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M. Dellavenutura, Alexandria, VA — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 21:43:36 GMT

Are we sure this was not a terrorist attack? If they have no idea who this guy was, then why aren't the news agencies (and/or police) discussing the possiblity that this guy could have been a terrorist? I've been flipping back and forth between MSNBC and CNN and have heard no comment at all on this subject. Thank you.

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Barbara Anderson — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 21:47:40 GMT

Dear Students of Virginia Tech We are all Praying for you. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We know this is very difficult for you our young adults and our future to understand. This huge tragedy is hard for all of us at this time. We do want you to understand that If we are not able to speak with you individually we are standing in the mist of it all with our arms out wanting to help. We want you all to understand that you all are our children and we too, hurt. You may not know us individually but we know you, you are our Future. We Love You So Much.... We Are Safeco Claims Department; Richardson, Texas

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michael — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:02:20 GMT

My heart goes out to the students and faculty at VT. I lived in DC for 7 years and had many friends that went to VT. But one must also question how this could happen. I hope the NRA and the Republicans are happy. This is not what the second amendment is meant to support.

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Brandon Ingels, Glenwood Springs, Colorado — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:07:57 GMT

Although the VT students have better things to be doing than reading a blog, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have just one thought on this. He killed at least 32 people while searching for his girlfriend? I'm sorry, but it sounds like he had a murderous agenda, not a broken heart, and news agencies should listen to their statements out loud sometimes before repeating them monotonously on the air.

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rodney, rita returnee, lake charles, la — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:26:09 GMT

There are rational explanations for irrational behavior but there are too few rational remedies. Sadly, our complacent and consumer driven youth are totally emmersed in violence, from the TV they watch to the games they play. Gun rights advocates and video game programmers seem to want to protect their "rights" at the expense of modern realitites. Even our own government has a hand in this mess with its with-me/against-me, bring-it-on posturing as a means to resolve conflict. Never mind trying to introduce the violence and death filled Bible as a required elementary level class, even the most faithful wahabi-ist does that, and look at the results it produces in that culture. It seems to me that we'd be better off with adding classes in multi-culturalism, conflict resolution, responsible behavior, and second languages. No, it won't prevent such tragedies, but it would make it easier for the next generation to deal with tragedy. Our society is deeply immeshed in a culture of right/wrong litigation. Even the smallest of children know that if Johnny hits Mary on the schoolground, that the teacher will act as "judge", listen to the story, and determine who is guilty and due punishment. Nothing is resolved in this system, someone is always left wanting more. And by wanting more, feeling deserved of getting that more, and not getting it, losing leads to anger, resentment, and in too many tragedies like this, death. My prayers for all concerned. Like it or not, be prepared for an onslaught of self-righteous blaming and reactionary litigation from our ambulance chasing pundits, and self interested politicos. Half a trillion dollars spent on this century's "police action", lawyers in Texas trying to keep gun owners ability to legally pack a weapon over the desire of business owners and employers, and we still can't keep people from being killed en-mass by the malcontents of this nation. Truly a sad day.

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Jasper, Houston — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:55:25 GMT

Gee. I wonder if he'll turn out to be a religious nut.

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Bonnie, Madison, Wisconsin — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:24:37 GMT

M.D. - No, we're not sure this wasn't a terrorist attack -- mainly because this kind of attack is surely a form of terrorism, even if it was perpetratored by a US citizen. It is terrorism from within caused by a failure to address its root causes, and it is the kind of terrorism we seem to be doomed to repeat, over and over again. Fighting them "over there" does no good if we allow our own society to rot from within.

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Jason Kirkland, NY NY — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:28:02 GMT

Terrorism???? How many people died in this country BEFORE 9/11 every year because of gun-related violence? 10,000+++ How many people died in this country AFTER 11 every year because of gun-related violence? 10,000+++ How many people died on 9/11? ~3,000. Yes, terrorism is a problem. However, this nation has not woken up to gun violence since Columbine, the 1966 U.T. shootings, the countless post office shootings, the Luby cafeteria shooting, etc. As a nation, we are in denial about the problem of gun-related violence. Think about it...each one of us has a much greater odd of being killed by a gun than any terrorist. See a problem?

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Chris Eldridge, Harrisburg PA — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:58:17 GMT

What scares me far more is what happens when a well-trained, heavily-armed team of 10 to 12 militants starts shooting. This was one kid with a handgun, a seal-like team could pretty much shut down a small city. For what it's worth, as the author of Preparing for a Super-Disaster (Law Enforcement Technology magazine 8/04), I believe the only way we have to counter such random terrorist-like attacks is to have small National Guard outposts (about 35m in diameter for about 30 troops) near each and every city. Too often, we hear about heavily armed gunmen holding off the police like two bank robbers did in LA several years ago. In such times, we need units that have “armored vehicles” and that are far more heavily armed with weapons and body armor than the average police. These bases could have rooftop mortars and anti-aircraft abilities to take down a stray aircraft or call in light artillery support if needed. Trust me, the head of the Union of Atomic Scientists (the keepers of the Doomsday Clock) said that society only had a 50% chance of making it thought this century. He felt that terrorist and biological attacks will be as common as computer viruses as your average wing-nut gets a hold of more and more technology. Stationing National Guard troops in this way is also better for disaster response and is what is called a "Dispersal Strategy." It means that we can no longer afford to keep troops in central barracks locations. We must spread them out for fear of a mass attack. Such a basing strategy is the right thing to do for many reasons. In my area there is a nuclear power plant, an international airport, key road and rail junctions, and chemical storage facilities, yet the nearest National Guard base is 20 miles away. Such hardened outposts would have been key to keeping law and order after Katrina and would have been “pre-positioned.” This is not a call for a police state. It is just a more active way to station existing troops to be more effective when needed.

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Jean Wood, Corvallis, Oregon — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:59:37 GMT

What can an extremely distraught person do to quickly end the life of someone else if they do not have a gun? Let's see: they could run over them with a car, throw them off a cliff, drop a piano on their head, force feed poison to them, go after them with an axe....you know, I think it would save lives to make as sure as possible that distraught folks do not have the possibility to run amuck in a populated area with a loaded gun. except

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Todd, New Orleans, LA — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:21:20 GMT

I was wondering where the people who WANT martial law live. I guess it is Pennsylvania.

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Julie Thick Clio, MI — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:26:59 GMT

This is undoubtedly a heartbreaking and horrific event. Before being too critical of the response by the campus police department, we should ask ourselves how they could have ever imagined this tradegy if there was infact no proof in the first shooting of a coming second shooting (provided they are linked). The question may need to be, what clues did exist, and could they have been recognized? How do we learn from them? This is a horrible terrible event.

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Susan, WI — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:29:06 GMT

I've read a lot of stupidy but the comments on this are beyond stupid. GUNS? NRA? Bible? Democrates? stupid people try to blame anything and everyone, but the person responsible, as if he had no choice. So Chris and Michael it must be your fault.

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George J. Dagis, Saugerties, NY — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 01:08:03 GMT

The shooter appears to be an ALIEN, a guest in the country so all that anti NRA garbage is just THAT ! He's not ALLOWED to own or even to possess a gun of ANY kind !Please shut up so we can REALLY prevent things like this in the future. George J. Dagis

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Msry Thompson alan.son, Michigan — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 01:08:37 GMT

Our dear precious students and families. We pray for you all. May God continue to grant a peace that passeth understanding in the days, weeks ahead.

