Time to consider what led to Arizona shootings

The nation is reeling from the Arizona shootings and we have legitimate concerns. No one questions that there was a lone gunman who was quite obviously insane. However, it is not acceptable to consider any analysis of the shooting and the events leading up to it as blame.

I am not blaming all of the rhetoric-invoking images of gun-related violence. I am not blaming those who are vehemently opposed to any version of gun licensing management. I am not blaming those who are disinterested in mental illness until there is a tragedy.

I am merely considering all factors that could have led up to such a horrific event with the hopes of curtailing future similar events. Perhaps none of the remedies would be workable. But the mere conversation about them hardly ranks as blame.

I'm sick of hearing about the blame game because, frankly, when is the right time to play it? Now is not the time to blame anyone, but it is a good time to consider what happened and what we can do to keep it from happening again.

Admitting that we have used irresponsible metaphors doesn't mean that this caused the shootings, but it does mean that we should use more discretion in the future. Reflecting on that doesn't blame them, it simply suggests that we don't do it anymore “just in case” or because it's less funny when our metaphors become real.

What's so wrong with that consideration?

Gina Moffett

Marion