If there's an answer.

[Imagican]

After the recent shooting of elementary students and their teachers, the biggest question I continue to hear is WHY? Why would someone do such a thing?

I believe the answer stares us straight in the face. It's just that no one really wants to accept it or take it seriously.

Obviously something has changed. There was a time, no so many years ago, when such things DID NOT HAPPEN.

And now they do.

All it takes to come to the proper answer to the 'WHY' is to determine what has changed that has brought about these events.

For ANYONE that has lived over thirty years, the answer should be as clear as day.

A computer does what it is programed to do. It can do nothing else.

Our children are not that different, WE are not that different than a computer.

What goes in is what comes out. You know, 'Garbage in/Garbage out'.

Hollywood and those that create video games are continuously having to create that which is more extreme than what came before in order to satisfy the audiences.

When I was a child, growing up, movies were 'something special' and video games DIDN'T exist. And movies were designed for specific audiences. Children's movies for children and adult movies for adults.

What we see today are cartoons with adult themes designed in a manner that make what we grew up with seem like crude and unsophisticated drivel. And as it SHOULD BE. Video games that are so realistic that they seem MORE real than most movies that existed when I was a child.

And the attitude of most parents has CHANGED.

When we were growing up, we WANTED to see the 'adult movies'. We felt special when we were able to watch one and still remember what it was like to be told NO. Our parents refusing to allow us to take part in ADULT things. And that is EXACTLY what MOST parents DID: they REFUSED to allow their children to be exposed to ADULT THEMES involving violence, sex, and criminal behavior.

And because of this, often we end up allowing our children to view things that our parents would never DREAMED of allowing us to glimpse believing that we are being BETTER to our children for a refusal to deny them what they WANT.

But in the process, forgetting, or refusing to acknowledge that there was a REASON that our parents offered us such guidance. KNOWING that there are certain 'things' that children SHOULD NOT be exposed to; EVER. They weren't being MEAN to us by not allowing us to participate. They were LOOKING OUT FOR US. Doing what a parent SHOULD be doing.

Murder, war, anger portrayed in a negative manner, gore, killing, things of a sexual nature. These are ALL things that children are BETTER never being exposed to in real life or through the imagination of others. Heck, most adults would fare far better if they were never exposed to such things.

Look, we teach pilots to fly jets with 'simulators'. Machines designed to simulate real life situations through movement and MOVIES. We teach soldiers how to use tanks, police forces how to respond to situations. Heck, how often, growing up, did we learn from films and such?

We have found that such tools are very productive in teaching specific behavior and responses.

So, is it any wonder that children exposed to violence in entertainment are LEARNING such behavior?

In numerous instances of children murdering their parents or other children, when it comes time for interviewing those that commit such crimes, they mention a DIRECT connection to movies. Jason Voorhese, Michael Myers, Wrestling, etc.......... as a direct influence on their behavior.

And folks, isn't it apparent that if you are exposed to graphic violence it becomes less and less something that shocks you and you become more and more immune to it's negative effects?

We have basically been allowing movie producers, video game producers, even those that make cartoons for our children today, to PROGRAM our children to BE KILLERS. To be heartless and emotionless KILLERS. For in the games and the movies it is the HERO that is the BEST killer. The hero is he who scores the most kills. The hero is often the one that offers NO MERCY. The one that is MOST creative in killing. And this is where the reward is.

It is no different than training soldiers to KILL the enemy. We reward those soldiers that are the BEST killers. And it is little different in the world of video games and movies now days. The more violent and extreme the game or movie, the more it is lauded and the more it has an INFLUENCE on those that are exposed to it. In essence, we have been allowing a certain group of men to literally BRAINWASH our children into BEING KILLERS. And for nothing but PROFIT.

No, not ALL children exposed end up murdering their families or classmates. But we see more and more of this happening every day. And the ONLY things that have changed significantly over the years IS what many call ENTERTAINMENT: movies and video games.

So it only stands to reason that when you eliminate all that does not offer an explanation, whatever is left is the ANSWER. And among those that commit these crimes we find an EVER PRESENT association of violent MOVIES and VIDEO games. The guns have been around FOREVER. But the use of those guns by CHILDREN to kill their families and other children is a relatively RECENT occurrence.

Not all that are trained to kill are efficient at being good soldiers. Not all exposed to violence will end up being violent. But there is obviously a PERCENTAGE that are able to lose sight of reality, unable to be exposed to these things without them having a MAJOR INFLUENCE on their understanding. Some children are NOT able to handle such influence without it becoming manifest in their lives.

So wouldn't it be MORE prudent to focus on the REAL problem rather than trying to blame it on guns? Of course, the LAST thing in a free world one would choose to allow are mentally incompetent individuals to OWN GUNS. But it's not the guns that are killing people. It's the PEOPLE killing people. And obviously SOMETHING has CHANGED. And the BIGGEST and most obvious change is what has happened in movies and video games.