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stupid rodney, dumb lake charles, idiotic la — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 01:28:08 GMT

Hmm, let me see if I get this or not. I must be stupid because I dislike the gun culture promoted by the NRA. I must be stupid because I am blaming(?) the Bible if I choose to prefer courses that expand a child's capability to deal with adversity. I must be stupid because I read no-where in my blog or anyone elses' the word "Democrates" And this is all Chris & Mike's fault because....? Okay, me be really "f"ing stupid here one more time as I re-iterate; this is a tragedy. this is not something to be made light of. It concerns my abdication of deeply entrenched traditionalism, preferring instead some sort of enlightened self interest regarding kids, guns, learning, problem solving, conflict resolution and a society overwhelmed by the "If I can't get what I want from who I want when I want it, I'll sue or shoot someone" mentality. Yes, I blame the shooter, but even the most neophyte of observers knows that behind the shooter is a litany of excess, covered in instant gratification, compounded by money'd interests, and spurred on by the greed, arrogance and apathy of those who control what we the people are supposed to control yet don't. Namely, how our children learn to deal with not getting their way without destroying themselves or others in the process. Yep, I must be stupid to think that by changing the environment that breeds this deadly narcissism, we could avert other tragedies. The sad fact of the matter is this. No matter how many laws you write, prisons you build, judges you appoint, churches you attend, you cannot guarantee safety. You can only make your best effort to stem the tide through involvement and education. Stupid me.

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Bruce Galloway — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 01:50:13 GMT

The lesson may be less broad than we think. Gun laws will be broken, terrorists will overcome security, a seriously psychotic person will surprise. Unfortunately, psychotic, lovesick, or politically charged individuals present threats in a variety of settings. No one knows the when, where or whom of the next homicidal catastrophe. Densely populated entities such as schools and universities pose greater risks of attack. Their confines provide easy killing zones. Administrators of educational, business and governmental campuses should be trained to deal with extreme crisis management. Protocols requiring quick communication and response could contain or frustrate a mass homicidal event. Perhaps such crisis training and protocols could have saved thirty lives today. Maybe that is our lesson.

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Ronald Hazzard, Columbia, South Carolina — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:05:11 GMT

How could the campus police have ever 'imagined this tragedy'? The campus police did not need a crystal ball, ouija board or tarot cards to divine that a SECOND shooting was going to occur: as of approximately 8am this morning they apparently had two dead bodies, killed by some calibre of firearm(s), and no one in custody. These facts and circumstances would, I believe, cause most reasonable people to be alarmed and, in so being alarmed, they might want to "alarm" others who might possibly cross the path of the unknown assailant with lethal weaponry. For the campus police to say that they didn't notify anyone of the initial homcides because they didn't know where the assailant was (on the campus? off the campus? out of the state? in the school library?)is absolutely ludicrous--it is the fact that you DON'T know where the killer(s) is/are that, since the beginning of an organized police force, has caused the immediate issuance of BOLO (Be On the Look Out for) announcements in situations such as these. I will pray for the Virginia Tech Chief of Campus Police; I could not imagine having to look into the eyes of the parents of the innocents slaughtered and try to explain why their children had no idea it was coming, and no way to protect themselves.

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Lee Holmes — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:20:44 GMT

Lake Charles''gun culture'for those as young as these college students is not 'promoted'by the NRA.Teens who have never even heard of the organization can tell you every single level to beat in GRAND THEFT AUTO,where gangbanging gunslinging is the order of the day.Never mind 'gin and juice'['juice',coming from the power of the gun],which is blasted in every bar in every city and in every college on Spring Break and beyond.Blaming the NRA is an ineffective exercise in an environment where violence is routinely celebrated in a mass-consumption form.Forget 'Super Mario Brothers'.It is now ''City Streets''where the object is to kill every gangster you see with a huge array of cyber-weaponry.Forget the old phonyness of 'Big Time Wrestling'complete with Gorgeous Georges and Haystack Calhouns.It is now 'cage fighting',bloody,ugly,brutish and short.Manners disappear more rapidly than a puddle in Death Valley in this graceless age,and behaviors,even in small infractions by the citizenry one upon the other,these are becoming increasingly violent.Sports and entertainment superstars are routinely involved in shootings and allowed to get off with small penalty.None of this can be laid at the feet of the NRA.As Pogo may have observed,''we have seen the enemy,and it is us''.

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rodney, profoundly saddened, la — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:32:44 GMT

And now for something really beyond stupity. "Guns don't kill people, people kill people." Somewhere tonight are hundreds of family members who could really be comforted by the "truth" of that premise.

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Jeremy Lee — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:36:54 GMT

In time, all the facts will arrive, but I suspect they won't do much to explain WHY this happenned. His exact thoughts and intentions may always be a mystery, even to the assailant. But we do know HOW. And you would think that would be enough for those who think it's cool to own automatic weapons without any kind of regular sanity check. But of course, they'll blame the intentions. Not the means. Not the ability. Not the guns. They'll be bemused by how someone who loves to own and covet lethal weapons could possibly be moved to used them. Videogames will probably become involved. But all that is for the future. For the moment, all we should do is add our mourning voices. This was beyond wrong. It was insanity. Children died today. And it doesn't matter what we do next, how we react to 'prevent another one', because It's already too late.

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Amit SB, New York, NY — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:51:13 GMT

TWO hours? TWO hours it took them to shut down the campus. On 9/11, that horrifying day, we, in NYC, got nearly 50,000 evacuated - moved - within 2 hours. To even entertain the notion that you can't prevent a whole bunch of college kids @ SEVEN am (when most are still sleeping, probably) to not leave their dorms is just unbelievable and unacceptable. My heart, sympathies, and deepest thoughts are with those @ VT and those who have lost a loved one.

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Andrew Fitanides — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:03:29 GMT

Although tragic, this story is getting far too much air time. Stop for a second and think of the preventable deaths each year attributable to tobacco (about 400,000) or obesity (about 300,000). What about the 100 or so people killed in Iraq each day? All of these deaths can be prevented. Tragic mass killings, are an essential capacity of the human species. Like the common cold, its specter will probably always be with us. Sadly, humans are capable of great evil and on a far larger scale then what happened today. Let's not get distracted from the great issues of the day. Let's accept what has happened, plan for a better police response in the future, counsel the victims and their families, and apply ourselves to fixing the numerous other more pressing problems facing our nation and our world. Besides, there's nothing more likely to cause a repeat of this phenomenon than twenty-four hour coverage of the event. After all, like a terrorist, the gunman clearly wanted his voice to be heard. Let's not do him that honor.

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rodney lake charles la — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:03:40 GMT

Yes, George, you're right of course. Any coherent statement on my part, any interest in promoting a healthy approach to conflict resolution, any inkling of disgust with the status quo regarding gun proliferation, any dissatisfaction with the unencumbered commercialism of chaos and mayhem on a gameboy, any sadness on my part of the impatience and selfishness of our children and their children, any and all of these comments, my rude intrusion into the domain of your beloved pistolero packing pachyderms must be an impediment to further prevention of these tragedies. So therefore, I of course, must shut up because you say so. You can step in it, you can smell it, you can feel it, but you don't have to taste it to know bullsh*t when you hear it, and George, you have not furthered anything with your vehemance except to prove my contention regarding the sour side of your traditionalism. Next thing you'll no doubt want to do is to wave your liscenced rifle at a Mexican somewhere 'cuz that's what erstwhile patriots do, right? Well just how many deaths each year will it take for ostrich-minded, trigger happy, gun totin' tough guys to quit blaming the immigrant, the democrat, the moderate, the atheist, the gay, or women for ya'lls' lack of self esteem? Geez, where's Pam B when I need her, this blog thread is getting too heavy to handle alone. Quick! Somebody give me a gun, my manhood and patriotism and intelligence are all under attack and I feel compelled to shoot something! (that's called sarcasm, in case you were too busy skipping english classes for target practice.)

