OT - VA Tech

[styxfanNH]

Such a sad story. Makes you wonder what our society is becoming. Troubled students (once they are 18) and there is little we can do to get them help or let others know unless they agree to it.

Senseless tragedy.

I wish the families comfort and support during these difficult time. Sometimes there are no rationales for the tragedy that happens in ones life.

[MtlLady]

Such a sad story. Makes you wonder what our society is becoming. Troubled students (once they are 18) and there is little we can do to get them help or let others know unless they agree to it.

Senseless tragedy.

I wish the families comfort and support during these difficult time. Sometimes there are no rationales for the tragedy that happens in ones life.

It definately sent a shock wave through Montreal, after the similar tragedy that happened this past fall at Dawson College. The flags at Dawson College and Concordia University were at half mast yesterday in solidarity. One of those killed was a french professor originally from Montreal.

My sympathies to our friends and neighbors down south in the US.

[Zan]

It's one of those things that's impossible to wrap your brain around, unless you're a deranged individual. I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for the students and faculty during those few hours Monday morning. Even moreso, what it must be like for them now, trying to make sense of the insensible and coping with such monumental grief. Noting any of us write can make it any easier, less tragic, or even offer as some sort of universal condolance. It's just downright depressing. I will pray for the families and friends of the VT victims, living and dead, as well as the souls of the future Chos out there - because there will be more. God help us.

Thanks for posting, Mark.

[bugsymalone]

Word, Zan. Not much I can add.

I was near campus when the University of Texas was terrorized by a shooter in the tower. Had I left a bit earlier to meet my friend, I might have been in his cross-hairs. As it was, I hid behind a tree and watched him as he leaned over the wall and shot over and over. Two very brave policemen put a stop to it, but not before a number of kids had died.

My feeling is that this will happen again. There is nothing that can be done to stop a determined person with access to weapons -- pistols, rifles, ammo. All the hand wringing and "what can we do to improve our security" is for naught. No one can know what is in someone's mind and what they are planning until it takes place. This guy at VT gave a LOT of warnings, but no one knew what the craziness in his mind would lead him to ultimately do.

In a lot of ways, I know what these kids are going through and I feel for them and their families.

I know my Mom and Dad went though hell that awful day in Austin because my last words to them on the phone were "I"ll be on campus all day." Fortunately, I was not. More fortunately for several of my friends was that Whitman started shooting before the campus was filled with students just out of class.

Bugsy

[froy]

It's one of those things that's impossible to wrap your brain around, unless you're a deranged individual. I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for the students and faculty during those few hours Monday morning. Even moreso, what it must be like for them now, trying to make sense of the insensible and coping with such monumental grief. Noting any of us write can make it any easier, less tragic, or even offer as some sort of universal condolance. It's just downright depressing. I will pray for the families and friends of the VT victims, living and dead, as well as the souls of the future Chos out there - because there will be more. God help us.

Thanks for posting, Mark.

I hope the NRA is happy
The guy buys a glock firearm
Do we really need to be selling guns like this to people?
I dont think so

[Zan]

As it was, I hid behind a tree and watched him as he leaned over the wall and shot over and over. Two very brave policemen put a stop to it, but not before a number of kids had died.

In a lot of ways, I know what these kids are going through and I feel for them and their families.

I know my Mom and Dad went though hell that awful day in Austin because my last words to them on the phone were "I"ll be on campus all day." Fortunately, I was not. More fortunately for several of my friends was that Whitman started shooting before the campus was filled with students just out of class.

Holy crap, Bugsy! I had no idea. Sorry you had to go through that - must've been hell on earth.

[Ash]

I hope the NRA is happy
The guy buys a glock firearm
Do we really need to be selling guns like this to people?
I dont think so

:: scowl :: not the time or the place froy

[LordofDaRing]

Apparently an English professor tried to pluck this guy out of the mainstream, based on some pretty horrible stuff he was writing and communicating. He was also stalking a couple of women supposedly. Unfortuantely I think the political correctness of our modern society has once again intervened on behalf of still another lunatic. I lived on a huge college campus for 4 years, and I agree with most of you, it is very difficult within the existing laws and norms to stop stuff like this. Devastating to see the bright young smiling faces of so many gifted loved people wiped out by a mad man.

[styxfanNH]

Keep hearing on tv that why didn't they call his parents to find out more. Simply put, its because once he is 18, he is no longer a child. Once someone turns 18, we can no longer contact parents because legally they are no long connected.
It's aggravating as a teacher, that todays laws don't allow it.

Maybe this event will have Congress re-examine the laws to allow parental connection/notification until a student is out of College. Medical and Financial aid still allows for it.

[yogi]

This is the worst. TOTALLY senseless.

My brother is a professor at The University of Kentucky. Right before he got to UK there was a professor in his department(accounting) that transfered to Virginia Tech. His daughter Austin Cloyd was one of the victims. She was a freshman, and he is still teaching a Virginia Tech.


Absolutely Horrible.


On something that I have not heard brought up yet about this shooting, my wife is a huge Guns & Roses fan. She believes that the lyrics in the song Mr. Brownstone played out in this somehow.