These kids certainly aren't learning this behavior in their school lessons. Or by examples set by their parents. LOOK at the most popular video games and the most popular movies among teenagers and a pattern begins to evolve. THIS IS WHERE THE VIOLENCE is COMING FROM. The INFLUENCE. There is a percentage of children that CANNOT COPE with such influence without it becoming manifest in their lives. We are allowing film producers and makers of video games to PROGRAM our children TO BE KILLERS. Programing our children to be callous and heartless by offering rewards for such behavior and making heroes out of those that exhibit the MOST callous and heartless behavior.

And ultimately, WHO is to blame. You certainly can't blame the BEER manufacturer for someone who drinks TOO MUCH. Or the cigarette companies for someone smoking. It ultimately boils down to YOU and ME. WE are the ULTIMATE source IF we are allowing our children to be exposed to this garbage. And THAT is the biggest reason that some are still walking around in a daze asking, "WHY?". They don't want to KNOW the answer, just mumble the question. For once the answer is revealed, it is THEN that they have to OWN up to the responsibility.

Which parent among us would DENY that games that require someone to KILL their opponents DO NOT make someone participating a BETTER KILLER? The evidence is there in that such videos are USED by the military and law enforcement to TEACH their soldiers and enforcers HOW to deal with KILLING.

Then take a weak minded individual, an outcast, a loner and let them spend ALL their time playing such games and what is the ultimate result? As mentioned previous, we USE these types of methods to TRAIN our soldiers and our law enforcement officers. ADULTS. What sort of an influence MUST these types of exposure have on CHILDREN? Especially children with mental problems that become convinced that this is ONE WAY they are able to exert their superiority over their classmates. Their way to 'get back' at those that shun them and treat them unkindly.

Freedom of speech? Along with ANY freedoms SHOULD come responsibilities. For those unable to handle freedom responsibly, their freedom is very dangerous.

These people that are peddling these games and movies to our children are MORE dangerous than those peddling drugs to our children. For the drugs often ONLY hurt individuals. But these that are designing tools to TRAIN our children to be KILLERS end up often hurting WHOLE COMMUNITIES as we have seen recently.

No different than the little fat kid sitting in McDonald's, Mom allowing him to stuff his face with garbage, we have become insistent that we are going to be BETTER parents than ours were by ALLOWING our children to take part in utterly DESTRUCTIVE behavior. Eating too much JUNK food, playing TOO much video games, watching too much garbage on television and movies that children should NEVER be exposed to. And all the while patting ourselves on our collective backs for being BETTER parents than ours were. What a joke. A GOOD parent is one that LOOKS OUT for their children. Not one that simply GOES ALONG WITH THEM. It is the responsibility of ADULTS to BE ADULTS and SHIELD our children from such destructive devises. Being a GOOD parent OFTEN requires that we SAY NO. Especially NOW DAYS when there is SO MUCH negativity out there.

So, if you want your child to be the BEST killer he can be, buy him that new Black Ops video for Christmas. Throw in a couple of brutal movies as well. And while you are at it buy them a new computer that they can plug up in their room so no one is able to monitor their behavior on it.

And don't forget to pat Johnny on the back as he learns to produce the 'high score' for the most kills. Sit down and discuss the details of the murders in the latest horror movie with him. Teach him to believe that it's OK to shoot people in the face and the more they kill the better.

And then keep asking yourself, "WHY"? Why are our children turning into MURDERERS?

Blessings,

MEC

 

[barryrob]

After the recent shooting of elementary students and their teachers, the biggest question I continue to hear is WHY? Why would someone do such a thing?

I believe the answer stares us straight in the face. It's just that no one really wants to accept it or take it seriously.

Obviously something has changed. There was a time, no so many years ago, when such things DID NOT HAPPEN.

And now they do.

All it takes to come to the proper answer to the 'WHY' is to determine what has changed that has brought about these events.

For ANYONE that has lived over thirty years, the answer should be as clear as day.

A computer does what it is programed to do. It can do nothing else.

Our children are not that different, WE are not that different than a computer.

What goes in is what comes out. You know, 'Garbage in/Garbage out'.

Hollywood and those that create video games are continuously having to create that which is more extreme than what came before in order to satisfy the audiences.

When I was a child, growing up, movies were 'something special' and video games DIDN'T exist. And movies were designed for specific audiences. Children's movies for children and adult movies for adults.

What we see today are cartoons with adult themes designed in a manner that make what we grew up with seem like crude and unsophisticated drivel. And as it SHOULD BE. Video games that are so realistic that they seem MORE real than most movies that existed when I was a child.

And the attitude of most parents has CHANGED.

When we were growing up, we WANTED to see the 'adult movies'. We felt special when we were able to watch one and still remember what it was like to be told NO. Our parents refusing to allow us to take part in ADULT things. And that is EXACTLY what MOST parents DID: they REFUSED to allow their children to be exposed to ADULT THEMES involving violence, sex, and criminal behavior.

And because of this, often we end up allowing our children to view things that our parents would never DREAMED of allowing us to glimpse believing that we are being BETTER to our children for a refusal to deny them what they WANT.

But in the process, forgetting, or refusing to acknowledge that there was a REASON that our parents offered us such guidance. KNOWING that there are certain 'things' that children SHOULD NOT be exposed to; EVER. They weren't being MEAN to us by not allowing us to participate. They were LOOKING OUT FOR US. Doing what a parent SHOULD be doing.

