Breeding more

In Southern California during a traffic stop, the driver of the stopped car pulled out a rifle and started shooting. The policeman on the scene was killed, later two others were wounded.

The shooter fired indiscriminately at other motorists. The car of a young mother with two kids was hit in the windshield, the bullet barely missing them. Another motorist safely guided them to hide behind the engine block of the car.

The situation, as law enforcement converged on the scene, was described as a “long and horrific” gunfight. The shooter was killed. His motive for the rampage is not yet known.

This is just one more attack on innocents, and people are getting nervous. No place seems safe. It is taking its toll.

In rural county, 911 was reportedly called by separate families to report a bomb explosion. Reaction was swift, but the explosion was from a truck tire that had blown out nearby.

Recently, a crowd of people in New York started to run for their lives in fear after hearing loud bangs thinking it was gunfire. Actually, two motorcycles had backfired. In a Utah mall, a sign fell with a loud bang. People scattered and ran in a panic, and a full emergency response was called in. Another false alarm occurred at the USA Today headquarters and nearly 100 officials responded. The building was evacuated.

These are just a few of the many false alarms reported. All were perceived as life threatening by the innocent people involved.

The current situation in the country is obviously stressful to many. Too much violence, and it is coming too regularly.

The public is on edge. So must be law enforcement.

Hatred, frustration and desperation are having their way in the country. It is affecting many citizens.

Many of these alarms are the result of people doing the right thing, notifying officials. The mantra now is “see something, say something.”

The wanton violence threatens the nation. So does the widening fear of regular Americans. Going to work, going to school or going to the mall should not be unnerving. Nor should waiting in traffic.

National leaders, as well as leaders at all levels of government, need to recognize what is happening to the country. It cannot be accepted as the “new normal.”

The carnage and the resulting fear and stress are taking a toll. Both are apt to breed more.

Continuing as we have been is not the answer.

Gordon Forgey,

Publisher