Caffeinated Thoughts

After Aurora Let’s Not Overreact
Romney Pledges Not to Sign UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Gunman Kills 12, Shoots 71 During Dark Knight Rising Premiere in Colorado

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 10:00 PM PDT

There is always a tendency to overreact after a tragedy like what we saw in Aurora, CO. It happened after Columbine. It happened after Virginia Tech. There is already calls to pull the Dark Knight Rising from theaters, ban costumes, and the most alarming a call for more gun control. A couple of quick thoughts.

1. Pulling the movie sends the wrong message.

Unless there is actionable intelligence that demonstrates there will be repeats all that pulling the movie will serve is that we can be kowtowed by violent acts. There was a rumor going around that it could be pulled, but that has now been debunked.

2. The lack of costumes don't make us safer.

AMC Theaters have now said they would ban some costumes. Why? Does the lack of costumes make movie goers safer? No. It is a decision based on fear. They certainly have the right to do it, but it is an overreaction. I'm not a costume person, but it any reaction that diminishes liberty is never the right response.

3. We don't need more gun control, we need less.

I'm sure you'll see signs banning any type of weapon. Again companies do have the right to do this, as I believe that private property owners can determine whether they will have firearms on their premises or not. Consider this – if there had been one, just one, well trained, responsible adult with a carry permit who was packing do we really think this would have ended with 12 dead and 71 wounded?

Doubtful. I remember the shooting at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. That could have a tragedy like this if it were not for an armed off-duty police officer volunteering as security for the church that morning. If people had been allowed to be armed at Virginia Tech the outcome would have different as well. The point is if you take the right to carry away from lawful citizens the only people carrying are criminals.

So we need to take a collective breath and take a step back and thoughtfully respond as facts about the shooting come forth.

Romney Pledges Not to Sign UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 02:30 PM PDT

I've been very critical of him before, but I have to give him kudos here. In a letter sent to Michael Farris, chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association Mitt Romney pledged not to support or sign the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. He wrote:

Thank you for contacting me on the issue of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. My position on that convention is unequivocal: I would oppose Senate approval of the convention, and would not sign the convention for final ratification.

I believe the best safeguard for the well-being and protection of children is the family, and that the primary safeguards for the legal rights of children in America is the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the states.

The American values that have been at the heart of our historic rise to world leadership are being challenged every day. These include, among others, the institution of marriage, respect for life, and protection of our children. To remain a superpower in the world, we must continuously and vigorously reaffirm these key components that have long served as the bedrock of America's greatness.

The family unit serves an essential purpose in society. We must work to preserve its central role in shaping the character of future generations….

I've embedded the entire letter below:

Mitt Romney Letter on UNCRC

Gunman Kills 12, Shoots 71 During Dark Knight Rising Premiere in Colorado

Posted: 20 Jul 2012 01:15 PM PDT

I was shocked to learn of the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado where the last I have heard is that 14 people have been killed and 59 have been wounded after a gunman went on a rampage during the premiere of Dark Knight Rising. Due to some obligations this morning I'm a little late in writing about this, but I wanted to bring you a recap.

First the cheap politicization of this tragedy:

I'm equally shocked (though I shouldn't be) that ABC News jumped the gun and reported that the alleged shooter, James Holmes, was a member of a local Tea Party. The exchange between Brian Ross and George Stephanolpoulos was reported by Breitbart:

Stephanolpoulos: I’m going to go to Brian Ross. You’ve been investigating the background of Jim Holmes here. You found something that might be significant.

Ross: There’s a Jim Holmes of Aurora, Colorado, page on the Colorado Tea party site as well, talking about him joining the Tea Party last year. Now, we don’t know if this is the same Jim Holmes. But it’s Jim Holmes of Aurora, Colorado.

Stephanolpoulos: Okay, we’ll keep looking at that. Brian Ross, thanks very much.

This was found to not be the same James Holmes. I shouldn't be surprised as there has been a propensity in the media to blame the right when things like this occur. ABC News has since apologized and now seems to be in major damage control mode. Then Rush Limbaugh was blamed.

Statements from Presidential candidates:

Both Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama have issued statements on the shooting.

President Obama on the White House website:

Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.

From Mitt Romney's website:

Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.

Accounts and information….

Stacy McCain has been doing a great job updating with new information out on the shooting and the victims. Hot Air has a lot of information as well. Buzzfeed has social media accounts (content warning). Below is a video from a local CBS affiliate:

Answering questions…

Many will ask in light of this shooting, "where was God?" Stand to Reason shares the response Greg Koukl gave to that question after the Columbine shooting. Greg Stier, President of Dare 2 Share Ministries and a Colorado shared how he plans to respond to this event and any like it in the future. Al Mohler responds to the shooting:

We must grieve with those who grieve. We must pray for Gospel churches in the Denver area who will be called upon for urgent ministry. We must pray for our nation and communities. And we must pray that God will guard ourselves from evil — especially our own evil. And we must point to the cross. What other answer can we give?

From People of the Second Chance, a message to Aurora, CO:

Today is a hard day, as we try and adsorb the tragic news from Aurora.

All we know is that life is precious, as is every act of grace we experience and dispense.

Remember to cherish life and make the most of it. Be generous with love, and let the people around you know you care.

We are standing with you, Aurora, CO.

Walt Mueller responds:

I am reminded of just how important it is for us to go deep in our understanding of God’s Word, to fill the wells of our lives with the rich water of His truth, and to prepare ourselves – like Job – for whatever may come by committing ourselves to spiritual depth.

Leave your thoughts and links below in the comment section…

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sâmbătă, 21 iulie 2012

Caffeinated Thoughts

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