A Tragic Connection: Columbine and Fort Hood

November 6, 2009

It’s still very, very early on. The horrific events of November 5th have left us numb and filled with disbelief; clearly stunned, confused and once again, left examining our innermost thoughts. Why did this happen? How can it be that a U.S. Military base can become the site of such a terrible event; one that will now be forever etched in our minds? What caused murder and mayhem to rock the peace of a warm, sunny fall afternoon in central Texas?

We’re told now that the alleged gunman is alive despite earlier reports to the contrary. And as we begin to search for answers a disturbing 10 year-old parallel must emerge from our deepest and most haunted thoughts. This latest event, it appears, presents itself as the picture of a man who may have been somewhat like two others. Two other men who records and memories say felt tortured and alienated from their friends and peers.

We struggle to come to grips with the deliberate, cold nature of this man's actions and must also be reminded of those unconscionable actions of two young men at Columbine High School ten years ago. What, if anything, we must ask ourselves, could it be that our society is doing wrong? Is it even fair to ask if we might be culpable in some way?

What is it that finally ignites from within a man that smoldering fire that is stoked by such venomous hatred? What is it that can make a person finally decide to exhibit and act out such complete and utter disregard for the sanctity of human life?

While we recover from the shocking events of November 5th, and as we are still standing in shock, shaking our weary heads in disbelief, we would do well to try our best to find the answers to all these questions and the many more questions not yet asked. If nothing else seems clear at this time, the roots of such callous hatred appear to run very long and very deep. We must of necessity somehow find their source and excise them before this happens again.