of handguns will not prevent the tragedies from continuing. If the facts are correct, there is nothing in the perpetrator’s past that could reasonably be used to prevent the purchase of multiple firearms.
He was, apparently, an objectionable person who collected grievances, real or imagined, storing them until they reached critical mass. While a very unhealthy way to respond to the injustices to which everyone is sometimes exposed, those alone do not constitute mental illness but rather an extreme form of maladaptation. No background check is going to raise a red flag; even a former employer is reticent to write a negative reference for concern about legal action.
The most common thread in this fatal fabric is rage of which we see much evidence, seething just beneath the surface. Who has not been aware of road rage where, out of such a trivial act as driving rudely, and can lead to a fist fight on the freeway – or worse. In a hotel Christmas buffet line a patron reached in front of another guest who responded to the interruption with, “Do that again and I will break your arm!” Merry Christmas, indeed!
Such deep-seated anger as seen at Bridgewater plaza comes from an even darker place. Its genesis grows out of the perceived persistent unfair treatment by the world in general. Surely, there are many who have suffered unjustly because of discrimination against race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, or a sense of disenfranchisement by society in general. The overwhelming numbers of such people do not react with murderous intent, but the ones who do receive massive attention.
Frequently, review of an assailant’s past show a relation to previous violence against innocent strangers. The killer from the Virginia Tech massacre has been mentioned in more than just this recent horror. The public should be informed about the basic facts of the alleged murderer but the media attention given to that part of the issue should be muted. The massive display of photographs adds to the possibility of copycat performances. Sadly, there is no protection against the irrational acts of unbridled rage. It can strike anywhere, anytime, with no warning.
While strengthening mental health laws, keeping handguns out of the hands of those who are deemed a threat, and recognizing rage as a common denominator of these disasters, it is sad that no one seems to have the willingness to approach the problem. We react with horror but except for the families and friends of the slain, we soon move on to await the next event.
Much has been written about this huge but seemingly insoluble problem. The pledge of Alison Parker’s father to devote his life to preventing such tragedies is understandable; but finding a solution is truly daunting. Please go to roanoke.com and read Dan Casey’s column in the Sunday edition to The Roanoke Times. While we have been aware of the obstructionism in legislative bodies, it was truly astounding to see it laid out in such a bare-bones fashion.
The reaction, once we are beyond the horror of the latest killings, is to throw up the hands in resignation believing that nothing can be done. Mr. Parker will need all the support he can get on his quest. At least he, motivated by a loss that is beyond our imagining, has chosen to be proactive rather than reactive.
It is hard to believe that given our dedication to explore the universe, regardless of the cost, that we cannot muster the will or the means to change American behavior right here on this tiny planet.
Hayden Hollingsworth
