lessons learned

Every one of life’s experiences is an opportunity for us to learn, and while the mass murder at Fort Hood is undeniably tragic and unfortunate, it is also provides education to those willing to pay attention. So far as I see it, the two large take-aways are thus:
1. The phrase “gun-free zone” is a deluding, fallacious misnomer, as the shootings at Fort Hood and countless other incidents adequately indicate. The concept behind the phrase is a lie, and the question is when those zones will fail, not if. If you live in, work in, or visit such areas, plan and prepare accordingly.
2. One of the best ways, if not the best way, to stop an “active shooter” scenario is to engage and incapacitate him as quickly as possible. Dr. John Bohstedt knew this. Sergeant Kim Munley knew this, was trained for it, and executed it. Both acted selflessly, courageously, and as the situation demanded, and both undoubtedly saved countless lives. Yes, Dr. Bohstedt was able to do so without the assistance of a firearm (which only goes to prove that the real weapon is between your ears), but there is no doubt, whatsoever, that Sergeant Munley’s effectiveness increased considerably with her accurate and timely use of an appropriate tool.
These simple lessons-learned are plain to see for anyone willing to do so, and I have to wonder how many more tragedies like these we will have to suffer through before logic and experience wins out over emotions.