Tuesday, April 17, 2007

33 dead in Virginia Tech shootings

AP Photo

This was a horrific event that leaves me speechless early this morning. What would move someone to kill and injure so many? Comments are most welcome on your feelings regarding the killing spree yesterday at Virginia Tech.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This tragedy would have been over within a few minutes if ALL STUDENTS were armed. If I was going to rob a bank with a firearm and I had reason to believe everyone was armed I with twice before going inside.

MR.OC

Nubia said...

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Matthew 5:4

Kanani said...

Cellphone/gun combo. Yeah. Who needs the damned camera? Just dial, point, and shoot.

Anonymous said...

Did nobody see danger signs along the way in his life?? There wasnt handwriting on the wall there was a painted wall.

MR.OC

Edward Padgett said...

The 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

Anonymous said...

This tragedy is a reminder of how truly precious life is...let those of us who remain live in the light of God and carryout the positivity of his creations.

Kanani said...

From what I've learned, his instructors were so alarmed over his rambling notes and erratic behavior that he had been referred to the counseling center.

However, having had experience in dealing with persons with mental health issues, in a case like this it's incredibly difficult for the following reasons:

1. The patient is over 18. He may or may not want to go. Nothing can force him to go unless he commits an act that where he or she is a danger to himself or others. Then the police are called, the patient is admitted to a psychiatric stay of 24-72 hours and evaluated. Often the patients simply go home.

2. Being that he was over 18, the patient's parents might not have been notified of his behavior.

3. Even if they do get psychological counseling, often the patient does not come back OR the patient does not get the additional referral to a psychiatrist.

4. Even if they see a psychiatrist, there's no telling whether or not they'll take their medication.

5. Even if the patient receives counseling, and medication, depending on whether or not his or her immediate family can get beyond the 'stigma' of mental health, he or she might fall through the cracks anyway.

In this student's case, I don't know anything about his case so I'd hate to speculate what was or wasn't done by the school or the family.

But obviously, whatever was pursued was not enough. I do grieve for everyone. The flag (we fly it year round) is at half mast today.