Murder, war, anger portrayed in a negative manner, gore, killing, things of a sexual nature. These are ALL things that children are BETTER never being exposed to in real life or through the imagination of others. Heck, most adults would fare far better if they were never exposed to such things.

Look, we teach pilots to fly jets with 'simulators'. Machines designed to simulate real life situations through movement and MOVIES. We teach soldiers how to use tanks, police forces how to respond to situations. Heck, how often, growing up, did we learn from films and such?

We have found that such tools are very productive in teaching specific behavior and responses.

So, is it any wonder that children exposed to violence in entertainment are LEARNING such behavior?

In numerous instances of children murdering their parents or other children, when it comes time for interviewing those that commit such crimes, they mention a DIRECT connection to movies. Jason Voorhese, Michael Myers, Wrestling, etc.......... as a direct influence on their behavior.

And folks, isn't it apparent that if you are exposed to graphic violence it becomes less and less something that shocks you and you become more and more immune to it's negative effects?

We have basically been allowing movie producers, video game producers, even those that make cartoons for our children today, to PROGRAM our children to BE KILLERS. To be heartless and emotionless KILLERS. For in the games and the movies it is the HERO that is the BEST killer. The hero is he who scores the most kills. The hero is often the one that offers NO MERCY. The one that is MOST creative in killing. And this is where the reward is.

It is no different than training soldiers to KILL the enemy. We reward those soldiers that are the BEST killers. And it is little different in the world of video games and movies now days. The more violent and extreme the game or movie, the more it is lauded and the more it has an INFLUENCE on those that are exposed to it. In essence, we have been allowing a certain group of men to literally BRAINWASH our children into BEING KILLERS. And for nothing but PROFIT.

No, not ALL children exposed end up murdering their families or classmates. But we see more and more of this happening every day. And the ONLY things that have changed significantly over the years IS what many call ENTERTAINMENT: movies and video games.

So it only stands to reason that when you eliminate all that does not offer an explanation, whatever is left is the ANSWER. And among those that commit these crimes we find an EVER PRESENT association of violent MOVIES and VIDEO games. The guns have been around FOREVER. But the use of those guns by CHILDREN to kill their families and other children is a relatively RECENT occurrence.

Not all that are trained to kill are efficient at being good soldiers. Not all exposed to violence will end up being violent. But there is obviously a PERCENTAGE that are able to lose sight of reality, unable to be exposed to these things without them having a MAJOR INFLUENCE on their understanding. Some children are NOT able to handle such influence without it becoming manifest in their lives.

So wouldn't it be MORE prudent to focus on the REAL problem rather than trying to blame it on guns? Of course, the LAST thing in a free world one would choose to allow are mentally incompetent individuals to OWN GUNS. But it's not the guns that are killing people. It's the PEOPLE killing people. And obviously SOMETHING has CHANGED. And the BIGGEST and most obvious change is what has happened in movies and video games.

These kids certainly aren't learning this behavior in their school lessons. Or by examples set by their parents. LOOK at the most popular video games and the most popular movies among teenagers and a pattern begins to evolve. THIS IS WHERE THE VIOLENCE is COMING FROM. The INFLUENCE. There is a percentage of children that CANNOT COPE with such influence without it becoming manifest in their lives. We are allowing film producers and makers of video games to PROGRAM our children TO BE KILLERS. Programing our children to be callous and heartless by offering rewards for such behavior and making heroes out of those that exhibit the MOST callous and heartless behavior.

And ultimately, WHO is to blame. You certainly can't blame the BEER manufacturer for someone who drinks TOO MUCH. Or the cigarette companies for someone smoking. It ultimately boils down to YOU and ME. WE are the ULTIMATE source IF we are allowing our children to be exposed to this garbage. And THAT is the biggest reason that some are still walking around in a daze asking, "WHY?". They don't want to KNOW the answer, just mumble the question. For once the answer is revealed, it is THEN that they have to OWN up to the responsibility.

Which parent among us would DENY that games that require someone to KILL their opponents DO NOT make someone participating a BETTER KILLER? The evidence is there in that such videos are USED by the military and law enforcement to TEACH their soldiers and enforcers HOW to deal with KILLING.

Then take a weak minded individual, an outcast, a loner and let them spend ALL their time playing such games and what is the ultimate result? As mentioned previous, we USE these types of methods to TRAIN our soldiers and our law enforcement officers. ADULTS. What sort of an influence MUST these types of exposure have on CHILDREN? Especially children with mental problems that become convinced that this is ONE WAY they are able to exert their superiority over their classmates. Their way to 'get back' at those that shun them and treat them unkindly.

Freedom of speech? Along with ANY freedoms SHOULD come responsibilities. For those unable to handle freedom responsibly, their freedom is very dangerous.

These people that are peddling these games and movies to our children are MORE dangerous than those peddling drugs to our children. For the drugs often ONLY hurt individuals. But these that are designing tools to TRAIN our children to be KILLERS end up often hurting WHOLE COMMUNITIES as we have seen recently.

