Yesterday tragedy again struck America. A lone gunman opened fire at Umpqua Community College, killing 10 and wounding seven, before he was taken down by police.
We're keeping the victims of the Oregon shooting, their families, and their community in our thoughts and prayers. We hope for a speedy recovery for the wounded, and healing for those who lost loved ones.
“Never Utter His Name”
The man who committed this horrible crime did so because he wanted attention. So, we're going to take up Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice's challenge, and refuse to give the shooter what he wanted.
“I challenge you all to never utter his name,” Boice said. “This is about the families, this is about the victims, this is about our community, and this is about the tragic loss that we all suffered today. This is not about the shooter.”
Instead, we want to focus on one of the heroes. Chris Mintz, a student at UCC and Army veteran, charged straight at the gunman to try to save others around him. Like many others who've served, he likely considered his oath to protect the Constitution and his fellow citizens a lifelong commitment. He was shot five times, but miraculously he survived.
We will not let the shooter have the spotlight. The people who deserve our attention are the heroes, the first-responders, the victims, and their families.
The coroner will be obliged to issue an official identification, and news organizations will be obliged to report it.
But if you hear it, forget the shooter's name that very instant.
Instead think of Chris Mintz, who was shot while rushing a killer on his son’s sixth birthday.
Forget the zero and remember the hero.
And also, Roseburg is a beautiful city, let's remember it for just that. It's important to recognize the town, and that life still exists amongst the tragedy.
See Article: Dear World, from Roseburg Moms
Dear World,
Before yesterday most of you had never heard of the city of Roseburg. Now when you hear that name you will link us to the tragedy that happened on our small community college campus yesterday.
That is not who we are.
We are a logging community tucked into a beautiful valley with some of the most beautiful tree covered hills you've ever seen…..continued
Here are some photos of Roseburg from one of our editor's own photography collection.
Will you join us in remembering Roseburg and its community? Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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