Don't Blame the Victims

Here's a very good editorial about the VA Tech murder rampage from the Edmonton Sun. "In the wake of such tragedies, it's natural to look for something simple to blame -- lax gun control laws, bullying, societal violence, bureaucratic incompetence. Sometimes, they may be relevant. But we also need to use our good judgment and common sense, including the recognition that in free societies, it is almost impossible to stop a lone gunman with no apparent motive, who suddenly goes on a murderous rampage against strangers, before taking his own life. The thousands of locals who gave university president Steger a standing ovation yesterday at a memorial service for the dead, despite criticism he didn't act fast enough, apparently understand this reality. So should the rest of us." I agree. Only one person is responsible, and that's the cold-blooded killer, period.