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:04:38 GMT

Bonnie, Madison, Wisconsin - Excellent point. I remember the horrible Oklahoma bombing, and initially most news networks reported it was an "act of terrorism". One poor man of Middle Eastern decent was transported back from Italy and initially held and interrogated for hours. We were never told why; however, within several hours we learned the horror that yes, it was terrorism, but domestic terrorism. The media was irresponsible in my opinion with its initial reporting, and I hope we can learn an important lesson from that. It was also reported today that both a semi-automatic pistol and a handgun were used in the murders today, and they are both weapons very easy to purchase in Virginia. Also reported is that Virginia’s current is grade is a C- for gun control legislation enforcement. My prayers go out to every family member suffering today, and will continue for quite some time. May God Bless you and keep you strong during this horrible time.

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Dr Duke Hartford CT — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:36:51 GMT

The shooter was a Chinese immigrant here since Aug 2006 on a student "visa". It is unknown whether or not this was a phoney visa or not. There is no way that he could have obtained the weapontry by legal means. Existing laws are not being enforced. As an expert on guns and terrorism, I can say that if some of the victums had been armed, they could have shot down the terrorist, thus avoiding further deaths."When only the Chinese Communists have guns, everyone willl bow to the Chinese."- Dr Duke

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George, Hammonton, NJ — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:59:35 GMT

Irrational acts cannot be understood in rational terms...What makes, causes someone to snap? Are we all capable of losing control and just lashing out at the world? I hope the answer is no, but I also believe we all have a breaking point. No explanation can make sense of someone killing so many innocent people at Virginia Tech...No explanation will ever give comfort to the families, to Blacksburg, to me...the sun will rise tomorrow, and I hope people close to the edge, with guns in hand, who have a plan in mind to lash out and kill, find meaning somewhere...realize how delicate life is...cling to life and not death...I am all for gun control...but I also know all the laws in the world will not stop someone from imploding and exploding, acquiring a gun, and setting out on a reign of terror, murder, and suicide...How can someone find life so meaningless?...How can someone feel so detached?...I just hope the tragedy at Virginia Tech doesn't further divide the country...Imus did...Bushworld does...Republicans and Democrats do…We don't need more reasons to further divide our country...We need something to unite us...not cause us to drift further apart...Can we create a world were people don't feel marginalized, hopeless, and desensitized? The gunmen does need to be held accountable for his actions and motives...But let's not indict everyone who owns a gun...We all don't snap...We somehow find a way to cope...We find a creative way to vent...Whatever reasons the murderer had for his rampage are not reasons to indict the music or film industry...as much as I hate to admit it, the NRA too...We all want to assign blame...Assigning blame will only create more of a schism in America...One person snapped for reasons we won't understand...maybe we just cannot...Let’s hold him accountable, for there is no need for everyone to point fingers anywhere else and create a bigger wedge...I want to believe humor and love are stronger than pain and hatred...A tragedy can unite or divide...

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RODNEY MANTIA LAKE CHARLES LA — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:01:20 GMT

I politely refuse to shut up. Dispite the team taking a break and losing my last two posts, (it's ok) I will continue to respond to this issue by reminding everyone that gun proliferation, coupled with the inablility to resolve conflict, and enhanced by impatience will only leave another dead kid on soome street in this landl. Of all the inane, assinine, and truly full of it remarks I've ever heard, the one about guns not killing people is the saddest of all. For with it comes the inevitable reality that while in a simplistic and self serving way, the statement is true. So do we outlaw people? do we regulate people? Do we bind the hands of people and prevent them from leaving the house in the hands of nuts or children? Or do we let supposed sacrosanct traditionalism rule our lives instead of using some progressive approach to stemming these terrible events? George, I won't tell you to shut up, but I will say that you are wrong, you and the whole gun loving crowd. I don't have anything against guns, hunting, or people who own them. But for the love of Christ isn't there one simple way to alieviate tragedies like this without you NRA dolts going spazoid over it? Quit breathing the cordite and take a look at the result of what happens when you don't try to control who gets guns, how they get them, why they use them, and where. DEAD KIDS. DEAD KIDS. DEAD KIDS. If this guy committed an act of mass sexual perversion, you would be the first to scream your head off about prevention and retribution. anyone who could be considered an enabler would fallinto your sights. So what's the difference, physically abused and emotionally tormented from rape, or DEAD BY GUNFIRE. D E A D B Y G U N F I R E.

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Ian Campbell, Sydney Australia — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:18:42 GMT

When Martin Bryant went beserk at Port Arthur in Tasmania killing 35 people, the only feeling was how close we all are to taking the last breath. Australia stopped in its tracks and said "What-in Australia? Surely these things can only happen in America?" Most Australians have walked through Port Arthur at some stage and like many Americans who are linked both physically and mentally to Virginia State, we can only wish you peace as you try to recovery from the horror. It will sit in the consciousness of the toughest and come back with no warning forever. The writers here today who seem callous are not - they care enough that they will never forget this day and it is their way of dealing with the reality that they too, could have been there. Those that died have painted their faces on the hearts of millions of people they will never know. God bless those left behind.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 05:11:10 GMT

rodney lake charles la - WOW!! When you "hand someone their lunch", you don't fool around. Kudos to you my friend. Obviously guns kill people, and one of the types of weapons used in this horrible tragedy was banned until two years ago; when George W. Bush and his GOP led Congress let the law elapse!! No, I won't blame Bush and the GOP solely for this, as that would be idiotic. I’m not into “it’s all their fault” game as we see on this blog over and over again from those off the “right-wing” radar scale. However, we need to revive the gun control debate, and subsequent passing of legislation, and now. I don't care if this man was from Planet Mars, (as I see “immigration” coming on this one) it was reported today that both types of weapons used are very easy to purchase in Virgina. I have seen gun laws both broken and circumvented in California by gun-loving zealots who find it perfectly acceptable to own dozens of guns. The NRA teaches and preaches how to break and/or circumvent laws, and its' members think it's just fine. Well I don't!! I find it incomprehensible and irresponsible that an organization such as the NRA can and does encourage gun owners to violate laws. Further infuriating me is that the NRA continues with their multi-million dollar campaign to use "attraction" for additional “no reason” gun purchases in their irresponsible advertising and literature. Yes Rodney, guns do kill people. In addition, when our Constitution was written, I certainly do not believe the Second Amendment was designed for the intent of owning dozens of guns for no reason other that "I like them". Nor was it designed to walk into “Big 5 Sporting Goods” and purchase a gun just for the hell of it!! That's what it boils down to period. Why don't people that own multiple weapons, obviously not intended for protection or hunting and the like, just step up to the plate and admit "I love guns"!! And if not, why not? Somewhere inside their brain and conscience they know damn well their reasoning defies logic and therefore resort to comments like a.) My guns (located hundreds of miles away) are for the sole purpose of protecting my home and family or b.) It's my Second Amendment right period. Either response is unacceptable and they know damn well they are!!

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Brian Mc det. mi. — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:20:49 GMT

please,in such a horrible moment in so so many lives.reason begs,not to blame but to ask why.why was there not a young cadet or junior law enforcement student. licenced,trained&posistioned to effectivly eliminate the threat.there is one country these acts never happen.WHY because every male between the ages 16-60 by law qualify at expert level,with a automatic weapon,by law own&maintain one in good opperating condition.Switzerland with their system of astanding milita has very,very littel violent crime,yet practly everybody owns a machiene gun. connect the dots.

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Mike C., Seattle, WA — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:28:59 GMT

A question for you Dr. Duke. Where I live all school zones, including college campuses, are weapon-free areas. I don't know if this is specific to Washington or even just Seattle, but I doubt it. I have a concealed weapon permit and a handgun which I carry most times. However I leave it home when I go to class because of these laws. So even I, who believes strongly in the Second Amendment, would not have been armed in this situation. Personally, I believe the "gun control means using both hands" crowd and the "guns are the root of all evil" people need to shut up with the rhetoric and sit down for a reasonable discussion of firearms and their place in our country. That this happened is a tragedy, and prayers should be said for all the victims and their families. This should not be used by anyone to justify their beliefs.

