Shooting in US - Virginia

[RoadRaven]

So the final toll seems to be 32 plus the non-student shooter himself.

Plus 15 wounded by the shooter, and I guess more wounded who jumped from windows?

I feel cold and icey when I think of this... awhi awhi from Aotearoa to all who are affected by this tradgedy.

[lovemybike]

This is such a terrible terrible thing that has happened. So sad to know that so many young lives have been taken so early. So many young lives effected by this tragedy. These scars will be with them forever. It's such a sad thing. The only thing that will help in this time is prayer and love for everyone involved. This just brings to light how fragile this life is, and the fact that we are not promised another day. This second is all we know is for sure. In light of all that has happened, I hope everyone who reads this will consider their lives and the lives of those around you. The students at VT never thought today would be their last day on earth. Where will you go when you die?

[Mr. Bloom]

we are not promised another day

You're so right. I'm watching CNN at 4AM and the tone seems to be focused on why the University did not respond in a different way (like you can really have a plan to deal with the unfathomable?!?!?), but the armchair quarterbacks of the media will never focus on this one fundamental truth -

today is a blessing and tomorrow is not a promise.

[crazycanuck]

I don't understand.

WTF is wrong with people???? Use the thing that attaches to your shoulders!

Batbike-I'll keep VA tech in my thoughts.

*sigh*

c

[uforgot]

You're so right. I'm watching CNN at 4AM and the tone seems to be focused on why the University did not respond in a different way (like you can really have a plan to deal with the unfathomable?!?!?), but the armchair quarterbacks of the media will never focus on this one fundamental truth -

today is a blessing and tomorrow is not a promise.

I teach in a small High School, and yes, we plan for the unfathomable. All doors, except the front door, are locked on the outside, but can be pushed open from the inside. No one can enter from the outside without help. Propping or opening the door to strangers has severe consequenses. It's darn inconvenient, and we complain, but I don't think anyone will have a problem with it today. Only the front door is open, it's by the office and has a security camera on it. Visitors cannot go beyond the front door without approval. In the case of an emergency, we have a code word. If we hear that word from anyone, we are to lock our doors and keep our students in the classroom. In February, our local university had a student threaten others on campus with a white powder. The university was immediately locked down, classes cancelled, and commuters informed by the media to stay away. Entrances blocked, until the student was found and arrested.

No one thinks it can happen to them, but it takes just one crazy person. We plan, practice, (yes, we practice keeping them in the class when told) and we are doing our best to keep the students safe. I certainly appreciated the efforts at UMR, since my son is a student there. Some people think they over reacted, but in hind sight, their actions were appropriate. I'm not saying that it can't happen to us, but I think that schools everywhere should be more prepared for the "unfathomable".

I, too, am wondering why classes were allowed to go on when this man was still at large, and I'm sure this will come out in the next few days, as the questions are already starting. I can't imagine the anguish and second guessing the president of Virginia Tech must feel.

My thoughts and prayers go to everyone at the university, family, friends and employees.

[wannaduacentury]

I work at a small college and I read my email and one of our faculty/staff members son was killed at VT yesterday. The son's name was Michael Bishop. I personally don't know them, but it's incredibly sad that this even happened. When is school violence going to stop? My prayers are with his family and all the others involved. May God Bless and Keep them. Jennifer

[crazycanuck]

Wannadu-Please pass on my condolences to the people that knew Michael.

C

[wannaduacentury]

Wannadu-Please pass on my condolences to the people that knew Michael.

C

I will. I'll go by the chapel today myself. J

[wannaduacentury]

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/12250174/detail.html

The son's name was Christopher Bishop and he taught at VT. He was killed inside a classroom.

[uforgot]

Someone who was interviewed indicated that maybe the media needs to quit presenting this as a new record. (Deadliest shooting in US history.) While we need to be informed, I wonder what can be done about this attention that is surely attractive to some lunatic out there.

My thoughts are with you wannaduacentury and those who knew Christopher.

[wannaduacentury]

I work at a small college and I read my email and one of our faculty/staff members son was killed at VT yesterday. The son's name was Michael Bishop. I personally don't know them, but it's incredibly sad that this even happened. When is school violence going to stop? My prayers are with his family and all the others involved. May God Bless and Keep them. Jennifer

Correction- The father's name was Michael Bishop- not the son. I don't have his name yet. The president of my college has sent a heartfelt email to everyone and re-implemented safety protocols for our own school. The chapel is open to anyone that needs it and the campus chaplain is available for counseling. The Bishops are in Va. now. They had left yesterday after the shootings and that their son was injured. They only learned the horrible truth after they arrived, along w/ many other families. J

[roguedog]

The Bishops are in Va. now. They had left yesterday after the shootings and that their son was injured. They only learned the horrible truth after they arrived, along w/ many other families. J

??

i cannot imagine.. so my heart goes out to these folks (all of them)..