33 confirmed dead in campus rampage

[Simfan34 11]

SHUT UP! At least 33 are dead or so I heard. Sick.

[BlueBomber1138 0]

I'm a student at Virginia Tech, and yeah, it's been hectic over here all day. Such a tragedy. I've got a few details on hand, so if you've got any questions about what happened, feel free to ask. I'll probably be back a little later to give an account of what I'm aware of happening.

[IDS2 3,429]

Man...things like this just sicken me. And it REALLY makes me mad when the gunner kills himself!!!!! Some people are so stupid!!! They just need to learn control. And 32 people matters just as much as anything else. Think about it, how would you like to  be one of those 32 people??? And to the students there, I'm sorry you had to endure such a horribe event.

BlueBomber: I feel sorry for you. I do have a question, how man students would you guess currently enroll?

[-M- 6]

Thank you BlueBomber, and thank god you're safe. Good luck over there.

[patfirefghtr 160]

I think it's about time that the Americans do some introspection and turn their attention inward, to the domestic and internal problems, before running off trying to save the world.quote>

-M-  you do have a good point on that one right there but i do have to add to it though
we as americans do our best to help our fellow brothers err Human family. yes 
sure we have our troubles at home and we do deal with it.  Troubles abroad 
we deal with and such as the issues that yes are at hand.  But alittle sympthy would
be nice here.  Its not every day that some wacko attacks or some fanatic in the name
ala or what ever god claims to worships blows them self up to kingdom cong in the name
of clensing. I do pray for everyone every day that has losted someone cause of violance its sicking and horrible thing that has happend. with that said im outties - pat

---

This is not a flame or an attack its how im feeling and with that take it or leave it - pat

[Mikeaut1 261]

Let's make one thing clear here:

Please do not use this thread to start dissing a country or people. There have already been a few posts made in this thread that have been deleted. If you want to discuss domestic and international issues regarding the United States, please do so by creating a new thread in the Current Events forum. This is not the thread to break into off topic argument.

Bluebomber1138 - Wow, that's remarkable that you were there. Were you anywhere close to the areas on campus where the two shootings took place?

[Hopelandic 0]

BlueBomber1138: I'm very glad your safe, my prayers and thoughts are with you and all your friends and your fellow classmates.

[Simfan34 11]

My sympathies. I know someone who goes there. I hope they are okay.

[coolotter88 2]

lets all hope this doesn't happen again (even though it probably will...)

we should have bulletproof desks that when people start hearing shots and stuff, The kids all push the table up against the door and wait.

[el_grande02 0]

This situation reminds me of the Columbine shooting like 8 years ago. Now watch as college security will increase tenfold and soon many college campuses will have security checkpoints. What a cruel world we live in today.

[Tarkus 6,933]

Let me say, first of all, that I am just sickened by this news, and my deepest sympathies go out to the Virginia Tech faculty, students, staff and their families. 

As far as the gun control issue goes, I'm very anti-gun control.  I haven't gone hunting before (and I don't think I'd want to), but I have gone target shooting before (with non-living targets).  All gun control does, in my view of things, is makes it harder for everyday citizens to defend themselves against crazy people like these, or to engage in legal, legitimate recreational activities.   The criminals and messed up people in the world are still going to get their guns through whatever means, and it will be harder to stop them when people can't own firearms for their own self-defense.  We don't need gun control, we need idiot control.

One rather interesting development I did see recently was with the city of Beaverton, Oregon (which is relatively near me, a suburb of Portland) which actually banned certain non-firing toy guns (which I don't entirely agree with either).

At any rate, this is a really sad situation, and I'm glad to see you're alright BlueBomber1138.  This has to be a really difficult time for you, and I can't even begin to imagine.  We're here for you.

-Tarkus

[Krio 626]

22 youngster died three years ago in bus vs. truck crash here. 22 young potential world shapers. They died, because of the truck driver. Did anyone outside Finland even knew about that? Maybe Swedish put that into their evening news, but e.g BBC wrote little text about that. But when americans die, the whole world must cry for them, is that little odd? 60 iraqi's were blown in the air today, who cries after them besides their families? But oh my god when G.I Joe dies in the same bang.

And I posted two suicides (comedical) suicides here, maybe few say "think about the family of the dead guy".

Look yourself from the mirror United States of America. You are not the only nation in this planet. You are as important as everyone else. Cry quiet if necessary.

[Simfan34 11]

Krio, the media shows what people want to hear, not what should be heard.

