Seeing Red

What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground?
How can you run when you know?
--Neil Young

When I first heard about the Virginia Tech shootings, my first thought was that a sad event like this was past due. Since the 9/11 tragedy, I've been thinking that a college campus is an ideal location for someone who wants to make trouble. Low security, low levels of street smarts, and lots of diversity.

The most surprising element of the VT incident to me? With two handguns, the shooter was able to kill 32 and injure 20 more. His targets had to be close and stationary--likely paralyzed in fear. With some awareness and tactical training, these student targets could have acted and this casualty rate should have been much lower.

As noted by Congressman Paul, a liberty-based system requires individuals to shoulder reponsibility for their own safety. Depending on bureaucracy for security could quite literally be a deadly mistake.