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Speechless, New York, NY — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:52:28 GMT

Still in shock. The Univ. Fire Inspectors & Buildings Maintenance should have revealed and ordered doors unchained (escape hazard) and put in emergency exit bars on doors. Local detectives and news media should have immediately notified the public and all students of violence, so even if they didn't cancel classes the first 30 minutes, surely students would be more cautious - possibly skip a class. Univ. Pres. should resign immediately. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, who saw their children excel in school, get admitted to Virg. Tech, and blossom on campus before this tragedy struck. The nation feels your pain.

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Linda, Matthews, NC — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:06:23 GMT

It's amazing to me all the "experts" that have popped up and this thing isn't even 24 hours old. Let's wait till a proper investigation has occurred before we all jump to conclusions. I do believe that the relegation of God to the back burner - or even worse - Him being dismissed altogether - has impacted our world in terrible ways. And it will only get worse as time goes along. I believe this tragic event is a reflection of our need to bring God back into our culture.

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Christi, Houston, Texas — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:49:32 GMT

Personally, I always thought al-Quaeda was wasting its time and energy. Left alone, we Americans will kill ourselves with the kind of relentless efficiency they can only dream of. When will we have had enough of this?

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Natasha, Brooklyn, NY — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:18:45 GMT

I just want to repeat a particularly poignant point by someone: There are a lot of ways to react violently when you are very angry, but few that mean you can kill 22 people within a few minutes. That way should not be legal. There is no sensible reason on earth why anyone should want any weapon that automatically self-reloads like the weapon used in VA. The only purpose is the thrill of kill-kill-kill-kill when, if one had to stop and reload, there might be moment to pause, realize what you've done, and stop. Time to put the next quarter in.

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Stuart E Thiel, Chicago, Illinois — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:13:56 GMT

You people who say "if everyone had been armed, this wouldn't have happened" remind me of the scene in the movie "A Christmas Story" where Ralphie is daydreaming about protecting the family with his new BB gun. You're revealing the cherished fantasies of your inner child.

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Rosie Lamma, Vancouver, Washington — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:28:05 GMT

As a college professor for 18 years, I am horrified by the tragedy at Virginia Tech. 2 hours went by between the first 2 killings and the mass killing of all those defenseless students in the classroom. I wonder if the university was engaged in damage control in those 2 hours when it should have closed down the school, notified the media and the students of a loose gunman on campus, and acted with common sense. If I were the University President or the police chief, I could not live with myself for such irresponsible decision making that led directly to the deaths of all those students. But I know all too well how university officials operate: Deny responsibility, obfuscate, and engage in damage control at the expense of protecting students from harm. A bothersome aspect of this case is the dismissive labeling of the first 2 killings at the dorm as a "domestic dispute." This may have been one key factor in the decision by police and university officials to assume that an armed gunman loose on campus presented no danger to other people if he had already shot the person who may have rejected him. An armed and dangerous gunman becomes no less dangerous after he has killed his estranged girlfriend, if that is indeed what happened at the dorm. Is it not sad that the school was not shut down immediately after what was perceived as a domestic dispute? Doesn't that minimize the tragedy of the first two killings? The fact that the first 2 killings may have involved an estranged and vindictive boyfriend is the question of what police and school officials knew about the woman student being stalked and threatened by this gunman prior to the shootings and any precautions thay may have taken, if any. A woman being stalked by an estranged boyfriend often knows one sure place he can find her and kill her: at work and at school. This generally represents a danger not only to the woman but to anyone who happens to be present when the estranged boyfriend shows up to confront and kill her. The trail of email notifications are a sad commentary on the univesity administration's poor judgment. In a state of emergency and crisis, how many people have access to their email? Moreover, the emails fail to communicate the highly dangerous aspect of the day's events and fail to state any facts that would be useful for students to make their own decisions such as the fact that 2 students had been killed at the dormitory. I would suggest placing the University President and the police chief on a leave of absence pending an investigation into their conduct or absence of responsible actions in this case that resulted in so many deaths of the very students they are supposed to protect from harm.

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Bonnie, Madison, Wisconsin — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 12:12:17 GMT

Rodney, Lake Charles, and Pam, San Pedro -- Exactly right. When a 5-year-old kills a 3-year-old, it's tough to say the parent's gun had nothing to do with it. When a child sitting in her own living room is killed randomly in a drive-by shooting, it's tough to say guns had nothing to do with it. When 30 people are killed by a crazed gunman, it's tough to say that guns had nothing to do with it. Tucker Carlson said this morning that maybe you just can't control crazy people. All the more reason not to give everyone easy access to guns. Legal or illegal, makes no difference.

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ana martinez, Ramales, cantabria,spain — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:48:32 GMT

I come from Europe. Could anyone please explain to me how on earth a kid can have or buy a gun??? It is beyond my understanding. And why this things always happen in the great USA????

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Dan, St. Louis, Mo. — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:22:16 GMT

How many of these campus shootings have we had in the last 40 years? And how many foreigners have committed them? America's gun laws are fine, for "AMERICANS". But when we open the door to allow these foreigners into this country and give them "OUR RIGHTS". Somethings wrong. But Oh, If we don't allow them our rights, thats "PROFILING or OFFENSIVE". Well, I hate to tell you this, But if we would have "Looked" or "Profiled", maybe even "Offended this foreigner. 32 people would be alive today.

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Janine — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:23:13 GMT

To the students at Virginia Tech College. It would be easy for me to say that i understand how you feel, but then that'd be an understatement. It would be just as easy to say i send you my condolences, (which i do), but it'd be another email from someone you don't know. But, i would like to say this, i am sorry that this has happened upon you all. I think tragedy is never anything easy nor is it something that takes a day to get over. I feel for all those affected and family and friends who've have had their opportunity to bid farewell and long lasting love and peace to these students who were killed. Rest assured, no one, and i mean no one expects you all to wake up each morning with a smile on your face. Im sure the rest of the country would join me in saying to take your time, utilize every service provided to aid you in your most recent worst of times. Pray and pray hard. And God be with you.

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John Doe Seattle Wash — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:46:29 GMT

While I actually agree with his position on CCW, Dr Duke from Hartford does seem a bit on the xenophobic side since the shooter, rather than the "person of interest" in this instance is from South Korea. Or do we all look alike, since the cops did cuff and detain several such persons during the event? Maybe the shooter had some toothpaste on him so Dr Duk(e) perhaps thinks that a communist plot to fluoridate water was part of the plan? Perhaps English majors should be put on the watch list and their toothpaste licensed? Seriously, college campuses of that size are essentially small cities and "locking-down" applies to prisons and K-12 schools. Or is it like when I was in high school where community colleges were referred to as "high-schools with ashtrays"? You don't lock down a city because of one murder in one neighborhood, but perhaps we should have loudspeakers on the corners and surveillance on everybod and maybe imbed RF locator chips in students upon matriculation. Dr Duke wants us to perhaps adopt those aspects of communist society of which we were afraid during the Cold War. It is sad how prison "doc-block" jargon only applies to K-12 schools which sends an interesting penal message to the student-inmates.

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Patti Gee — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:03:24 GMT

We have licensing and laws for things that can do damage BY ACCIDENT -- e.g., cars. You can't driive a Formula One rocket car to work, you can't drive a gold cart on the interstate - there may be an accident, something MIGHT get damaged. A gun has no purpose except to damage something. Even if it's just target practice, the purpose of the gun is to put a hole in the target. But we can't regulate guns in any meaningful and comprehensive way?

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Marvine Stamatakis — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:20:01 GMT

When will Americans wake up to the fact that we need gun control in this country! No one is mentioning the fact that this young man had no problem getting weapons that he should not have been allowed to purchase. We are so afraid of "terrorists" when we should be cleaning up our own act and then maybe we would have more respect in the world and not be the target of terrorism, foreign or domestic.