[baystatebill 2]

I am absolutely sickened by the events of today at Virginia Tech. My deepest sympathies go out to all the victim's families and students of VT. I have been there many times as a student of a competing school athletically.I must say that VT was my favorite place to visit. The campus is so beautiful and the people there were always so nice to us even though we were their to support the other side. I'm sorry I have to say sickening it is that I have to come on this website and start to read political statements regarding pro-NRA and right wing cristians. Anyone who has to take a tragedy like this and within hours start to politicize the event is an evil, sick person. It makes me so angry to see how people will take any event, good or tragic and try to turn it instantly to side with their politcal agenda. It's people like you that make most people feel disfranchised with politics. Get a clue, have some sympathy and if you can't do that stay locked down in your mother's basements for a few more years unti your ready to join the rest of us.

[Mikeaut1 261]

Originally posted by: Krio 22 youngster died three years ago in bus vs. truck crash here. 22 young potential world shapers. They died, because of the truck driver. Did anyone outside Finland even knew about that? Maybe Swedish put that into their evening news, but e.g BBC wrote little text about that. But when americans die, the whole world must cry for them, is that little odd? 60 iraqi's were blown in the air today, who cries after them besides their families? But oh my god when G.I Joe dies in the same bang.

And I posted two suicides (comedical) suicides here, maybe few say "think about the family of the dead guy".

Look yourself from the mirror United States of America. You are not the only nation in this planet. You are as important as everyone else. Cry quiet if necessary.quote>

I'd have to disagree there. First off, car accidents are a daily occurrence in life. There are thousands upon thousands of car accidents everyday in the world. Unless the 22 youths in the bus were deliberately attacked by the truck driver (or was it a drunk driving incident?), then many people have the urge to just say "ah, too bad for them, let them RIP."

With this though, a gunman (or several) who is still not identified, came into a large university with the mindset of killing as many people as he could; killing people who were still young and hard at work trying to achieve success at their school. People who never even had the chance to experience life after college; getting a salary job or starting a family. That is really catastrophic to the parents, relatives, and friends of the people involved in this tragedy. I bet if something like what happened today occurred abroad (Europe, Asia), it would be broadcasted on international news and given some media attention.

Also, you have to remember, in terms of threads such as these popping up on the site's current events forum: a majority of the users here on Simtropolis are US citizens. There are many others, including Canadians, British, French, Italian, and other spots throughout the world, but a majority of the ST visitors are also US citizens. So I immediately expected someone starting this thread. I would've also expected a British (or even American) here on ST to start a current event thread regarding a shooting at a British university.

I think the main focus of this thread is to remember those who have died in this horrific tragedy, and also discuss the matter as a group. I just don't see the point in starting an argument in a thread like this one.

Anyway, I'm sure many of us are hoping for some more answers to our questions regarding this. Did anyone see the press conference from Virginia Tech? It was broadcasted about an hour and a half ago.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

The excited states needs to fix its constitution.  It should not be a right to bear arms.  That provision was for another time and a different situation. 

Because of the "gun lobby" it will be difficult if not impossible to get something like this ratified by enough states to make it happen.  This is tragic, because assault weapons are, essentially, perfectly legal in the United States of America.  Maybe the motto of the U.S. should be changed to "Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness, and Shoot my Neighbor".

[1dera3 29]

What puzzles me more is why school officials never locked down the campus after the first shooting at the dormitory, instead of figuring it was all over and he had left.

Watching the news a bit more...

Asian male, early/mid 20s, unknown around campus, completely random and senseless act...

Glad to hear you're safe, BlueBomber1138.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: BlueBomber1138 I'm a student at Virginia Tech, and yeah, it's been hectic over here all day. Such a tragedy. I've got a few details on hand, so if you've got any questions about what happened, feel free to ask. I'll probably be back a little later to give an account of what I'm aware of happening.quote>

 

Im glad your OK. 

I know this wont happen but i hope they dont release this nutbars name when they find out who it is. let him remain anonymose. focus on the victims instead of the coward.

[-M- 6]

More details here:

Carnage on US campus leaves 33 dead

http://www.iol.co.za/widgets/rss_redirect.php?artid=nw20070417000126564C642997&setid=1&sectid=79&url=iol&vne=0&csect=News

[baystatebill 2]

It's always easy it sit back now and say they should of shut down the campus. If the police really felt that it was a domestic incident and that it was over. No one, NO ONE ever would sit back and think that this same person, if it is the same person, would come back a few hours and kill 30 more people.

[Voar Tok 4]

First, I want to say that I feel for the families and friends of the people who were affected by this as well as those who were affected just by being there like the VT student body.

