That Guy at the 7-11

[LiberalArkie]

It’s hard to explain, but something is going on around here. Obviously, it’s crazy gun violence. But it isn’t just gang members shooting it out or drunken rednecks gone off the deep end anymore. It’s crazy stuff now, nonsense just random killings for no good reason.

In Florida, a man calmly got out of his van at the 7-11 and shot another man just sitting in his car. He then walked inside the store and shot and killed a twelve-year-old boy getting ice cream. Then he turned the gun on himself without a word being said.

WTF! It’s like a crazy science fiction film where the society is slowly going mad. In a different part of Florida, a man was beating his girlfriend inside of Walmart when a good Samaritan tried to intervene. The wife beater pulled out a gun and shot the Samaritan in the chest. And as the Samaritan’s girlfriend pleaded for his life, he shot the Samaritan on the floor five more times.

He killed someone in cold blood and will now spend the rest of his miserable life behind bars. He’s has thrown his whole life away, for what? For a fight with his girlfriend? What kind of coiled spring goes off like that?

Snip

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/5/6/2167880/-That-Guy-at-the-7-11

A very interesting read

[James48]

1. It's Florida.

That explains a lot.

[wcmagumba]

2. In my retirement I consider America an active war zone...

I limit my outside activities to necessities mostly and try to be observant all the time when home or away...sad, I know but this is my life these days...

[Irish_Dem]

32. My friends and I are saying the same thing.

We could get shot at any time.

[Sky Jewels]

43. I was talking with my neighbor about that yesterday.

Her son is in Mexico for a few months and feels safer there than in the US. And she has friends who came to the US from Mexico in part to feel safer, and now they feel less safe here than in their home country.

The randomness of the mass shootings is terrorizing. Any time and any place it could happen to you or a loved one.

[Irish_Dem]

48. Yes very sad state of affairs and this is the country Putin and the GOP want.

[Turbineguy]

3. It's what repubs want this country to be.

[2naSalit]

7. +1

That way when they want to shoot someone they don't like, it will be so normal, nobody will do anything about it.

[Irish_Dem]

49. +1

The GOP has its own volunteer gestapo.

[raccoon]

60. And Einsatzgruppen.

[Irish_Dem]

61. Exactly, all by clear intent and design.

[LiberalArkie]

9. They want it to be Somalia

The wealthy live in their castles with their own police and utilities for their household. Any one else can go to hell.

[LastDemocratInSC]

33. Correct.

[erronis]

22. Not sure the run-of-the-mill repugs know what they want. The russians/others know what they want.

And they are using the rubes as fodder.

Just like the J6 insurrection. The "proud boys" and "oaf keepers" used the normies to storm the capitol.

The anti-democracy organizations are using these front groups as foils also. Some (Stone, Flynn) may know what's really happening but the "militia" are just interested in violence and mayhem.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

58. They know exactly what they want

Don't be fooled by their stupidity.

They want a world where they can say and do whatever they want without consequence. They want a world where women, brown people, LGBT+, non-christians, and liberals cower from them in terror,. They want a world where "those" people never speak up or challenge them in any way whatsoever. They want only "their" kind to have all the perks of this society, and everyone else to have nothing.

And they're furious because they don't have those unearned privileges anymore, at least not to the extent that they once did.

The Russians wouldn't be so successful at riling up so much chaos if they couldn't pinpoint the exact triggers to exploit in the first place.

Then again, most of us in any of the marginalized groups knew this, all along. The problem has been staring everyone in the face only forever.

[BeerBarrelPolka]

4. I posted

I posted before on a thread and my comment was completely ignored. I was shot when I was 12 years old in the 70s and a school friend of mine was also shot in 79/80. Another friend was killed in his high school. All of this decades ago. I and others suffered a lot of violence during the 70-80s so what's happening now is nothing new.

I'm sure this post will get ignored as well.

[2naSalit]

8. I didn't see your other post...

But I saw this one.

That really sicks about being shot, I hope your health is in an acceptable state. I have lost people to shooting and have had a gun pointed right at my face, oddly, more than once. I agree that gun violence is a constant in this country and I wonder if we will ever do anything about it ever again.