'Please Stay Put'

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:20:48 GMT

Dan, St. Louis, Mo - As I stated earlier, I just knew immigration would come into this. Dan, please tell me where your ancestors came from, or are you Native American? It is my understanding, not that "it matters", that the murderer was here legally, as a "resident alien". P stop with your hate speech against immigrants, it's unfair and unjustified!! More Americans deaths result from people owning caches of weapons, owned by American citizens born here, who are irresponsible when safeguarding them. So please stop with the "immigration rhetoric". Bonnie, you are absolutely correct!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:33:16 GMT

ana martinez, Ramales, cantabria,spain - Sadly, our gun control laws in this country are either hampered by the far right and the NRA, and in some places, non-existent. There are no gun control laws against assault weapons or machine clips in Virginia period. When someone can walk into a "Big 5 Sporting Goods" and purchase any weapon just for the hell of it to add to their existing collection of dozens of the like, oh and wait a very short time for a background check, it's wrong. The NRA is so irresponsible with its "attraction" literature and millions of dollars on promoting or either violating or circumventing gun control laws, I find it incomprehensible. This is NOT what the Second Amendment to the Constitution was designed for. And anyone who says otherwise prove it!! Owning dozens of hand guns, pistols, semi-automatic hand guns, assault rifles, etc. are in no way shape or form what our founding fathers had in mind when granting us the right to bear arms!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:36:55 GMT

Statement from the NRA today regarding this horrific tragedy: "Consider the person not the gun". Period, end of statement, end of discussion. This is the mindset of the NRA, in conjunction with their irresponsible promoting of breaking and/or circumventing existing gun control laws. In addition to spending millions in their attempts to "attract" millions of new multi-gun owners. The complete lack of sympathy from the NRA further proves they could care less about this horrific mass murder, or any other one for that matter!!

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Edi D, Verona Italy — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:56:26 GMT

I'm sitting here in Italy, an American, watching the tube in disbelief...but not disbelief. Why is everyone so shocked that it happened...something this big on a campus finally happened? All I can add is that wherever I went today in the city I live in, my Italian friends and acquaintances expressed concern. This does touch everyone, because it is an expression of the dark side of the human condition, not because the shooter was a student, or Asian, or on a visa, or any other stupid reason to blame outsiders. Can anyone say 'Timothy McVeigh'? Or have we forgotten him?

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Eric Lara — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:11:25 GMT

I was just wondering, how effective was it sending warnings throughout campuis via email? Not all ar in front of a PC during the time of the shooting, why wasn't a public address system used instead. In my opinion, if the PA system was utilized people could have responded quicker in terms of barricading themselves in classrooms, dorms or what have you. People can't receive these email warnings when their walking from one classroom to another or from one building to another. Just my two cents worth.

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George, Hammonton, New Jersey — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:28:34 GMT

Rodney Mantia...Where did I say keep quiet? You did read where I am for gun control...I always have been for gun control...I have never owned a gun...I have never fired a gun...I detest the NRA...I detest that gun control is a forgotten issue...But can you really blame the NRA for a 23 year old student snapping? It's not that easy Rodney. I wish it was solely the NRA's fault...I wish no one had guns...If you want to secure your home, get a security system...Rodney, Vent...Lash out...Be angry...Petition the government...Use your anger in a positive way...My post said that...But blame the student...that was my point...I agree with everything you said, but the murderer is the one to be held accountable...The argument if he didn't have access to guns, he couldn't have killed anyone, doesn't hold up anymore. Yes, our country is obsessed with the idea that only criminals have guns...Arm yourself...I live in a country town full of hunters...Most have small arsenals at home...but they haven't snapped...Will they? My other point is can you or anyone else predict when someone will implode? Most gun owners respect their guns and owning them...Do I agree with them? No...But the founders of this country, for better or worse, were gun owners...the Revolution was fought with guns...Washington and the Boys all had guns, right or wrong...the Anti-Gun movement after the Revolution hated the second amendment...The Constitution barely passed...I agree with the anti-gun movement. I am a member...But over 200 hundred years later, the country is still obsessed with guns...I hate that fact...My point, which you missed, is only a small fraction of people kill...I believe the USA is one of the top five countries in the world in death by guns, but it isn't the majority of gun owners...I have written to the government in support of the Brady Bill, to ban assault weapons...But laws and bans will not eliminate gun violence. Did anyone force that student to buy a gun?...The person snapped...Did Jeffrey Dahmer kill anyone with a gun? Timothy McVeigh?....Who can predict who is insane? People who snap will find a means to kill besides guns...Again, you missed my point...Will laws really stop a 23 year old student from killing? If so, lets start passing laws every day. I will never own a gun...I will never shoot a gun. I will keep campaigning for stronger gun control laws...but guns are only one part of the problem...how can a student feel life is meaningless? Does a gun culture cause that? Gun culture creates a world where violence is way to solve problems, no doubt...That needs to change. But laws will not keep damaged people from killing in one form or another...Rage on Rodney...my post wasn't about silence...my post was about blaming the person responsible...I will always detest the NRA...the gun culture...but both are only parts of a much larger problem...

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Lee Holmes — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:42:31 GMT

This is false.None of the guns used in the massacre that we can so far see was ever covered by the 'Assault Weapons Ban'Act.They are handguns.They would not have been impacted with or without a ban.It is as illogical to blame 'NRAs' and 'Republicans'as it is 'Bush'.Again,how many gangs now operating in the US,who have murdered thousands of Americans in just the last year are ''Republicans''or members of the NRA? All during the term of the Assault-weapons ban,in a period extending from 1999-2006 in a singular area of South Central Los Angeles,33 people in a given month[to more closely match the victims of the VT tragedy]were killed by automatic weapons.The victims were nearly universally innocent and not members of rival gangs.Americans are in no mood to surrender gun rights[and yes,this goes for Democrats as well.Bear in mind that Virginias own senator,Webb,was recently involved in a gun mess of his own], that they fully know that police will allow criminals to retain,if for no other reason that they are outnumbered by these criminals,who can easily get their weapons and ammo through illegal means.Again,if one seeks to have any sort of impact on the illegal arms trade,then they must turn to the borders in an effort to reduce the sheer numbers of illegal arms entering the country every day.So far,none of the frontrunners for president has shown the stomach to lead the way in this direction.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:02:01 GMT

Rosie Lamma, Vancouver, Washington - Wow, and thank you so much for taking such time and putting such thought in your writing. Your insight is obviously tremendous based on your experience. Thank you so much for sharing this, as it has left me speechless, and with so much to think about.....God Bless....

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:48:28 GMT

Natasha, Brooklyn, NY - Brilliantly stated, now try telling that to the multi-owner gun-loving zealots; in addition to the NRA who teaches this through its "Avoid Gun Control Laws 101" and its irresponsible literature. Thousands of people purchase guns not for protection or hunting, but simply because they love guns!! These people absolutely refuse to step up to the plate and admit yes, "I love guns"!! Again, our Constitution’s Second Amendment was in no way, shape or form designed for irresponsible gun TYPE purchases such as those used in yesterday's horrific mass murder, nor the irresponsible ownership demonstrated by a vast number of people in our society today.