No different than the little fat kid sitting in McDonald's, Mom allowing him to stuff his face with garbage, we have become insistent that we are going to be BETTER parents than ours were by ALLOWING our children to take part in utterly DESTRUCTIVE behavior. Eating too much JUNK food, playing TOO much video games, watching too much garbage on television and movies that children should NEVER be exposed to. And all the while patting ourselves on our collective backs for being BETTER parents than ours were. What a joke. A GOOD parent is one that LOOKS OUT for their children. Not one that simply GOES ALONG WITH THEM. It is the responsibility of ADULTS to BE ADULTS and SHIELD our children from such destructive devises. Being a GOOD parent OFTEN requires that we SAY NO. Especially NOW DAYS when there is SO MUCH negativity out there.

So, if you want your child to be the BEST killer he can be, buy him that new Black Ops video for Christmas. Throw in a couple of brutal movies as well. And while you are at it buy them a new computer that they can plug up in their room so no one is able to monitor their behavior on it.

And don't forget to pat Johnny on the back as he learns to produce the 'high score' for the most kills. Sit down and discuss the details of the murders in the latest horror movie with him. Teach him to believe that it's OK to shoot people in the face and the more they kill the better.

And then keep asking yourself, "WHY"? Why are our children turning into MURDERERS?

Blessings,

MEC

If humans keep making Guns then they will be used by anyone!
(No Guns then they cannot be used)

If violance is seen as entertainment, e.g. violent vido games and films then what gose into the mind then WILL come out of the mind in actions!

If the school continue to teach that "survivel of the fittest" (Evolution) is the order the day then in the fight to survive then some will resort to violance; then inocents ones die!

People with mental disorders is much more difficult to deal with and very complex, but if they do not recive due care they need then some will go of the rails and thus the problems we see!

rob

 

[Albion]

If humans keep making Guns then they will be used by anyone!

...which misses the point entirely. Guns are no more common today than earlier in our history when shooting up schools for no known reason was NOT common. The answer, logically, is to be found in that which has changed in the last several generations.

 

[barryrob]

...which misses the point entirely. Guns are no more common today than earlier in our history when shooting up schools for no known reason was NOT common. The answer, logically, is to be found in that which has changed in the last several generations.

What has changed?

More Guns than ever before and less moral restrants not to have them and use them!

Result more death by Guns!

 

[Albion]

What has changed?

I thought that the OP went into great detail explaining that.

More Guns than ever before and less moral restrants not to have them and use them!

Less moral restraints is the point, barry. Guns are no more common now than ever and probably less common.

 

[barryrob]

I thought that the OP went into great detail explaining that.


Less moral restraints is the point, barry. Guns are no more common now than ever and probably less common.

Think again on this one!

 

[Christophercbm]

Yes, it is a perfect storm of things going on kids lives these days. Part of the problem is young adults having kids today have grown up on garbage themselves and have become desensitized to a lot of stuff and they dont see the harm in allowing their kids to be exposed to it. One of the Devils method of operation is to try and downplay everything...."oh its just video games" or "its only a movie, no big deal". Just like in the Garden when he said "you shall not surely die"

Guns are not the root of the problem. Its the person holding the gun that is the problem. Banning guns wont solve anything, it will just take guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens. There will be a black market for guns and criminals will still have them, that is why they are criminals, they dont care about the law.

 

[Zechariah]

There are less moral restraints, yes. Guns are not the problem. Guns are tools. Just as knives are tools. Just as hammers are tools. Just as chainsaws are tools. Shall knives and hammers and chainsaws be eliminated too because they have also been used to kill people?

Some may say that knives and hammers and chainsaws weren't designed to kill, but guns were so there's the difference. But I say the Constitution gives me the right to keep and bear arms. This is a right given that I may have a means of defense to protect myself and my family from those who would do harm.

Don't anyone kid themselves in thinking that if that right is taken away that there will not be guns used to kill. Don't anyone kid themselves in thinking if the manufacture or sale of guns is banned that there won't still be guns used to kill. Ever hear of the black market? Ever hear of smuggling? Ever hear of illegal manufacturing?

Making something illegal does not prevent its manufacture and use. Anyone who lives in a city or town where yet another meth lab just got busted should know how true that is. Take away the sale or manufacture of guns, take away a citizens right to keep and bear arms, all you do is prevent me and my neighbors a means of protecting ourselves, and also a means of protecting you.

Those who want guns will get them. They will make them. They will smuggle them. They will buy them illegally. Those who want to kill with guns will still find the means to do it. Don't kid yourselves into thinking otherwise.

One day weapons will be beaten into plowshares, but that day will only come when they are not needed anymore.

 

[Albion]

Guns are not the root of the problem. Its the person holding the gun that is the problem. Banning guns wont solve anything, it will just take guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens. There will be a black market for guns and criminals will still have them, that is why they are criminals, they dont care about the law.

Yes. The anti-gun chorus makes about as much sense as saying "Let's pass a law that you can't shoot up a first-grade classroom. That'll put an end to this kind of thing."

 

[Tigger45]

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

As the world grows darker so do the hearts of man. As the verse says the heart is beyond cure. We therefore must receive a new heart by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

 

[timewerx]

People takes a big meaning out of 'fleshly life' and the importance of human existence.

