Omaha tragedy reignites debate over protection vs. privacy

I sat and watched the national news tonight, and the differing viewpoints on the tragedy that took place in Omaha.
A 19-year-old gunman walked into a mall, took an elevator to the third floor of a department store, and opened fire.
He shot and killed eight people, injured four others, and then turned the gun on himself.

I don't know about you but I am so sick of these stories. I'm sick of selfish, depressed people taking out their frustrations on innocent victims.
These people were working and shopping at the mall. Their ages ranged from 24 to 66. They were mothers, husbands, grandmothers, and a young woman at the beginning of her adult life.
Why would anyone go into a mall and shoot innocent people? A mall is supposed to be a happy, cheerful place this time of year. The gunman no doubt knew that there would be tons of holiday shoppers packed into the store.

The 19-year-old shooter, Robert Hawkins , gave no explanation as to why he chose the mall. He left behind a note that said that "now, I'll be famous." The mayor of Omaha described the shooting as "an ugly act of cowardice." I couldn't agree more. Hawkins apparently had some previous run-ins with the law and had been a ward of the state for some time. Regardless of all of this, regardless of how depressed he may have been at the time, he had absolutely no right to harm others.

This incident has once again made people question the levels of security in America. In some parts of Israel, there are metal detectors at the door of every mall entrance, armed guards outside and guards who check your car in the parking garages. I know there's quite a difference in what's going on in Israel vs. what's going on in America, but it makes you wonder what's necessary nowadays. Shooters are picking the most vulnerable targets, and the public is somewhat defenseless. There are those who think that privacy is becoming a scarce commodity and that increased security measures are not only unnecessary, but are an invasion by "big brother."

I know we all have our own viewpoints on this, but I personally am willing to give up some of my freedom in exchange for the protection of my family and myself. The times are changing, there's no doubt about it. If we don't increase security measures in places across the country, they will increasingly become targets for those who wish to do harm to innocent victims.

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