As no doubt others are doing, the recent massacre in Colorado has me spellbound... I am moved beyond measure as I listen to the absolutely horrific events in that movie theater. Ever since I have listened to newscasts and the memorial service for victims and survivors.
The stories thus far recounted are truly moving examples of heroism. One example recounted by the Governor of Colorado was of a woman who, when the shooting began, stood up and was shot in the neck. Immediately blood started spurting out. The person in the seat next to her applied direct pressure and literally saved the victim's life. The woman who saved that victim's life has stayed in the hospital room with her to this point.
Then there were the stories of many police officers transporting victim's in their patrol cars. One officer transported six (6) victims to the hospital. The police were on the crime scene within 2 1/2 minutes - evidently it took a bit longer for ambulances to arrive.
When tragedies like this happen I reflect on what I might have done had I been at that site. Would I have been brave? Would I have cowered? Would I have done the "noble thing" in saving another's life? How courageous would I have been?
I would like to think that if the circumstance ever arose that I would be willing, without reservation, to sacrifice my own life if it meant saving another. It is one thing to say that I would... but that is my consciousness speaking... In the heat of the moment, with bullets flying, would I actually deliver on what my consciousness says I would want to do???
I suppose one will never know. Tomorrow I could be on the road, see a terrible accident, and wonder "What would you do, Carl? step in and do something, or would you just take a look and drive on..."
I hate thinking about what I "might" do.... but if I ever had the opportunity I hope that my bravery would be on a par with the stories I am hearing coming out of Colorado. I remember the movie about the aircraft that crashed in Pennsylvania on 9/11 - the guy who organized the passengers and was heard saying "let's roll..." Those were his final words on earth. I want to think I could do no less...
my intent was to speak about courage - kind of a self reflection about myself and whether I could "live up" to the examples of so many in the great tragedies of our time...
as an Army retiree I often thought about the difference of what a Medal of Honor did that won him the medal compared to his buddies during war... I once knew a MOH awardee (lived next door to me at Fort Leavenworth, KS) - his story was inspiring - have since learned of others, as well...
the difference between a hero and otherwise can, in some cases, be the decision made in a fleeting moment...
the story about the guy who pulled the trigger in Colorado is another story...
But U avoided to comment on a pretty basic question. What should happen to the guy who did all the killing?