But in John 6:63:
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

While we are commanded by Jesus to be exceptionally compassionate to one another, above those demonstrated by most people, there is also a recurring theme in the Bible not to value life - in the context of continued existence in the flesh which were effectively demonstrated by many characters in the Bible, not just Jesus. Doesn't mean we are to be careless enough to endanger ourselves or anyone for no purpose.

 

[interpreter]

After the recent shooting of elementary students and their teachers, the biggest question I continue to hear is WHY? Why would someone do such a thing?

I believe the answer stares us straight in the face. It's just that no one really wants to accept it or take it seriously.

Obviously something has changed. There was a time, no so many years ago, when such things DID NOT HAPPEN.

And now they do.

All it takes to come to the proper answer to the 'WHY' is to determine what has changed that has brought about these events.

For ANYONE that has lived over thirty years, the answer should be as clear as day.

A computer does what it is programed to do. It can do nothing else.

Our children are not that different, WE are not that different than a computer.

What goes in is what comes out. You know, 'Garbage in/Garbage out'.

Hollywood and those that create video games are continuously having to create that which is more extreme than what came before in order to satisfy the audiences.

When I was a child, growing up, movies were 'something special' and video games DIDN'T exist. And movies were designed for specific audiences. Children's movies for children and adult movies for adults.

What we see today are cartoons with adult themes designed in a manner that make what we grew up with seem like crude and unsophisticated drivel. And as it SHOULD BE. Video games that are so realistic that they seem MORE real than most movies that existed when I was a child.

And the attitude of most parents has CHANGED.

When we were growing up, we WANTED to see the 'adult movies'. We felt special when we were able to watch one and still remember what it was like to be told NO. Our parents refusing to allow us to take part in ADULT things. And that is EXACTLY what MOST parents DID: they REFUSED to allow their children to be exposed to ADULT THEMES involving violence, sex, and criminal behavior.

And because of this, often we end up allowing our children to view things that our parents would never DREAMED of allowing us to glimpse believing that we are being BETTER to our children for a refusal to deny them what they WANT.

But in the process, forgetting, or refusing to acknowledge that there was a REASON that our parents offered us such guidance. KNOWING that there are certain 'things' that children SHOULD NOT be exposed to; EVER. They weren't being MEAN to us by not allowing us to participate. They were LOOKING OUT FOR US. Doing what a parent SHOULD be doing.

Murder, war, anger portrayed in a negative manner, gore, killing, things of a sexual nature. These are ALL things that children are BETTER never being exposed to in real life or through the imagination of others. Heck, most adults would fare far better if they were never exposed to such things.

Look, we teach pilots to fly jets with 'simulators'. Machines designed to simulate real life situations through movement and MOVIES. We teach soldiers how to use tanks, police forces how to respond to situations. Heck, how often, growing up, did we learn from films and such?

We have found that such tools are very productive in teaching specific behavior and responses.

So, is it any wonder that children exposed to violence in entertainment are LEARNING such behavior?

In numerous instances of children murdering their parents or other children, when it comes time for interviewing those that commit such crimes, they mention a DIRECT connection to movies. Jason Voorhese, Michael Myers, Wrestling, etc.......... as a direct influence on their behavior.

And folks, isn't it apparent that if you are exposed to graphic violence it becomes less and less something that shocks you and you become more and more immune to it's negative effects?

We have basically been allowing movie producers, video game producers, even those that make cartoons for our children today, to PROGRAM our children to BE KILLERS. To be heartless and emotionless KILLERS. For in the games and the movies it is the HERO that is the BEST killer. The hero is he who scores the most kills. The hero is often the one that offers NO MERCY. The one that is MOST creative in killing. And this is where the reward is.

It is no different than training soldiers to KILL the enemy. We reward those soldiers that are the BEST killers. And it is little different in the world of video games and movies now days. The more violent and extreme the game or movie, the more it is lauded and the more it has an INFLUENCE on those that are exposed to it. In essence, we have been allowing a certain group of men to literally BRAINWASH our children into BEING KILLERS. And for nothing but PROFIT.

No, not ALL children exposed end up murdering their families or classmates. But we see more and more of this happening every day. And the ONLY things that have changed significantly over the years IS what many call ENTERTAINMENT: movies and video games.

So it only stands to reason that when you eliminate all that does not offer an explanation, whatever is left is the ANSWER. And among those that commit these crimes we find an EVER PRESENT association of violent MOVIES and VIDEO games. The guns have been around FOREVER. But the use of those guns by CHILDREN to kill their families and other children is a relatively RECENT occurrence.

Not all that are trained to kill are efficient at being good soldiers. Not all exposed to violence will end up being violent. But there is obviously a PERCENTAGE that are able to lose sight of reality, unable to be exposed to these things without them having a MAJOR INFLUENCE on their understanding. Some children are NOT able to handle such influence without it becoming manifest in their lives.

