When does personal responsibility become a part of the question?

[Butterflybookworm]

I think everyone involved in the situation could have a say in what happens. Even if your choice is to just stand by and do nothing, that in itself is an action.

[Julehart1]

I believe that everyone is ultimately responsible for their own actions so the shooter is mostly to blame. Everyone had a choice and yes people can be distraught about learning that they are going to die, but that doesn't and shouldn't excuse someone from going out and murdering people.

[GabbiV]

It is the individuals who make any society. If each individual owns his act and acts responsibly; collectively the society too would become a responsible one. The tragedies in the book could have been averted if each of those characters had acted differently. Individual responsibility is the building block.

I agree that society plays a part, but how does one punish society? Who in society takes responsibility?

[GabbiV]

I think the supplier of the weapons holds responsibility only second to the actual shooter. I tend to think more leniently towards the people that could have prevented the actions, such as guards or anyone at the shooting. But on the other hand, I think more responsibility should be placed on the people closest to the shooter for not doing more, even if you cannot legally do anything about perceived future events.

I agree. I kept wishing that the shooters would talk to their families when they got their Final Notice. These were everyday average people, not bloodthirsty criminals. I feel like if they had just talked to someone they would have realized that this was a crazy plan they had.

Isn't that the saddest, that horrible irreversible actions could be stopped through simple conversation with a loved one.

[GabbiV]

A gun is a tool. It is not inherently right or wrong. It cannot be blamed. It is the one who pulls the trigger who must take responsibility. Anything can be used as a killing weapon, from a rolling pin to a garden fork. A gun simply makes it easier and, perhaps, more tempting. Nobody HAS to kill.

You've said it yourself, a gun makes it easier. This kind of damage wouldn't happen if a rolling pin was being used. I'm not blaming the gun, whoever is selling the gun is in the wrong. That kind of capability should not be in the hands of regular citizens.

[holsam_87]

I think that the responsibility falls to those that could have prevented the situation. Actions speak louder than words and showing interest and care would be one of many ways to help prevent a shooter situation.

So in terms of the book, who do you think could have helped show interest in those that were doing the shooting? I know people keep focusing on VitalTech, but I could not help but think that if there had been some sort of therapist involved in the process it would have helped. I know the watch said to go talk to your doctor, but I think someone who is equipped to deal with emotions would have been better.

You make a good point. A psychologist or psychiatrist would probably be best, along with counselors. It would depend on the needs of the patient.

[ccrews0408]

Unless someone is mentally incapable, I think personal responsibility should always come into play. I am a firm believer of "if you see something, say something," as a preventative measure; however, when someone acts irresponsibly, they should be held accountable.

[n-dai che]

The inventor of the watch it seems to be blame. The shooter was triggered to kill upon knowing that he will die soon .

[KLafser]

There is a theme to the book- responsibility - who is to blame. Corporate profit doesn't seem to take a knee to the basic moral duty to to what is right. On the flip side, I am finding that several times in the lives of nearly all the characters, personal responsibility could have been acted upon to prevent things from taking such a dark route. What are your thoughts? Who is really to blame; one shooter- or everyone involved that could have prevented the situation?

I love this question as I believe this is a major issue in our society today. Quite honestly, in each of the areas the author tries to explore in the book, including immigration, political corruptness, and business integrity, it's present in every facet. I understand how difficult it can be to go against what's popular or what seems to be the expected behavior or response. To me, it's simple, if the individual is allowed to make a choice to participate, whether that's wearing a watch or buying a gun, then they own the responsibility.

However, being able to place blame, or responsibility, doesn't fix the problem. My hope would be that if individuals would own their choices and the consequences, we'd see broader improvement.

Much to think about on this one.

[britt13]

I think the supplier of the weapons holds responsibility only second to the actual shooter. I tend to think more leniently towards the people that could have prevented the actions, such as guards or anyone at the shooting. But on the other hand, I think more responsibility should be placed on the people closest to the shooter for not doing more, even if you cannot legally do anything about perceived future events.

I agree. I kept wishing that the shooters would talk to their families when they got their Final Notice. These were everyday average people, not bloodthirsty criminals. I feel like if they had just talked to someone they would have realized that this was a crazy plan they had.

Isn't that the saddest, that horrible irreversible actions could be stopped through simple conversation with a loved one.

Yes, which honestly was something that I found a bit off about the book. I think that even having one or two have a pause or conversation instead of just jumping into the killing would have made it more believable.

[britt13]

The inventor of the watch it seems to be blame. The shooter was triggered to kill upon knowing that he will die soon .

At first, I felt a bit of the same way. But like the FBI brings up, how is this much different than people getting told by a doctor that they are terminal with x months or weeks to live? Is the doctor to blame in that scenario?

[[Valerie Allen]]

I agree that corporate profit rarely seem to take responsibility for bearing arms, wherefore, I feel that every character involved could have prevented the situation and are held accountable. "I am my brother’s keeper".

[420waystoreachthesun]

No, I think the responsibility falls on the shooter. There were certainly things that could've been done to prevent the situation but that is always the case.

[kfwilson6]

I think everyone involved in the situation could have a say in what happens. Even if your choice is to just stand by and do nothing, that in itself is an action.

So that sparks a new thought for me. Do you think some of the situations in the book would have changed had a bystander done something to stand up for some of the elderly victims? For instance, the guy who was insulted by the cashier; do you think if someone else in the store had harangued the cashier for his rude remark, the elderly shopper would have felt like that was enough and not sought his own revenge? I think it could have changed the outcome. People don't realize how much power they have. People say that smiles are contagious so if a smile can have a significant impact on someone's day, how would it feel to have a stranger defend you?

[kfwilson6]

I think that the responsibility falls to those that could have prevented the situation. Actions speak louder than words and showing interest and care would be one of many ways to help prevent a shooter situation.

So in terms of the book, who do you think could have helped show interest in those that were doing the shooting? I know people keep focusing on VitalTech, but I could not help but think that if there had been some sort of therapist involved in the process it would have helped. I know the watch said to go talk to your doctor, but I think someone who is equipped to deal with emotions would have been better.

You make a good point. A psychologist or psychiatrist would probably be best, along with counselors. It would depend on the needs of the patient.

VitalTech received a notification when someone received a Final Notice. They could have had a counselor on standby to call anyone as soon as they got the Final Notice to help talk them through the situation, guide them to their doctor, help them with the emotional blow that would cause. If they chose to hide their Final Notice (like Vince) those who WANTED to be there for them, wouldn't even know their support was necessary. But VitalTech knew and could have been a deterrent for negative outcomes without changing the feature at all.