I have been fairly quiet and a bit busy recently and so I have not commented on the tragedy at Virginia Tech. In my honest opinion, this guy seems to be crazy and insane. Based upon the news and the video, this was clearly a premeditated attack and he obviously planned on shooting up the campus. I doubt very seriously that anyone could have seen this coming, or have done anything to prevent this from happening. This is not a result of liberal gun laws, which apparently Virginia has the most liberal gun laws in the nation. Unfortunately this looks like one mad, deranged man/child, who was unable to cope with life and chose an illegal, immoral, sad and tragic way out.
It seems that there was very little that VT officials could have done to prevent this from happening. Perhaps they could have been more proactive after the first shooting, but they cannot reasonably expect the same shooter to go on a second killing spree two hours later, after mailing a press kit. If he had mental issues, the school was unable to alert his family without violating his privacy, they were unable to commit him for psychiatric care for a long time, and his ex-girlfriends were unwilling to press stalking charges against him.
There are times when shit happens, and as much as we the people and the media want/need to blame someone for the shit that happens sometimes we have to own up the individual responsibility. This guy was troubled, did anyone know he was this troubled? If there is no psychologist, or social worker or other mental care professional who was treating this person for a mental disease how do you predict or prevent this from happening. Sometimes it just happens, and all the finger pointing afterwards is just wasted breath. Maybe time will tell that someone knew and could have done more, but I doubt it. It is sad, but probably true.
On the flip side, shame on NBC or MSNBC and every other alleged news organization that played the video sent by the killer. All this does is provide him with additional uneeded publicity for his heinous crimes and actions, and give future psychopaths ideas on how best to receive credit for their actions beyond the grave. It also makes it more difficult for the families of the slain to move on, since they are constantly being bombarded by this psycho's image.
Kudo's to the family's for boycotting NBC. It is hard enough (and very explotative) for the survivors to get in front of the camera and describe their feelings, and for them to get up the guption to tell NBC to fuck off is stupendous. The fact that NBC chose to go public with this video strictly for ratings purposes, rather than to turn it over the authorities is reprehensible. Not that I single out NBC, since I am sure any major media outlet would have done the same thing. Yet another example of the story state of our new media.
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7 comments:
I agree with you on just about everything you said, Jeff, except that it could not have been prevented. Only in America! Is it only in America we have such things happen? OK, they do happen in other countries but how frequently? Perhaps if we had a more active, better funded, and supported social service network, he could have been discovered and his behavior maybe modified. I'm sure they have loners like him in Europe but do they go on rampages like this one did?........ Oh dear, why do I hate America? :-)
Seev,
Well, needless to say I don't hate the US, and I am very sorry that you feel this way, but...
If we did have a better social service network this could have been avoided, but there is a level of personal responsibility that I am referring to in which we cannot blame the actions of individuals on others.
We can always attempt to prevent the sales of guns, but the 2nd ammendment says otherwise. We can treat and/or lock up every crazy on the street, but what about the quiet guy who keeps to himself and showed no issues ahead of time.
This event, like the next terrorist event is going to happen. We can do everything possible to prevent it, but if some individuals want to do harm to others, they will always find a way, and that is truly the sad situation.
Thanks for the comment.
Jeff
it's just gross and sad, period
A tragedy all round.
NBC sucks for broadcasting that stuff.
The guy was clearly unwell. By all accounts various people tried to get him 'looked at'
Lets hope that an appropriate lesson is learned and that societies take steps to help those in need of it.
Western scoieties tend to do great with people who live in stable loving families with good friend networks and what not..but for loners and people who struggle to play that 'fit in' game, we could perhaps do a little more maybe.
Yes, I agree with you, Jeff. The truly dedicated terrorist can always find a way, even if it means blowing himself or herself up. That is indeed the sad situation. Your point is well taken.
Rob,
What more can we do? If the person is not well, and not willing to seek professional help, then the only alternative is for a family member to get him/her committed.
I certainly don't want the government or general citizens to feel like they have to take on the responsibility of defining the mental well being of citizens.
That is the backbone of witch hunts and a step towards dictatorship with big brother deciding you are not well or not fit for society and need to be reprogrammed.
Hi Jeff
I hear where you are coming from, but...I dunno, its a tough one.
It just seems that lots of people were very concerned about this guy, yet it seems that no one acted .
Maybe society is just broken.
There are moves afoot here to compel those with severe disorders to take their drugs - those that elect not to, could find themselves incarcerated. Thats the spin being put on the legislative bill. I doubt it would become law, simply because of the complexities of the civil liberties at stake.
Rob
p.s liking the new look blog!
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