Impacted by Aurora, Colorado Incident

I woke up early this morning to take my American-made car into the mechanic to have the transmission looked at when I had three alerts on my phone from the Associated Press:

"12 confirmed dead in shooting at movie theater in Aurora, CO"

Upon reading the story more and finding out the facts, I was deeply effected by the whole incident. Over 50 people wounded. A 12-year-old killed. A 3-month-old was even shot. Evidently the man responsible, a 24-year-old Med school dropout named James Holmes, came through the emergency exit with a gas mask on during the premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises". He proceeded to throw tear gas on the ground, and began firing into the crowd, shooting those that were trying to exit. He shot sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. Families at an innocent opening of a much-awaited film. The film was scheduled to have a red carpet premiere in Paris, France but was cancelled when Warner Bros heard about the incident. Evidently, all of the main actors were to be there.Perhaps they didn't want a copycat incident.

I had the opportunity of going to Colorado this past fall for a recruiting trip for SUU. While I was there, I met with high school counselors, bright-eyed students, and parents as well. I was able to see the beauty of Colorado, and drove with a little reluctance to Columbine High School to visit prospective students there. I even drove past this same movie theater to get to a high school. Not that I have any family in Colorado, but this incident hit close to home for me, as I got to know some of the people there and experienced the culture.

What's going on humanity? There are so many great qualities that you possess! Was this man influenced by the violence in movies or video games? Was he genuinely unwell, depressed, sad?

 While the motives behind this horrific incident are still unclear, I can't help but wonder why this individual felt the need to involve innocent people. I know that all the answers I want will not come in this life, but I still sometimes while things like this are permitted to happen. My faith remains intact though.

Divided Parties

As I drove from Cedar City on Sunday night, listening to a podcast and enjoying some "thought time" to myself, I spoke out loud to God about why there needed to be a two-party system. "The only thing that comes out of it are your children being divided among themselves." I haven't identified with a party since I moved out of my house and realized that my parents weren't always right in their views. Actually, in order to become "better informed" and because I tire of the top 40 stations on the radio, I started listening to NPR. When I told my dad that I started listening to this station, he said "You listen to that Socialist crap?!" Yep. Staunch Republican. I do not fault him for it though.

I consider myself an idealist. What does that mean? It means that I believe that the two-party system is broken, but there isn't anything better available for the moment so I try my best to be a good citizen by attending caucus meetings, voting in local elections, and studying the issues so that I can vote come November for that candidate that I perceive to be "better." Some may say that I am naive in this approach and frankly, I don't care. They all have their opinions as well and I am not about to say that something is wrong with how they view issues.

Now, back to my experience while traveling Sunday night. I stopped in a little town called Meadow at one of the two gas stations that I hear are owned by the same person. As I was lightening my load, I had a thought come to my mind. Call it coincidence or what you may, but I call it inspiration. There is a scripture in The Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 2:11:

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad...."

My interpretation? There needs to be two opposing sides in this lifetime. If not so, we wouldn't appreciate those good things. In this instance, the "good thing" is peace between differing opinions, or peace in general. With people using social media as a way to share their opinions and thoughts, others unabashedly will respond with ugly, nasty statements. Unfortunately they view these ways to post EVERYTHING and not good information.

These thoughts brought me peace concerning the two-party system. Although I don't agree with it, it is necessary for the time being. As for the candidates running for President, I hope to vote for one that will do the greatest good for everyone.

--Ryan