Horrible Tragedy in Blacksburg, VA (VA Tech)

[CountryWolf07]

I just heard on the news that Friday will be Maroon and Orange Day in honor of Virginia Tech and the people that were killed in the campus shootings. So, if you have something maroon and/or orange, wear it that day.

Thanks.

I definitely will. I will wear my orange hat, too as well.

[KittyGurl]

This is just horrible. Cate: I'm sooo glad you aren't hurt...
and CountryWolf07: I am so sorry about your friends cousin.

What goes through people's minds when they do this. Do they feel horribla or do they think it feels good? Poeple are just...errrr It makes me so mad! 32 innocent people died! Why!? I wish the killer was alive and the police could torture him FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! then we can see how he likes it
The students and teachers are in my prayers...

[Karen]

Why!? I wish the killer was alive and the police could torture him FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! then we can see how he likes it
The students and teachers are in my prayers...

KittyGurl, the man/boy who did that was clearly mentally ill. It is quite likely that his life was already torture to him. That does in no way excuse what he did, but no good would come from trying to exact "revenge" on him.

The best way to deal with this is to support the survivors, the families and loved ones of those killed, and the entire Virginia Tech Community. One cannot fight darkness with darkness, but it can be conquered with light.

[Catty1]

Kittygurl - if we could do that, we would be the same as him.

Revenge is the most natural thing in the world - but as a minister at the memorial said, we have to turn from the 'seductiveness' of revenge.

Loving and supporting, however we can, shows we know better, and do not go down to that dark level.

I wonder how his parents are, among all the others? They are innocents who have also lost.

Prayers to all.

[Pam]

I wonder how his parents are, among all the others? They are innocents who have also lost.

I have thought of his parents several times through all of this. How will they ever go on? They have suffered tremendous shame as well as loss. I wasn't aware until I saw on TV yesterday that they were not able to be advised of the school's concerns regarding his writings, etc. because of *confidentiality.* I feel that is something that must be changed. Maybe they could have helped.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I wonder how his parents are, among all the others? They are innocents who have also lost.

Prayers to all.

I hope they are not forgotten in people's prayers

[cassiesmom]

I wonder how his parents are, among all the others? They are innocents who have also lost. Prayers to all.

I do too, Catty1. I saw on Anderson Cooper's show last night that some of the writing he had done for his course work rattled his professor so much that she showed it to the University police. They could not do anything about it because no direct threats were made. They also couldn't show it to the health service because of confidentiality. Anderson Cooper was saying that these events may focus national attention on issues of gun control again. But I hope something is done to protect potential victims when it's identified that there is risk of a crime, or a person is having serious mental health issues that jeopardize people's safety (that person's or others). At some point the safety of others comes up against an individual's right to privacy and that's not an easy place to be.

[DrKym]

In Florida they have something called the Baker Act, if a person is deemed by a family member, teacher ,clergy, friend etc. To pose a threat to themselves or others they can be involuntarily committed for 72 hours while Mental health proffessionals from several fields attempt to assess the risk and if it is actual or simply being faked for whatever reason.

I know there are a few other states that have similar Acts, it is time we have that availability in all states.

And before anyone goes off on a phone call can lock up your annoying little brother etc. You do have to provide clear and cincise statements, that would make a reasonable person fear for their health and/or safety or that of the person in question.

[Alysser]

I just ordered a VA tech sweatshirt, to show support. I think everyone around America should to show support for those who were lost in this tragic fit of rage.