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Shandy Western Oregon — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:45:31 GMT

Talk about 20/20 hindsight. How on earth could any reasonable authority have guessed that there was going to be a second rampage hours after the first? Most domestic violence murders, workplace shootings and school shootings are single, isolated incidents, they don't usually, ( isn't it horrible that we have enough of these incidents to be able to trend them and say 'usually'?), continue to another site over a gap in time. There were undoubtedly any number of interventions at any number of points that could have prevented this, all of which we will be able to see now, looking back. But at the time, with sketchy reports and available information, I don't think it was an unreasonable assumption that what turned out to be the first shootings were the end of it. Yeah, a crystal ball would have helped a lot. Short of that, do we really want to become such a militarist/police state that even our educators have to live with a siege mentality? We're running way behind the curve in prevention of this sort of thing. Police/military intervention is back-end, crisis management, it shouldn't have gotten to that point.--A couple of points that could have been bottlenecks and prevented this: This behavior doesn't just pop out of nowhere, he had referrals to mental health professionals, that should have been addressed and followed up on. He had a high risk profile- young, male, socially isolated. He was a resident alien, he wasn't legally able to purchase a gun at all and wouldn't have been able to if all sales were tracked. The fact that the serial numbers were filed off shows that it would have been an illegal purchase even for someone who was legally able to buy them and whoever sold them to him was shady and had things to hide, again, not an issue if waiting periods, private purchases and background checks were tracked. Hindsight should show us to invest in preventing these tragedys on a personal level, not react on an institutional level by throwing more money at having more gunmen and SWAT teams on standby to shoot them after it's started.

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Jack, Scottsdale, AZ — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:17:05 GMT

One major problem that is overlooked in any of these discussions is how crazy people are allowed to roam our society at will. Time and time again seriously disturbed individuals are ignored and left to their own devices and tragedy ensues. (I blame Thomas Szasz and Ronald Reagan for encouraging this trend, but that's another topic.) This kid was clearly disturbed and not a normal functioning member of the university, but other than someone recommending he get counseling what was done?

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Scared Sick, Chicago, IL — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 19:37:17 GMT

My heart goes out to all the family members who, like myself, a mother of 3 teenage boys aged 13-18, wish a safe and happy future for my children. I'm one of those people that tragedies like this make me sick. I could care less about the NRA and their rights to possess guns. I'm sorry that you feel your rights are being violated, but the fact remains that, like this shooter, there will always be people who misuse and abuse rights and laws. There are no perfect people anywhere. So, all the blamers can blame all they want. People will be people. All I know is,fact,I could go a few miles from my house as well as any kid, and buy a handgun within minutes,even though they are outlawed in this city. I've walked down the street in gang infested neighborhoods and had bullets fly so close past my head I heard the swoosh. Several years back the police locked down a project and raided every unit. You rights activist shot off your mouths so much that it made a lot of front pages for a long time. Obviously you missed the part about the 300+ confiscated guns. Shutup, there is no gun control. If you believe there is, then you should live were I live. You should see what I've seen. There are 12 year old kids on our streets with guns. Every time I walk into a game store or video store, the walls are littered with 80% blood bordellos and serial killer movies. All of us parents try to protect our kids from these things,it's to the point where I find it hard to establish and maintain control over what my kids are kids exposed to. Like one of millions of single mothers in this country, it is just too much and too far exposed to our kids for me to handle. By the way, the murder rate surrounding the gang, drug and violence infested project and this city did go way down because shortly after that the no handgun law was put in place. If people can't get guns, then people can't kill with them. It's as simple as that. My kids have a right to feel safe and know that we, the adults, are taking actions to protect them. 80% of the schools here have metal detectors at the entrances. My kids have a right to feel safe knowing that some adult is not crying about their right to own a gun. My kids are exposed to so much violence in their daily lives, and I've worked extremely hard to raise them to appreciate the preciousness of our lives, that I know they would laugh at you and spit in your NRA eyes. What about mine and there rights? They have the right to go to school knowing some loony on a suicidal or gang revenge mission is not going to walk in out of the blue and blow them all away. Your 2nd amendment rights are extremely outdated. That was before gangs, videogames and serial killer movies littered our daily lives. I agree with the person who said we should be teaching our children about cultures, traditions, and more spiritual (I'm don't have one god, but know spiritual and cultural understanding and appreciation is one key that our kids are subject to minimal exposure on). Maybe you could spend more of your NRA time and all that money on something more productive, cultural, and educational. Ways to teach our kids more efficient non-violent ways of handling tough situations. I highly doubt the solution is crying over the right to own a gun. Walked into a video or game store lately? Gone to a movie lately? Watched the news lately? We have just as much a right to a safe and happy environment as you do to owning a gun. but the guns that you feel you have so much right to are, by far, are outweighted in usage for violent acts, then the purpose you NRA folks intended. So, just stop it, because, you may think your losing your rights, but they fact is we all lose by your ignorance. Tragedies like these are just plain scary. We have the right to never imagine or experience the hurt of losing our children as victims.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:00:57 GMT

Lee Holmes - Your statement, "This is false.None of the guns used in the massacre that we can so far see was ever covered by the 'Assault Weapons Ban'Act" is FALSE!! One of the guns used in the mass murder yesterday was covered under the anti-assault weapons ban until two years ago; when Bush and the GOP led Congress let the ban lapse!! Wake up Lee and smell the BS Lee!! The vast majority of Americans have smelt George W. Bush’s BS for years now!! As I stated earlier, is this solely his fault or that of the GOP led Congress? No and that statement would be as idiotic and similar to those off the “right-wing radar scale” who post here, i.e. “it’s ALL Bill Clinton’s fault – although none of what they post “IS” Bill Clinton’s fault, no matter what the definition of “is” “is”!!

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Bill Rochester NY — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:11:44 GMT

Pam, Rodney, George all of you have stolen my thunder.I really can't add anything of substance here. It's a damn shame. Remember as bad as it was in Blacksburg yesterday that would be a good day in Baghdad. BTW Pam feel free to use any of my zingers anytime you desire my friend. Have you noticed that Larry doesn't return any of my posts directed at him?

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Lee Holmes — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:11:58 GMT

PAM:The 9MM pistol IS NOT covered by the Assault Weapons Ban.It is a legal handgun in Virginia and many states where the shooter could have purchased such a weapon.Indeed,it was Virginia Senator Webbs staffer who had Webbs pistol which was a 9MM!Very possibly the same make as the VT shooters.Neither is the .22 automatic on the AWB list.Since the 1980s,when the European 9MM appeared regularly in US gunstores,you have been legally allowed to own this weapon up to and including the 1990s-present-day.These two weapons are cited[NBC,CNN,FOX,] as the main handguns used in the VT rampage.Get your facts straight.And for the rest: Wikipedia:The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994-The 'Assault Weapons Ban'' or AWB complete with list of banned weapons,none of which has been determined to have been used in the VT shootings.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:19:16 GMT

PS: Lee Holmes - These types of weapons, which you state are not banned, (but one was until two years ago) most certainly should be banned. They serve no purpose but to cause death and mass murder as we saw yesterday. They are not used to "protect one's home and family", nor for hunting. Again, when our Constitution was written, the Second Amendment was not designed for people to own caches of weapons in no way needed or required, and in particular, weapons like these. In addition, a "Big 5 Sporting Goods" was certainly not envisioned; and when I took my daughters there to buy sports equipment and toys as young girls, I was appalled to discover guns were sold there. As children ran around the store; including mine, looking for toys, shoes and other innocent things they wanted, they certainly should not have had to be greeted by a "cabinet of death", i.e. a large variety of guns!! I stopped shopping there immediately when they stumbled across such a "cabinet of death" and asked me what “they” were. These weapons must be banned nationwide; and if not, why not? The NRA should back responsible gun control laws, in lieu of teaching "How to Avoid Gun Control Laws 101"; in addition to immediately stop spending millions of dollars in irresponsible advertising, which advocates the purchase of weapons for "no reason other than the hell of owing them". Additionally, the NRA spends millions in funding anti-gun control legislation of ALL types. The NRA is as stubborn as George W. Bush!! In addition to being as arrogant, incoherent and irresponsible in their approach to guns. I find this both incomprehensible!!

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Lee Holmes — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:00:26 GMT

PAM is again being dishonest.An increasingly dubious trait.The 'mindset'of the NRA regarding this tragedy may be more accurately found here at the offices of the NRAs DC legislative headquarters itself.[www.nraila.org],which carries the following on their websites masthead: From The President of the National Rifle Association: ''The NRA joins the entire country in expressing our deepest sympathies to the families of Virginia Tech University and everyone else affected by this horrible tragedy.Our thoughts and prayers are with the families'' A somewhat differant take than PAMS,but then it is because it is more honest.