[BeerBarrelPolka]

10. Thanks

I'm fine from it (shot in the chest). It made my career path a bit easier (self defense related). The biggest difference between then and now is media coverage. There were few if any rallies for the youth and the elderly that faced the violent urban crime. Most crime did not get any media coverage unless it was a "glamorous" crime. The police didn't seem to care either. My gripe is that people have short memories. Either that, or they were insulated from all of the atrocities and now want to contribute in some way.

I could go on and on but I won't. I have to cover this subject of dealing with street violence on my podcast tomorrow, so I'll just keep quiet today.

Thanks for reaching out.

[2naSalit]

52. ...

Glad you could turn it into something positive. I agree with you about now and then... it was different in the ways you mention, I remember.

Social change is something we truly need, the kind that goes in a positive direction.

[BeerBarrelPolka]

55. Thank you

I appreciate it.

[Bayard]

14. I'm sorry to hear this

But glad you've been able to get on with your life. What part of the country were you in then?

[BeerBarrelPolka]

17. Thank you

Thank you very much.

Cleveland, Ohio, east side.

[lonely bird]

23. In the city itself?

Grew up in Maple Heights.

[BeerBarrelPolka]

24. Yes

Yes, in front of my neighbor's house.

I knew a kid that lived in Maple Heights. Also a couple of kids in Garfield Heights. But I was stone cold east side.

[lonely bird]

25. Yeesh

That sucks. Glad that you seem to be doing well.

What high school if you don’t mind my asking?

[BeerBarrelPolka]

28. I

I went to three different ones. Benedictine (9th), Max Hayes (10th), Jane Addams (11-12).

[Fla Dem]

38. I'm sorry you had such a trumatic experience at such an early age.

I hope your life took a positive turn and you were able to lead a full and rewarding life.

I agree, there's always been violence. Heck our country thrived on it from the colonists massacring the Native Americans, to the Colonial Wars to slavery and the Civil War. Then there were the gangsters and mobsters. Oh and don't forget the assassinations; Lincoln, MLK & JFk & RFK. We have always had a violent undercurrent to the American life.

But not sure it was ever as vicious as what we have experienced since the 1st one I remember which was the Texas School tower massacre in 1966.

The University of Texas tower shooting was an act of mass murder which occurred on August 1, 1966, at the University of Texas at Austin.

The next "Mass" execution I remember was the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 which took 163 lives. I'm sure there were other acts of violence with multiple death in between those 2 incidents, but without the 24 hour news and internet many didn't get the exposure we experience today.

However even saying that, the rate of mass murders this year has no comparison to past years.

UPDATE: Shooting going on right now at a Texas Mall. 6:24 pm EDT

[BeerBarrelPolka]

39. True

Thanks for your kind words. You don't lose those thoughts and memories and that's the bad part.

During my childhood, Cleveland was known as Bomb City, USA. The mob bombings were going off. Biker killings, rape, other crazy stuff.

We also had John Demjanjuk and the reminders of what the Nazi's did. I simply have never been able to escape the violence. I could share numerous stories of violence that was personal. Sad what people do and what people have to go through.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

59. One of the people

I served with lived in one of the most violent cities in America: Tyler, Texas.

At the time (late 70s), it was population 50-60K, but every single day was murder murder murder. The rich and oblivious of the town were shocked when a report came out listing it as the highest per capita murder rate in the nation, only behind Miami and Chicago.

He said it was so bad in Tyler that gunfire was as common as cars driving by. Lots of people he knew died by shooting, black and white. Just crazy. Also had a high rate of death by drunk drivers. Something like ten of his classmates were killed by drunk drivers in one year.

Why he joined the USAF--to get away from all of that death and misery, once and for all. He used to make the macabre joke that it was ironic to join the military to avoid dealing with people getting killed all the time.

[SharonAnn]

51. I remember the July 1966 of 8 student nurses in Chicago. Same age as me.

It was the first time I truly understood how vulnerable I was as a young woman.

[Upthevibe]

40. BeerBarrelPolka...........

That's horrible you were shot. I'm so sorry....

I know sometimes if I post in an ongoing thread, people don't read everyone's comments and only apply to the op.. I'm not saying that's what happened in your case, I just know sometimes I'll post something and don't get a response. I think I've been on DU long enough that it doesn't bother me.

Most of the folks here are very caring and attentive in many cases.

[BeerBarrelPolka]

41. Thank you

I appreciate you reaching out, sincerely.