Second, since the discussion about the US constitution doesn't seem to be going away, I think it would be best to clarify something else regarding that.  The right to own guns isn't going to just get changed for a number of reasons.  First, it's impossible to just make a law that overrides or changes what the constitution says on the issue.  The constitution is the supreme law of the US, and cannot be overridden by anything (with the possible exception of an Executive Order, which wouldn't have any permanent effect in the long haul and in regards to this issue, wouldn't even be considered). Second, if congress dared to try to make such a law, even if the President didn't veto it, by the time that the supreme court got it, they'd declare it unconstitutional, which would make the law totally null and void.  Third, the constitution is difficult to amend, and was designed as such.  It takes two-thirds of both the Senate and the House of Reps, plus the President's signature, and three-fourths of the states to ratify the change and usually there's a time limit on when all that has to be obtained by.  Thousands of amendments have been proposed - only 27 have ever passed.  Finally, because the right to own a gun is considered an inalienable right and is located in the grouping of amendments that are considered to be the bill of rights, that technically means that the government doesn't have the right to do something that would take one of those rights away without the American public starting such a process, it'll never get anywhere.  And given that there is a large number of Americans who do use guns for self-defense or recreational purposes, it'll never happen in our lifetimes.

[beebs 129]

Originally posted by: Krio Madman shooting people is as common as car accident. They happen all the time. Start to think, there is many this kind of stuff in Germany in about each month.

So Yankee 'tropolians could also think feelings of non-yankees with their "grief".quote>

Madmen shooting up university dorms is not a common occurance, and this is not the time or place to be debating that. If all you plan on doing is berate posters for grieving for their fellow Americans, I suggest you keep it to yourself.

It is a sad day for Virginia.. and I'm truly glad you're all right, Bluebomber.

[defcon pilot 0]

Originally posted by: IDS2 Man...things like this just sicken me. And it REALLY makes me mad when the gunner kills himself!!!!! Some people are so stupid!!!quote>

He might have been insane, you don't know. =/= stupid.

Good to hear you're OK, bluebomber. And good luck over there.

[Meg 368]

Originally posted by: Voar Tok First, I want to say that I feel for the families and friends of the people who were affected by this as well as those who were affected just by being there like the VT student body.quote>

Agreed.  My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Looking for good news, some of the injuries seem to be fairly minor.  I just saw an interview with a guy who had been shot in the arm.  He felt well enough to appear on camera wearing a button down shirt and tie which, believe me, are not easy to get into when your arm is injured enough to be in a sling.

. . .  The constitution is the supreme law of the US . . .  it'll never happen in our lifetimes.quote>

 

Probably not.  and even if it did, it wouldn't help.  Thanks to Prohibition we have an extensive underground distribution network.  People will get the guns, one way or another.

It is interesting to note that, since the 70s, Washington, DC has had a ban on firearms.  It was recently overturned as being unconstitutional.  During the time that guns were banned, guess which city had a very high rate of gun violence?  Washington, DC.  At one point it was "the murder capital of the world".

It will be interesting to see what happens to the gun violence rate in DC now that average citizens can legally own them again.  An experiement worth watching.

Just for the record, I am not a fan of guns or the gun lobby.  Nor do I see why an average citizen needs rapid fire assault weapons.  But I also believe that making firearms illegal in the United States would not accomplish anything positive.

Edit:  anyone who can't understand that several dozen innocent people dying is a tragedy is welcome to take their cold heartedness somewhere else and not post in this thread.

[commanderkai 38]

Yeah I heard about this. What a tragedy. My prayers are out for the family.

Oh and this has nothing to do with gun control. You could ban guns completely and they will still be in the country illegally. Most criminals don't go to the gun store and buy guns, they usually get them illegally, which makes them impossible to track.

[Mikeaut1 261]

This thread is being temporarily shut down for cleanup so that new posts will not be made during the clean up process and for the debate and uneeded argument to quell. Check back later.

THREAD RE-OPENED

This time, let us keep on topic and avoid argument. This thread was not created to argue or criticize, but to discuss a shocking and tragic event that occurred today. If you have nothing productive to say, or something to say that you feel will offend others in this discussion, then do not post it.

Thank you!

[nycsc4 5,250]

My heart goes out to the students at Virginia Tech. BlueBomber, I am glad to hear your all right. Hope your friends are also ok.

Mikeaut1: Thanks for cleaning that up, it needed it.

[MarcosMX 222]

My prayers to those who lost their lives and their families

Something similar was about to happen here, when a student posted on myspace.com a comment on his friend's page that he would bring a gun to school and shoot 12 students. Luckily this didn't happened thanks to the authorities.

[hamsterTK 93]

It's always easy it sit back now and say they should of shut down the campus. If the police really felt that it was a domestic incident and that it was over. No one, NO ONE ever would sit back and think that this same person, if it is the same person, would come back a few hours and kill 30 more people.quote>

true

maybe its time for a policy change. My college closed because of a wimpy ice storm where the roads werent too icy to keep me from still having to go to work. With that in mind I would think if 2 people died from being shot on campus that would be enough to cancel school to at least catch the person invovled

[Joesocwork 4]

In our household we have at least one relative that goes to the school and The Magistrate has been on the phone and watching the news all day.  The relative reports that she wasn't there today but she had concerns about a fiance's sister who was.

The media, imo, has been reasonably fair and compassionate so far.  I can hardly wait for the inevitable politization of the event, in whatever forms they may take.