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Lee Holmes — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:42:47 GMT

PAM-Neither of the weapons cited by the FBI as belonging to the VT shooter has ever been banned.They most certainly are used to 'protect home and family'and media articles and reports from every state in America prove it.Define 'cache'.Perhaps a 'Big 5'was not 'envisioned'but there was a time I remember clearly when high-powered rifles such as the Mannlicher-Carcano used to kill JFK could be mail- purchased from an ad on the back of a comic book for 12.95$ producing no ID.I could walk into any surplus store no questions asked and purchase a German-made machine gun complete with ammo.The only time that the USSC has ever stepped into the gun debate was in the 1935 MILLER decision where it was silent on whether or not the 2nd applied to 'individual'gun ownership.It only adressed the types of guns one could own that were 'minimally consistant'with the prevailing technology of the age.That means no Rev-War muskets or muzzle-loaders.Revolvers and bolt-action rifles,later expanded to clip-loading pistols and rifles were allowed until the 1994 act which did not address automatic pistols,going after not simply the actual mechanics of the 'assault rifle' types but their cosmetic appearence which cost the Democrats both houses of Congress in the 1994 election and Gore the presidency in 2000.[Gore could have had his own Tennessee and WVA in a trice which would have cemented his victory even with Florida.But he chose in a moderated CNN debate to go after 'all handguns',which drove southern voters and union gun-owners away].The Democrats congresses shaky majority includes solid Democrat pro-gun legislators including Schuler,Tester,Webb,Casey,Conrad,and Reid.Any amount of further constriction on the portion of Democrats regarding lawful gun ownership and they will lose the presidency and at least one house of Congress.In a perfect world,there would be no-one with guns.However,as the criminals have even more than their share[or'caches'if you prefer],I will most certainly keep mine,observing each and every safety rule learned in the military and law enforcement-sanctioned training,hope it will collect dust except for safe practice at a range,but use it should need arise that will be for the very specific purpose of protecting me and mine.

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Jason S Rufner, Reston, VA — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:44:22 GMT

I am a Hokie. Got the t-shirts. And the ballcaps. And the pennants, ticket stubs, pocket schedules, sweatshirts, license plate, bumper stickers, magazine covers and framed diploma to prove it. Now, don't get me wrong -- I'm not one of those superfans with vehicles and domiciles drenched in maroon and orange, VT logos pointing every which way, plastic-wrapped programs from the 1966 Sun Bowl, vats of maroon face-paint, et cetera, et cetera. I've seen those cars, those houses, those faces. Those people aren't well. Me, I'm a simple alumnus, a Hokie citizen in the Hokie Nation, and a patriotic one at that. I didn't know much about Virginia Tech -- and absolutely nothing about football -- before I went to Virginia Tech. My first choice was a small but well-regarded technical college on the coast of Florida -- they even gave me a scholarship! Sun and science was a lot for me to forego, so the plan was to go to Tech for a couple of years and transfer down to my choice school. The best laid plans are usually interrupted. During my first semester, I went to a football game. I was introduced to rafting on the New River. I started hiking around Dragontooth, high up in the Alleghenies. I successfully completed the first of many Spanish courses, with some Physics and Math and Lit. A freshman became a sophomore, then a junior, and I found myself still lodging on the idyllic campus spread across the verdant valley in Southwest Virginia, issuing hellos to familiar professors. I was falling in love. Virginia Tech is a beautiful place, an inspiring place, a place of hallowed Hokie Stone on every edifice and wildly fervent fandom on every autumn Saturday. It is a beloved and special place, not just a sprawling university but a home, a comfort zone, a favorite chair. As a naive freshman with Florida dreams, I had no idea what I was in for. As a marginally wiser adult, I now see how fortunate I have been. I get to be a Hokie. I can claim that beautiful, beautiful place, a venerable institution which is an inseparable part of my identity. And now the infamy. One man, a disturbed young man, with two guns, too much ammo and too little something has taken the name of Virginia Tech and added the word "Massacre." He will present an image to the world of Virginia Tech that is strikingly far from reality. But the truth will out. What Virginia Tech truly is will out. To be a Hokie is more than jumping up and down while "Enter Sandman" rocks Lane Stadium. It is more than studying against a tree by the Duck Pond, or rafting the New River, or acing the Astrophysics test, or knowing all the derogatorily cute names for the various dining halls, or playing pool in Squires or Friday nights imbibing at the Hokie House. It is more than wearing the VT hat or caravaning to another bowl game or knowing the words to "Tech Triumph." It's about being in Wisconsin or Key West or Jamaica and noticing a shred of maroon and that familiar square-root-of-one and having an instant friend. It's about the pride of the diploma, about the pride of being part of the growth, about the pride of walking the same halls as present and future CEOs and patent-holders and Dr. Nikki Giovanni and Frank Beamer. It's about community and goodness and excellence, about representing the university in all things, about acknowledging the unspeakable horrors of 16 April 2007 and helping Hokies heal. We are the Hokie Nation. We are Virginia Tech. Ut Prosim; That I May Serve.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 01:25:01 GMT

Lee Holmes - WRONG!! You state, "A somewhat differant take than PAMS"!! Not just Pam's Lee, the majority of every other person on this blog!! I should have continued to abstain from responding to you. Your posts are incoherent. Do you scan multiple documents at once, transfer them to Microsoft Word, then copy and paste them in no order whatsoever. It's the only scenario that makes any sense from reading your incoherent and factually incorrect statements!!

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 01:31:57 GMT

Lee Holmes - Again Lee, I should not even have begun to enter into dialogue with you. It has been reported over and over again that the assault weapon he used was banned until two years ago, when Bush and the GOP led Congress allowed the ban to lapse. Just like your President Carter scenario, which I proved you wrong over and over again with historical quotes from "historians" and back up, you still refused to see the truth. Just like then, you can state the weapon was "never banned" until you are blue in the face; however, it is factually incorrect and you are wrong.

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Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 02:49:29 GMT

Lee Holmes - Nice try Lee!! The statement you quote by the NRA came hours after their initial statement and after MUCH criticism. Study up, and again NICE TRY!! I guess their highly paid public relations team finally got their act together and promptly realized they were being nationally slammed!! I am not dishonest, nor do I lie about the records of past presidents simply because "I do no like them" as you have and continue to do. Again, nice try!!

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Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:45:38 GMT

Bill of Rochester.. loved your zinger. I did respond but I guess the countdown police were protecting your feelings. Pammmie, feel free to use this zinger, if Charleston is where the tube is inserted for the US enema, then Rochester is what comes out when the tube is removed. Touche

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Claton Pearl Palm Bay, FL — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:05:15 GMT

Yes, yes, the answer is to take all the guns from U.S. CITIZENS, and then, like England, we can experience unprecedented increases in crime. Let's not address these rediculous gun free VICTIM zones. face it, that's what they are. Anyone that wants a human shooting gallery, has access to state sponsored facilities all over the country. This tradgedy is yet another example that you CANNOT depend on someone else to protect you. Not the police, or the government. YOU and your contitutional right to bear arms are your only protection.