So wouldn't it be MORE prudent to focus on the REAL problem rather than trying to blame it on guns? Of course, the LAST thing in a free world one would choose to allow are mentally incompetent individuals to OWN GUNS. But it's not the guns that are killing people. It's the PEOPLE killing people. And obviously SOMETHING has CHANGED. And the BIGGEST and most obvious change is what has happened in movies and video games.

These kids certainly aren't learning this behavior in their school lessons. Or by examples set by their parents. LOOK at the most popular video games and the most popular movies among teenagers and a pattern begins to evolve. THIS IS WHERE THE VIOLENCE is COMING FROM. The INFLUENCE. There is a percentage of children that CANNOT COPE with such influence without it becoming manifest in their lives. We are allowing film producers and makers of video games to PROGRAM our children TO BE KILLERS. Programing our children to be callous and heartless by offering rewards for such behavior and making heroes out of those that exhibit the MOST callous and heartless behavior.

And ultimately, WHO is to blame. You certainly can't blame the BEER manufacturer for someone who drinks TOO MUCH. Or the cigarette companies for someone smoking. It ultimately boils down to YOU and ME. WE are the ULTIMATE source IF we are allowing our children to be exposed to this garbage. And THAT is the biggest reason that some are still walking around in a daze asking, "WHY?". They don't want to KNOW the answer, just mumble the question. For once the answer is revealed, it is THEN that they have to OWN up to the responsibility.

Which parent among us would DENY that games that require someone to KILL their opponents DO NOT make someone participating a BETTER KILLER? The evidence is there in that such videos are USED by the military and law enforcement to TEACH their soldiers and enforcers HOW to deal with KILLING.

Then take a weak minded individual, an outcast, a loner and let them spend ALL their time playing such games and what is the ultimate result? As mentioned previous, we USE these types of methods to TRAIN our soldiers and our law enforcement officers. ADULTS. What sort of an influence MUST these types of exposure have on CHILDREN? Especially children with mental problems that become convinced that this is ONE WAY they are able to exert their superiority over their classmates. Their way to 'get back' at those that shun them and treat them unkindly.

Freedom of speech? Along with ANY freedoms SHOULD come responsibilities. For those unable to handle freedom responsibly, their freedom is very dangerous.

These people that are peddling these games and movies to our children are MORE dangerous than those peddling drugs to our children. For the drugs often ONLY hurt individuals. But these that are designing tools to TRAIN our children to be KILLERS end up often hurting WHOLE COMMUNITIES as we have seen recently.

No different than the little fat kid sitting in McDonald's, Mom allowing him to stuff his face with garbage, we have become insistent that we are going to be BETTER parents than ours were by ALLOWING our children to take part in utterly DESTRUCTIVE behavior. Eating too much JUNK food, playing TOO much video games, watching too much garbage on television and movies that children should NEVER be exposed to. And all the while patting ourselves on our collective backs for being BETTER parents than ours were. What a joke. A GOOD parent is one that LOOKS OUT for their children. Not one that simply GOES ALONG WITH THEM. It is the responsibility of ADULTS to BE ADULTS and SHIELD our children from such destructive devises. Being a GOOD parent OFTEN requires that we SAY NO. Especially NOW DAYS when there is SO MUCH negativity out there.

So, if you want your child to be the BEST killer he can be, buy him that new Black Ops video for Christmas. Throw in a couple of brutal movies as well. And while you are at it buy them a new computer that they can plug up in their room so no one is able to monitor their behavior on it.

And don't forget to pat Johnny on the back as he learns to produce the 'high score' for the most kills. Sit down and discuss the details of the murders in the latest horror movie with him. Teach him to believe that it's OK to shoot people in the face and the more they kill the better.

And then keep asking yourself, "WHY"? Why are our children turning into MURDERERS?

Blessings,

MEC

There has also been an increase in atheism. That is the biggest change.

 

[Ran77]

What has changed?

More Guns than ever before and less moral restrants not to have them and use them!

Result more death by Guns!

I believe there are more homicides committed with baseball bats than guns. Is that due to there being more baseball bats than ever before?

 

[Phantasman]

I believe there are more homicides committed with baseball bats than guns. Is that due to there being more baseball bats than ever before?

By comparison, people in the world= murder rate, the stats are probably the same. We have become more efficient in the WAY we murder. Video games where we kill bad guys is no more going to make someone kill someone else than playing cowboys and indians with pistols did when we were young. It's in the mind of the individual whether they perceive life as precious or not. Obviously the killer that kills others and themselves does not get that message. This is something that should be apparent before an abhorrent action like the school shootings. The mother must have known something but refused to face it, as a mother will do, but had hand guns. There is more to this than meets the eye.

 

[Ran77]

By comparison, people in the world= murder rate, the stats are probably the same. We have become more efficient in the WAY we murder. Video games where we kill bad guys is no more going to make someone kill someone else than playing cowboys and indians with pistols did when we were young. It's in the mind of the individual whether they perceive life as precious or not. Obviously the killer that kills others and themselves does not get that message. This is something that should be apparent before an abhorrent action like the school shootings. The mother must have known something but refused to face it, as a mother will do, but had hand guns. There is more to this than meets the eye.

I agree.

 

[Imagican]

I guess if you are under the age of thirty such instances that we witness now days seem 'common' in a way.