[mopinko]

5. was just having this convo w my local liquor store owner.

imho, this is what happens when the govt is lawless. when the president is lawless.
it gets hard to convince the peasants that there’s any reward for being good. or much chance of getting caught.

this guy had his front door and a glass display case smashed in a robbery.
i think something fundamental is broken and it will be very to get it back.

[Straw Man]

6. Yup.

mho, this is what happens when the govt is lawless. when the president is lawless.
it gets hard to convince the peasants that there’s any reward for being good. or much chance of getting caught.

Yes. When one whole side of the political systems has convinced its adherents that nothing is to be believed except one's own worst fears and prejudices, then rampant lawlessness is inevitable.

i think something fundamental is broken and it will be very to get it back.

I'm very much afraid that you are right. We may be seeing the dissolution of the American experiment -- or late-stage empire, if you're cynically inclined.

[brer cat]

19. I agree. trump has told his rabid followers that there is no law;

they are free to express them selves as they wish.

[LiberalArkie]

42. Liquor store and robbery reminded me of a job I had in may 30's

I was working for a security company that mainly did bank vaults and security systems for the banks.

We had a contract with a liquor in Memphis and there was an attempted robbery.

All the liquor and money and employees were behind a bullet resistant glass like a drive in teller, complete with the cash drawer.

A robber came in and tried to hold it up with a shotgun. The clerk just laughed at the guy and I guess the guy got pissed off and unload both barrels of the shotgun.

I was called out the next day to take the film out of the camera and reload it. It seems the local media and police wanted to watch it..

The guy did barely survive and all the pellets bounced back and pelted him.

[Sancho]

11. People Control, Not Gun Control

This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70’s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that weren’t secured are out of control in our society. As such, here’s what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. I’m not debating the legal language, I just think it’s the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because it’s clear that they should never have had a gun.

1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learner’s license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.

Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a driver’s license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.

[LiberalArkie]

13. I think every firearm made should be entered into a database, much like the VIN on vehicles

Every time the firearm changes owners the registration is changed, just like the VIN database is.

If the firearm or vehicle is caught doing something wrong, it can be traced back to the PREVIOUS owner.

If that firearm is found at the scene of a crime, the trouble goes back to the last owner. If their last owner did not go online and change the owner, the last owner is in big trouble. Much like someone in a car running over someone and the owner after the fact claiming the car was stolen.

It would slow down the felon in possession of a firearm a lot.

[LiberalArkie]

56. I might add, you need a license to hunt everything but humans.

[Brenda]

12. Many Americans are severely over medicated.

With legal and illegal drugs.

[Fullduplexxx]

15. This is what the animals living in Florida voted for

[JI7]

16. Many gun nuts fantasize about using their guns

when there is no real threat they become disappointed and frustrated and then do this.

[Joe Nation]

18. It's the old west cowboy mentality

The fastest gun wins and rides off into the sunset. The glory. The respect. The toughness.

They're living in a Hollywood movie.

Reality just isn't for them.

Until they are locked behind bars for the rest of their worthless lives.

I mean, tell me I'm wrong here...

[Ferrets are Cool]

21. Actually, it's the "old west" mentality that is fostered by movies and television.

The "old west" was not this fucked up.

[yonder]

29. +1. Big difference between the two, yes.

[wryter2000]

36. Weren't there western towns where people had to check their guns?

Or weren't allowed to have them? I seem to recall hearing about that.

[Ferrets are Cool]

44. Yes, most of them, as I recall.

[Ferrets are Cool]

20. These SENSELESS deaths are the DIRECT responsibility of the repukes in office AND

the fucking asswipes who voted for them. I know it will NOT happen, but there should be major consequences.

[erronis]

26. And the repukes were put in office with a lot of outside $$$s. How else can these dumb shits

get there? Lots of money. Where's the money coming from and for what purpose?

Hard to tell the origin of much of the money, but the purpose is to destroy democracy.

[Joinfortmill]

27. Restrictive gun laws or the death penalty. Just saying

[NullTuples]

30. This is how stochastic terrorism works! Crank up the pressure and the most vulnerable WILL crack.

The thing about it that it can only be targeted so much - to make it at all effective, one must increase the pressure on entire populations. The results are then unpredictable in their specifics, but very predictable from a distance. Increased violence. Increases in people at the top and bottom of of social hierarchies lashing out at threats either real or imagined / induced. They can be guided toward targets, but there will be plenty who just lash out at offenses in their own personal lives, too. They are less useful for the targeted goal, but still useful for sowing more chaos and violence and fear.