'Please Stay Put'

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:32:17 GMT

Mr. Lee Holmes - As I have repeatedly stated, one of the weapons used in the mass murder at Virginia Tech was previously banned under the "Federal Assault-Weapons Ban", enacted in 1994, AND that ban was allowed to expire in 2004, which I have also previously and repeatedly stated. Under this "ban" that was allowed to lapse, "magazines were limited to ten (10) rounds". You have called me a liar, dishonest and stated my dishonesty is an "increasingly dubious trait". Ok Mr. Holmes, following describes the weapons used in the tragedy at Virginia Tech. WEAPON 1: Glock 19, Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm luger), Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds; WEAPON 2: Walther P22, Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (.22LR), Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds. Well Mr. Holmes, now that we have determined it is "YOU" who has been dishonest; I anxiously await your apology. Weapon #1 used has a magazine capacity of fifteen (15) rounds and the second weapon used has a capacity of ten (10) rounds. Now that the "facts" are laid out for you, and are crystal clear, it is apparent I was in no way dishonest. "Weapon #1's "magazine capacity is 15 rounds” or five more than the lapsed “Federal Assault-Weapons Ban”. I once again repeat my factual claim. One of the weapons used in this horrific mass murder WAS previously covered under the "Federal Assault-Weapons Ban”, which Bush and his GOP-led Congress allowed to lapse. I anxiously await your apology for calling me dishonest and a liar. I never once stated either weapon was "currently banned”; but consistently and repeatedly stated one of the weapons was previously banned and the ban was allowed to lapse. This is unmistakably summarized for you here.

'Please Stay Put'

Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:19:30 GMT

Why can't we put some blame where it is due, squarely on the college administration. They were repeatedly warned of this nutcase, new he was on anti depressants and was sent to a mental institution, but because of political correctness or afrair of hurting his feelings, or afraid to do anything because they might be called a racist or bigot, they did nothing. It appears professors and fellow students complained numerous times with no response from the school. Like I said many times before, bad people do bad things. If these people are left unchecked there will be repeat events like this in the future.

'Please Stay Put'

Bill Rochester NY — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:57:32 GMT

Not neccesarily being called racist or bigoted larry. This does reflect poorly on the state of mental health care here in this country. I don't know the laws in S.C. but here in N.Y. a person can only be held in a psych ward for 72 hrs. Anything more requires a court order. Many (most?) homeless people have mental health issues. Yet the institutions where they used to live either no longer exist or will not take them back because there is a) no room or b)the person in question is not considerd a threat as long as they are on they're "meds". Problem being of course un-supervised mental health patients very often don't take their "meds" like they should. How about psychological screening for ALL who want to purchase guns? Especially handguns One more thing the ambulance chasers are going to have a field day with this.

'Please Stay Put'

Bill Rochester NY — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:12:03 GMT

Larry a few more things. Don't trash liberals. Remember it was liberals who brought us the weekend! If not for liberals you would not have any students to teach. They would all be working 16 hour days at the textile mill or most likely the poultry plant. Don't worry about hurting my feelings countdown police I can take it. Larry at least proof read your posts before you send them. It is knew not new as in the past tense of to know. Buy a dictionary or use a spell checker if you must. You must be another product of southern schools. Where they refuse to spend money on education and where Intelligent Design or more accurately hocus pocus is the preferred science curriculum.

'Please Stay Put'

Larry Charleston, SC — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:32:38 GMT

Ok Bill, sorry all schools are not like inner city NY schools, where the drop out rate is nearing 50%. And another thing , if NY is so wonderful ,why does it seem that the entire population of NY is moving to SC. I can't go anywhere without running into some rude , obnoxious New Yorker. And wouldn't you know it, our minor league baseball team is affiliated with the Yankees !

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Larry Charleston, SC — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:38:43 GMT

And Bill , one more thing. All of the hate on this site is really amazing. Look at what most of these people are saying. Talikg about killing the president, wouldn't be surprised if the next CHO comes from a keithie. People need to lighten up and take their anger to the ballot box and vote for Hillary. I'm sure the smartest woman in the world already has it figured out, just doesn't want to show her plan too early. Simply ask her, she'll tell you what you want to hear.

'Please Stay Put'

Darrel In Edinboro, PA — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:45:57 GMT

Wow, Pam. I was under the impression that you were a debater of responsibility and rationality. I see from the vast majority of comments here that my prediction has come to fruition, and that the NRA, its' members, and all law-abiding gun owners are being vociferously and vehemently vilified by the "judge all by one" credo. Well. I posted a comment the other day about the total lack of prosecution of firearms law violators, and not one person has responded in any way, pro or con. Has anyone read it? Doubtful, at best. It is my contention that, if public prosecutors would have been actively seeking convictions on these violations, we might not be having these volatile discussions, with all the name-calling, race-baiting, and immigration-bashing. Sigh........if only these laws had been enforced, the distinct possibility that many, if not most, of the gun-wielding criminals of this country would be behind bars for the lengthy, mandatory prison sentences contained within the laws. That said, I leave you foaming-at-the-mouth posters to scream and shout at and berate each other in the name of responsible discussion.....

'Please Stay Put'

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 19:16:11 GMT

Bill: Ouch. Man I don't agree with Larry on 99 % of what he says but I consider myself very literate and sometimes when I get to typing to fast and want to get a response out forgetting to spell check I misspell some words as quite a few in these blogs do. So when I misspell something please don't get after me. And Bill. I have attended schools in both the North and the South and can tell you, neither has the edge over the other. It all comes down to the individual teacher and the individual student. Some are good and some are bad in all parts of the country.

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Bill Rochester NY — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:21:53 GMT

CA No offense meant to you. You certainly are literate. Your posts show that you are an intelligent , thoughtful person. It was intended for the benefit of "Lawrence" of South Carolina.

'Please Stay Put'

Bill Rochester NY — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:23:21 GMT

CA No offense meant to you. You certainly are literate. Your posts show that you are an intelligent , thoughtful person. It was intended for the benefit of "Lawrence" of South Carolina.

'Please Stay Put'

colleen swanson westminister MD — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:07:30 GMT

I wanted to tell all of the staff and students at v-Tech how proud we are of all you for your Heroisim and Bravery the day Cho turned to terrorisium!Celebrate the lives of the fallen and draw strength from each other and lein on each other!That day you showed the world that you will not stand down and that the future generations that will be running our country is the strongest ever! Please allways respect your fellow students and there different back-rounds that is what being a free American is all about ! One last thing! I know these next days will be very hard Honor each person and allways treat people the way you want to be treated! GODSPEED YOUR IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!

'Please Stay Put'

Liang from Chamblee GA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:38:42 GMT

"You caused me to do this." I think this statement means alot to me. My name is Karvin Liang. I am a girl. I am Chinese and I was born in New York City. Throughout my entire life, I had suffered racial discrimination and prejudice from these 2 races: the African Americans and the Hispanics.
No, there weren' t any white people that picked on me. I think that is strange.
I just don't know what is wrong with most black people and a few Hispanics that I have met. I mostly have problems with black people. They just wanna start stuff with me for no reason at all. And then they're gonna get really loud with it and start cursing and try to make a big deal out of it, and then, eventually, they're gonna blame it on me like I'm the one that started it. The way how they treated me: they would torture and yell at me with the most offensive racial slurs (about the Chinese race). I would just ignore them. And as much as I try to ignore them, they keep coming after me. And some of them had physically hit me. I really want all this racial discrimination to end. All this racial pain that I had to suffer, I had been ignoring it for more than 5 years from now, I dont know how I was able to bear, the way how I didn't show care. I had gotten picked on and pushed around so bad that I felt like I wanna deal with it and take care of matters in my own hands and do something horrible to solve it. "YOU CAUSED ME TO DO THIS."

I can continue typing, but I wanna stop, because my story may last 10 days for you to finish reading this. Even with a thousand words, I still don’t have enough words to explain how much racial pain I have suffered mentally and emotionally. I had almost suffered too much for a normal person to handle. And I had almost committed suicide because I couldn’t bear too much pain.
I WISH FOR THIS ESSAY TO BE POSTED EVERYWHERE FOR EVERYONE TO SEE.
I could have been the Asian to perform a shootout “before” Seung Hui Cho. Believe me, I have a lot of similarities with this shooter. I am also a loner.

'Please Stay Put'

Liang from Chamblee GA — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:39:36 GMT

'Please Stay Put'

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