I can assure you that if you are over the age of forty, then you are most certainly able to recognize that such events that we are witnessing are DIFFERENT than what existed BEFORE. For there was a TIME when such things DID NOT HAPPEN.

The FIRST instance of someone randomly shooting STUDENTS was August 1, 1966. The next was Columbine April 20, 1999. 33 years between the two.

Since Columbine, there have been so many that I have lost track. Not counting the plans that have been averted. And this ONLY takes into account SCHOOL shootings.

So it took hundreds of years from the time that 'guns' were invented till the first instance took place and another 33 years from the first till the next. Yet since the second there have been MANY. This certainly indicates a 'change'. Something is DIFFERENT NOW than in the past. Something offering the INFLUENCE to perpetuate such atrocious events.

There have been guns available to commit such crimes for well over a hundred years. Yet is only of late that these events have become COMMON. And I would say since 1999. Previous to that year there was ONLY ONE EVENT.

So what has changed the MOST since 1999. And examining this question leads to pretty much ONE THING: The amount of violence youngsters are exposed to in video games and movies. An EXPOSURE to violence in a manner that is NEXT to being REAL. 3D animation in video games making it possible to be IN THE MOMENT so far as KILLING.

That and movies portraying violence in a manner more graphic and heroic than any time in the past.

I don't believe that atheism has ANYTHING to do with violent behavior. For MOST atheist are NON violent.

When we study many of those that have committed some of the most horrific crimes of the past twenty years, many of them have been professed CHRISTIANS. Grew up with Church and a knowledge of the Bible. So atheism is certainly not the common connection that is leading to these events.

The existence of guns is not the difference either. They have been here for much longer than this turn of events.

So it becomes obvious to ANY, (I know, those that are most likely to be 'video addicts' are the one's most likely to disagree), that the 'change' is the EXPOSURE to the violence that children are being exposed to. And the MEANS of this exposure IS video games and movies.

The two guys at Columbine were said to have been majorly influenced by the movie The Matrix. They were dressed in similar manner to the characters of the movie when they went on their rampage.

There have been many other instances involving random or gratuitous violence where the perpetrators have made direct allusion to their behavior being patterned after MOVIE CHARACTERS.

What is MOST disturbing about this trend is the very LACK of discussion about the REAL REASONS. It's almost as if NO ONE wants to face the facts for the simple reason that NO ONE is willing to GIVE UP what is so often PLEASING to themselves. To openly admit that video games and movies can have such effects would be to put oneself in a position to be compelled to abandon such behavior. So in order to keep doing what we are doing, the easiest way is to IGNORE the implications and continue to DO what is pleasing to ourselves rather than admit the TRUTH of the potential dangers inherent in what we are DOING. Easier to just sit back and GUESS at some other reason or pretend that there is no REASON at all than admit the truth and CHANGE what it is that we are doing. For the entertainment value is MORE important than eliminating such garbage from our lives.

Once again: Garbage IN/Garbage OUT. That is the very nature of education. Either in the educating of a machine, (computers), or the very education of our children. Garbage IN/Garbage OUT. And it is CLEAR that when we allow our children exposure to such randomly violent images and let them TEACH themselves to KILL in order to WIN, when we allow our children open exposure to ADULT movies, (some of which may well have influence ON ADULTS), how can we expect anything BUT what we are experiencing more and more often?

NO, it is NOT 'all kids' that are being influenced to go out and murder their schoolmates. But it is effecting ENOUGH for it to have become a pretty scary occurrence that is no longer isolated, but becoming almost what could be considered COMMON.

I am of a FIRM belief that children should not be exposed to adult situations UNTIL they are adults. And I am also a firm believer that even some adults are not prepared to handle adult situations. So what happens when we expose or allow exposure of our children to adult situations involving violence. But without any guidance other than a GAME to influence them? And that game requiring those that are the best killers to be the WINNERS? The results, I believe, are pretty clear and present in the events we are witnessing at an alarming rate now days.

Fortunately I don't have children that I have to fight with about such things. Mine are grown. But if I had children growing up now, I would certainly FORBID much of the garbage that I have referred to IN MY HOME. PERIOD. Not for fear of my child BEING one of the 'random killers', but for the FACT that I am WELL AWARE of the potential damage that such exposure is likely to produce.

Here's a tid bit of information for you to ponder. In the military, sociopaths make the BEST soldiers. Those that can kill without remorse are those that are most likely to find KILLING AMUSING or commence to killing LIKE A GAME.

We can see the proof of this in soldiers returning home being unable to STOP killing. The prisons in this country are FULL of ex-soldiers who returned home with a LUST for blood. An inability to STOP killing. And MOST of them were PROGRAMMED to be KILLERS. They were TAUGHT to be killers and SOME are unable to let the training go once they return home. And these are ADULTS. Imagine training children to kill. How much HARDER would it be for them to LET IT GO?

Yes, there are other factors involved. There is rarely ONE source for the influence that would encourage someone to random murder others. But we can certainly TRACE some of those influences and to ignore the graphic violence in some video games and movies that our children are viewing and becoming enamored to, and the influence that it potentially has on them, is to simply stick one's head in the ground and PRETEND that it doesn't exist. EVERYTHING that children are exposed to has an INFLUENCE on them.

