Terrorism or Work-Place violence?

During "analysis" of the recent mass shooting, a contributer asked what I believe is a critical question that points this event more toward terrorism than work-place violence: Why would a mother (not the employee) leave their 6 month old daughter (as well a being currently pregnant) behind to participate in a violent attack where her life was at risk if not for ideology?

Combine that thought with the explosives and other materials found that shows "some degree of planning" and this looks less like an act of passion and more like a planned act of terrorism. It may have been triggered by an event at the work-place (although, who drives to a Christmas party with their wife in an SUV filled with assault weapons and body armor?), but the couple clearly considered some "action" and prepared for it. 

Guns kill people?

Nearly 600k hunters, armed with guns, participated in the 9 day, 2015 Wisconsin deer hunt. There were 3 - three - accidental gun related deaths. The previous 5 years had a total of one accidental death.

There were no mass shootings.

http://m.host.madison.com/daily-cardinal/three-deaths-reported-in-wisconsin-s-hunting-season/article_abe0033c-97c9-11e5-bddb-ff1ea2594463.html

Can't see the forest for the trees.

From WAPO:

Authorities drew no direct links to last week’s attacks in Paris. But Mali — home to the famous ancient city of Timbuktu — has been at the center of a French-backed effort to drive back Islamist rebels that once had control over large portions of the vast nation, which stretches from tropical West Africa to desert regions bordering Algeria.

Malian army commander Modibo Nama Traore said gunmen stormed the hotel shouting “Allahu Akbar” — “God is great” in Arabic — and then fired on the guards and began taking hostages, the Associated Press reported.

As we continue to view these 'incidents' as individual 'crimes' without acknowledging the clear and overwhelming connected motivation, we risk lives and invite more of the same.

Trump=Obama

Donald Trump is to the far right what Barack Obama is to the far left. Both have little patience or tolerance for those that disagree with them. Both are "great" at the one-line put down, but neither is willing - or able? - to engage with others or compromise. Winning the presidency does not make you dictator. You are supposed to LEAD - and not just the few, but ALL. Unfortunately, I feel Obama believes he is leading and those who disagree are just too stupid or wrong to warrant any thought. Trump would likely act similarly. 

Oh yes he did.

The POTUS just shook his finger at the world and told the rest of us to back-off. We just don't get it. "There is no answer for ISIS/ISIL and I'm tired of talking about what I'll do about it. I plan on doing nothing, because I ACCEPT them - and so should you." #outrage

Get used to. We need to accept that Evil exists and there's nothing we can do about it...

The POTUS just said we have no idea what to do with a 'handful' of people (ISIS/ISIL) who are willing to die. In a very real sense he is really saying 'get used to it'. As he continues to say that the majority of the victims of this 'handful' of people are Muslims - and therefore, as a Muslim himself, maybe, just maybe the thought is: the West and specifically the US does not deserve the safe society we've fought for and built as long as others suffer, so must we.

"...it's the environment we're in, frankly."

"If anyone is planning to go to the Mall of America today, they've got to be particularly careful," Johnson said. "There will be enhanced security there, but public vigilance, public awareness and public caution in situations like this is particularly important, and it's the environment we're in, frankly."

Apparently we should just accept the fact that we now need to be extra vigilante when we go about our day. Or is this just a political statement...?:

Johnson also said the latest threats highlight the "reason why I need a budget."

 But rest assured, we have a plan:

"No one should avoid going to the mall because of this random online threat," the official said. "The FBI has a program to work with various malls around the country to improve security."