It's certainly true that the smart decisions made under enormous pressure by both the teachers at Rancho Tehama Elementary and the local police greatly diminished the death and mayhem caused by the shooter in their town, and they all deserve all the thanks and accolades they have been given for their incredible service. It really could have been a lot worse in Rancho Tehama if not for these fine individuals. That truth can and should be acknowledged. However, acknowledging that truth does not mean we can ignore other truths that this tragedy illuminates. First, that even though this time the damage was contained, there's no guarantee that the next time this happens the right people will be there to do the right things to make the outcome not so shitty. Second, that this will happen again. And again. And again. And again. And again, until either we all die or we actually do something about America's lurid love affair with firearms. When guns are as easy to get and as plentiful as, say, ice cream cones, these things will keep happening. Every single day.
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