Blessings,

MEC

 

[Albion]

I guess if you are under the age of thirty such instances that we witness now days seem 'common' in a way.

I can assure you that if you are over the age of forty, then you are most certainly able to recognize that such events that we are witnessing are DIFFERENT than what existed BEFORE. For there was a TIME when such things DID NOT HAPPEN.

That's only technically true. Today's weapons can fire more rounds than ever before, but there were bombings, for instance, that were just as horrific as these shootings have been. And we know that there was a time where just about anyone was likely to be armed with a small pistol. They were almost fashion items, like cigarette lighters.

 

[Imagican]

ONE bombing.

But the topic I had hoped to address is the FREQUENCY that we now see such events happening and what direct influence is involved. What is different NOW than in the past that is encouraging such behavior?

Having grown up at the time that video games were first introduced, I can attest to the allure. The ability of a 'game' to pull one in. And the games that were first introduced to which I refer were almost utterly benign compared to those that exist today.

When I was growing up, there were 'video arcades'. Whole rooms full of video games that cost a quarter to play. And I can still remember those that were SO 'caught up' in them that they would steal from their family members in order to 'play'. Some people that spent every spare moment and their last quarter to "play". This in and of itself speaks quite loudly as to the addictiveness or ALLURE of 'the games'. And those games were 'kiddie games' compared to those that exist today.

I have also witnessed some of the games that exist today. First person games in which one enters an environment that so closely mimics 'the real world' that it is actually quite amazing. And it seems that the more realistic the more popular. And ALL of the most popular involve KILLING. One FIGHTING their way to the objective. And the more REALISTIC the more popular.

And some of these games are nothing short of "killing simulators". They ARE capable of TEACHING someone to KILL others. Whether enemies portrayed in 'war' games or zombies OR, as I have also witnessed, games where one can 'run amok' and indiscriminately KILL civilians or anyone else within the game. Games in which the determining factor as to one's 'place' is how many they are able to successfully KILL.

And let me emphasize this ONCE again: Not EVERYONE that plays these games are going to go out and murder others BECAUSE of the game. Those that are committing these crimes are NOT NORMAL. There is something WRONG with them that goes well beyond the 'games'. But that does not take away from the INFLUENCE of the games. The ability of the game to make DETERMINATIONS. The ability of the game to offer the IDEAS or influence.

What I have tried to offer is that these games most certainly have the ability to negatively affect the 'realities' of those that are most susceptible to them. Eventually, I can assure anyone reading this, we will be able to LOOK back and SEE the commonalities shared by those that have committed such crimes. They will ALL share certain mental disorders. But we will also find that they were ALL avid participants in violent video games and/or movies.

No one has ONCE heard me offer that we should eliminate these games. I believe that it is the responsibility of parents to monitor the behavior of their children and that it is THEY that should KNOW what their children are doing with their time.

Yes, in a 'perfect world', no one would DESIRE to play such games and therefore there would be no market for them, hence, no one to produce them.

But we don't live in a perfect world and one that insists upon the freedoms that exist in America doesn't allow for such censorship. But we DO SEE warnings posted right on the boxes of violent video games and we DO HAVE a system that grades movies according to ages.

There was a time not that long ago when it was AUTOMATICALLY assumed that it was WRONG to expose children to ADULT THEMES. And I can remember when NO ONE even questioned it. It was kind of like 'common sense' that you don't allow CHILDREN to watch adult themed movies.

It's hard to even determine where the 'line' is now days. Even Disney 'cartoons' often deal with ADULT themes. We have allowed the industry to blur the lines to the point that now it's hard to even KNOW where the line is. So long as there is no gratuitous nudity it seems that it's OK for children to watch.

And folks, I can assure you that too early an exposure to certain events or circumstances CAN cause permanent effects upon the minds of children. The minds of children DO NOT function in the same way as the minds of adults.

So what happens when you expose children to events and behavior that has the capacity to permanently effect ADULTS? The child doesn't have the same ability to deal with it.

And how often do we see our young soldiers returning from war who have been forever altered by their experience? Forever twisted from SEEING and experiencing things that their minds cannot deal with? It is NO different than the principle that I am pointing out with violent video games and children. These games introduce SIGHTS and SOUNDS that children should NEVER be exposed to. For their subconscious doesn't know the difference between a game and reality.

And we haven't even discussed the combination of music with video games and movies.................

Blessings,

MEC

 

[Exjunkman]

All of you are right to a degree.
Its complicated.
Desensitization to killing (video games)+mental issues+unlocked guns led to the shooting. Plus the fact that the mother TOLD her son she was going to have him committed set him off.
Parental restrictions on killing games for kids+doctors advising potentially dangerous mental patients+basic firearm safety (locking them up)+very strict penalties for criminals who posess guns would really cut down on this kind of thing.

 

[Albion]

very strict penalties for criminals who posess guns would really cut down on this kind of thing.

I don't believe that Mr. Lanza or the Columbine shooters or the Arkansas school gunmen (anyone remember them?) had criminal records.