In the middle of all this, they also make sure tools of violence are easily accessible.

This is what Steve Bannon was trying to sell to the GOP back in 2016. The goal is to dismantle America as a larger society. To cause chaos. To force the need for martial law. The problem is, none of them are puppet masters; they can't time the chaos nor control the direction it's pointed toward. But so long as they can assume they'll be safe and will profit from it, they'll keep cranking the wheel to increase the pressure.

[Irish_Dem]

31. I keep saying that American males are going berserk.

They are losing their minds.

What is happening?

[TeamProg]

37. I think it's all of the fear mongering going on... nt

[Irish_Dem]

50. Yes but more than that. It is not just a single factor causation.

And some of it has been carefully planned. yes.

[TeamProg]

53. I think it's pretty much just fear. Fear of being replaced, fear of different people, fear of

Marxist-Socialist! Fear of getting shot if they don't shoot first, fear of stolen elections, fear of someone else getting a better deal, fear of liberals being smarter, yep, it's just fear.

"Nothing to fear but fear itself" - FDR

The "plan" that you speak of is to make people afraid of the "liberal agenda". Again, more fear.

Fear will make people more likley to give up their freedoms.
Fear sells guns, too!

[wryter2000]

34. Reminds me of The Bird Box

Where everyone who could see natural light simply went crazy.

[Aviation Pro]

35. What I don't like is how I have to be constantly

Situationally aware like I was when I was in the service.

[Ferrets are Cool]

45. The really, really bad part of this is that it is going to "eliminate" good samaritans.

When you are AFRAID of getting shot and killed for attempting to do a good deed, all good deeds will end.

[Fla Dem]

47. Another mass shooting at Texas mall. On going.

Police responding to shooting at Texas mall, multiple people injured
https://democraticunderground.com/10143071123

[Skittles]

54. gun humping cowards have won

their cowardice TRUMPS ALL

[W_HAMILTON]

57. It's a side effect of the continued decline of simple civility in our society.

[bif]

62. Canada & England are looking better every day.

I'm semi-retired and am seriously thinking of bailing. So sick of reading this kind of nonsense every day.

[Hortensis]

63. For more insight into the random lone wolf -- where stochastic terrorism comes in.

Scientific American: How Stochastic Terrorism Uses Disgust to Incite Violence
Pundits are weaponizing disgust to fuel violence, and it’s affecting our humanity

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-stochastic-terrorism-uses-disgust-to-incite-violence/

An atmosphere of violence: Stochastic terror in American politics
https://www.vox.com/2022/11/5/23441858/violence-stochastic-terror-american-politics-trump-pelosi

The example that I always give is, if you’re sitting on your front porch, and you see dark storm clouds rolling in toward your neighborhood, you can be pretty confident that lightning is going to strike at some time in the next half hour, but you can never really predict when and where that’s going to happen.

Stochastic terrorism is the same kind of idea, whereby an individual who you designate a stochastic terrorist, makes statements that seem to implicitly advocate the use of violence without actually directing it. It’s the kind of rhetoric that justifies or advocates the use of violence without directing it. The speaker gets this level of plausible deniability, where if somebody does carry out an attack, then they can say, “Well, I never actually directed them to do something.”

The stochastic element relates to the use of a mass mediated channel to broadcast these kinds of messages. Terrorism is a very low base rate phenomenon — typically a person’s likelihood of engaging in terrorism is a fraction of a fraction of one percent. But when you’re reaching millions and millions of people, you start to approach complete likelihood that at least one person will interpret what that person said as a call to violence.

When Obama was president, "trolling for assassins" by RW hate media, including Fox, became a thing, every day, until it became obvious what they were doing. Those Fox blondes waving their arms and emoting in anxious distress, on and on: Oh my gosh! You won't believe what Obama's doing now!! How long are people going to be able to take this?! How long until someone just...snaps?! Repeat, repeat, repeat.

RW stochastic terrorists, and they've been at it for a long time now. So-called "lone wolves" are, of course, usually connected to others, terrorist individuals and groups that share their type of motivations (anti-government, white supremacist, religious, nihilistic, etc), before acting on their own.