Tough time in Virginia, USA! - Page 2

Margaret Pilkington · 16-04-2007, 19:23

My thoughts are with the families of those who have been touched by this tragedy. I can say no more.

grego · 16-04-2007, 19:41

Its just awful, its happening more and more frequently too, my thoughts are with you Brian.

bullseyebarb · 16-04-2007, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyfr

I really don't think the founding fathers envisaged how the second amendment would impact life in the far future (ie now). I think it was more for the times of the original foundation when things were still unstable and developing, but now the USA is a huge thriving country and its just really not the kind of place for people to be carrying guns around.

As great students of history, the founders knew exactly what they were doing. The Second Amendment was put into place first and foremost to deter tyranny. The First Amendment was to guarantee the right of free political speech. It is no mistake that these two amendments appear first in the Bill of Rights.

In addition, self-defense is a natural human right.

LancYorkYankee · 16-04-2007, 20:16

Okay back on after loosing electrity fo a few hours.

Annie just got home and most of her friends have been accounted for but she is still quite rattled. Every kid on this campus as well as the whole state and Country have been affected by this horrific act.

Brian

grego · 16-04-2007, 21:13

Just reported 33 teenagers dead.

Flash · 16-04-2007, 21:25

Before any debate takes place about the rights and wrongs of gun culture perhaps a decent amount of time should be given to enable these young people to be buried and for their families to grieve- surely thats where peoples thoughts should be at the moment. The debate needs to take place just feels a it too soon to me.

garinda · 16-04-2007, 22:23

I agree, now is not the time for debate about gun contols. Let the victims of this tragedy be laid rest first.

grannyclaret · 16-04-2007, 23:03

my thoughts and prayers are with all the families...and you too l.y.y.

Eric · 16-04-2007, 23:53

Terrible news ... CBC reported the death toll is up to 33 ... My sympathies are with all those who suffered in this tragedy, relatives, friends, Virginians, and all Americans.

lesleyd · 17-04-2007, 00:55

Thoughts and prayers go out to all concerned.

LancYorkYankee · 18-04-2007, 14:33

Gosh, just finished writing this. Sorry for the long read but appreciate being able to express myself, for what it's worth!

Cheers Mates!

Brian

Thanks for all the encouragement and well wishes. They've close the campus for the rest of the week. The poor kids are coming home like walking wounded. Although our immediate community loss no one, surrounding communties have. Also, we have kids who's roommates were killed or wounded, close friends killed and wounded as well as some of their professors who were killed!

This generation of Virginia kids have had it quite rough. Last year at about this time there was a lady police officer, and the policeman she was trying to protect, killed in a bloody shootout. Between news media, church services, and the huge funeral procession, it made for a heart wrenching time here.

But worse then that this Detective, Vicki Armel, was our very close friend. She went tour church and Cindy and I were in a Bible study with her. Actually one of the first pics. I sent to Accyweb Intro. had me and her little boy out looking for frogs and turtles during a church picture but I digress . . . .

Before that this whole area was terrorized by a bunch of sniper killings. They took place about 5 years ago. Again between constant news stories, warnings, sitings, schools closed or open with policeman standing guard, the whole recreational soccer league cancelled for the kids, etc. It was just a terrible time for eberyone, especially parents sending the kids off to school or any open field or market place for that matter.

I know it sounds just awful and get rid of guns blah blah blah but as flashy so sensitively said earlier, that all can be debated at another time. I wanted to take the time not to sensationalyze the situation, but to emphasize what this latest horror must be having on this generation of Virginia's youth. I fear that in the next few weeks we will begin having suicides again. So many of these kids, and adults, just get overwhelmed by these horrorfying situations!

I end by saying thank you Accyweb for allowing me a place to share so much "stuff!" You guys know more about certain issues and weaknesses of mine than some of my almost close friends!

bullseyebarb · 18-04-2007, 16:52

We lost two good Georgians in the VT massacre. Ryan Clark, 22, of Martinez, GA. Saw his twin brother on one of our local t.v. news stations last evening, talking about Ryan. He was so dignified and strong. Brought tears to one's eyes. Ryan was a triple grad in psychology, biology and English. He intended to pursue a Ph.D in psychology with a focus on cognitive neuroscience.

Christopher Bishop, 35, of Pine Mountain, GA. He was an instructor at VT and was teaching a class in introductory German in Norris Hall at the time of the shooting. He was married to a fellow faculty member, Stephanie Hofer.

harwood red · 18-04-2007, 16:53

thanks for sharing Brian, brought a lump to my throat and a sadness in the pit of my stomach.

god bless them all

WillowTheWhisp · 18-04-2007, 17:03

So much death and destruction of lives Brian. I know that you said Flashy was right that now is not the time to discuss the right to bear arms when we should be sending our thoughts and prayers to those involved in this latest massacre, but since you brought up the subject of all these terrible things that have happened and ask how it will affect a whole generation of Virginian youth not to mention the adults who are overwhelmed by all this horror perhaps now is the time to rethink it. How awful that people are driven to such despair by it all as to commit suicide. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like

I'm only going to end up saying all the wrong things. I watched the story on the TV news today and my heart went out to those surviving students telling of their shock and fear.

katex · 18-04-2007, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by harwood red

thanks for sharing Brian, brought a lump to my throat and a sadness in the pit of my stomach.

god bless them all

Me too HR .. can't stop thinking about it .. when you have children of your own (or otherwise, of course) .. you tend to put yourself in the position of those parents, don't you ? and create visions of how you would feel and the long term effects of it all.

I'm truly sorry for your loss of life in Virginia Brian.

Sorry that this gunman also turned the gun on himself, would have been useful to try and talk to him to understand what made him do this in the first place, may have helped, God forbid, other crazy people ever thinking about it in the first place.