Wade: The murders in Atlanta – is life so insignificant?

By Henry Wade

Once again, America has witnessed another series of horrific murders by a single gunman bent on expressing his anger and sickness in an extreme act of violence and disrespect.

The actions of this young man prove again that the combination of disrespect, unchallenged access and perceived privilege creates an over-the-top reaction to one’s personal issues. Additionally, how reprehensible is it that even in the reporting of his actions, the gunman appeared to receive solace from an investigative law enforcement representative as if his state of mind was an acceptable contributing factor to his disgusting response to “having a bad day.”

It brings to mind the reactions by law enforcement to the privileged gunman who crossed Illinois state lines to commit murder in Wisconsin. How is it that those we call upon to help in a time of duress look to support the needs of the perpetrators rather than those of the innocent victims, who are often people of color?

Although I have not given up on our society, nor have I come to believe that we will continue down this path of evil triumphing over good, I must admit that I once again, find myself questioning where the hell we are going as human beings should we continue to view human life as so insignificant.

It is noted that the majority of those killed in this cowardly action were women of Asian descent, yet the gunman has stated that this was not an act of racism or hatred but merely the impact of suffering from sexual addition. His statement suggests he was attempting to rid himself of the evil suffrage of excess.

Well, hopefully the credibility of his statements will be determined in the days, months or years to come as he languishes in the comfort of an already overpopulated penal system. At least he’ll have the time and opportunity to work on his addiction with perhaps other sufferers. We can only hope he receives as much physical therapy as he can stand, yet never be released back into society.

In the meantime, may God bless those lost in a hail of bullets and may he give their families the strength to endure a future of question and doubt that their lives were taken in vain.

Henry Wade is a City of Maricopa councilmember.