I talk about the extent of high pressure shooter training in my first book, The Red Circle, and the dreaded hooded box drills we’d undergo.
Moreover, a professional would have planned every detail meticulously: entry, egress, backup plans, and a great disguise. A professional would go so far as to even disguise themselves as a different race. JSOC has a great disguise program that would rival Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. I’ve seen caucasian operators transform into middle eastern men in an instant.
This operation lacked that precision, pointing instead to a motivated amateur—someone angry enough to act but unskilled.
The Healthcare System’s Role in the Tragedy
Let’s address the elephant in the room: America’s healthcare system. It’s no secret that UnitedHealth Group, like other major insurers, has been the subject of criticism for high premiums, denied claims, and bureaucratic hurdles. For millions of Americans, these frustrations aren’t just inconvenient—they’re life-altering. Denied coverage can mean untreated illnesses, financial ruin, or even death.
While no frustration justifies violence, we must acknowledge the likely context.
The Shape of American Healthcare: A Breeding Ground for Resentment
American healthcare is a labyrinth of inefficiencies, inequities, and soaring costs. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, the U.S. ranks poorly in access to care, affordability, and outcomes compared to other developed nations.
The consequences? An undercurrent of anger and despair. People work two jobs but still can’t afford their prescriptions. Families go bankrupt trying to pay for life-saving treatments. And when those denied coverage hear about insurance executives taking home multimillion-dollar salaries, it’s not hard to see how resentment brews.
This incident, tragic as it is, should serve as a wake-up call. The healthcare system isn’t just broken—it’s driving people to extremes. Policymakers and corporate executives must take responsibility for the environment they’ve created and the consequences that follow.
One of the real benefits of my personal move to Portugal last year was that EVERYONE has basic health coverage free, and if you want the best quality and choices you pay around $50 a month for incredible health coverage.
A Call for Change
America deserves better than a healthcare system that bankrupts its citizens and leaves them feeling powerless. If there’s a silver lining to be found in this tragedy, it’s the hope that it forces us to confront the systemic issues fueling such desperation.
It’s time to build an American healthcare system that works for everyone.
***For more on the shooting check out our managing editor, Guy McCardle’s piece here.***
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