Updated:At Least 33 Dead in Va. Tech Shooting

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I have resisted posting anything on this issue until now. I am a VPI graduate from the class of '75.

My heart goes out to all who are suffering through this infamy in the Virginia Tech family. I am surprised that my feelings of 'family' for the Tech community are still this strong after entering the alumnus status so long ago. My prayers and support are with you. I am certain that my feelings are echoed just as strongly throughout our Tech family.

I am encouraged by the strength of spirit that I see broadcast over the media of our Tech students and their families, the acts of courage and heroism displayed by faculty and students facing chaos and peril, and the poise, discipline, and pride displayed under the most dire circumstances at all levels at this university.

I can't turn back time to change the events of Monday, I can't bring back our fallen, and I can't diminish the hurt. But I want you to know that I stand with you and will always keep alive the memory of those sacrificed in my heart.

UT PROSIM !!!

I have resisted posting anything on this issue until now. I am a VPI graduate from the class of '75.

My heart goes out to all who are suffering through this infamy in the Virginia Tech family. I am surprized that my feelings of 'family' for the Tech community are still this strong after entering the alumnus status so long ago. My prayers and support are with you. I am certain that I my feelings are echoed just as strongly throughout our Tech family.

I am encouraged by the strength of spirit that I see broadcast over the media of our Tech students and their families, the acts of courage and heroism displayed by faculty and students facing chaos and peril, and the poise, discipline, and pride displayed under the most dire circumstances at all levels at this university.

I can't turn back time and change the events of Monday, I can't bring back our fallen, I can't take away the hurt. But I want you to know that I stand with you and will always keep alive the memory of those sacrificed in my heart.

UT PROSIM !!!Nice post and we feel the same as you.

Wow. The true epitome of hero!


First of all, let's put that whole constitutional right into perspective. This was written when you could be walking down the road and be attacked by a bear. When there were no police services, and most people needed a gun in order to eat. This is no longer the case. We don't need guns anymore. While I think the whole "gun in the home" thing is overblown. More kids die because of swimming pools than because of guns. However, there needs to be gun control.

When I was 17, a bunch of my friends and I got drunk. We decided hey, let's shoot those clay things you toss in the air (can't remember their names), so we drive to Wal-Mart, buy two guns, ammo, and a shooter for those clay things. I was 17, and within 45 minutes we had two firearms, a ton of ammunition, and we were drunk.

They need to lock down gun laws a bit, because most people don't need guns. Especially hand guns. They just aren't necessary. I can definitely see hunting rifles, etc. However, I'm not sneaking a hunting rifle anywhere.

There's nothing that can be done to stop people like the guy who shot up VT. It's just impossible, if they want to attack someone, guns are easy enough to find, and even easier to obtain with a little money. People like this, unfortunately, will always be very difficult to stop.
Tell my buddy that he did not need a hand gun when he was attacked on the street with his wife and child. Luckly he had his gun (legaly) and with the sight of the gun the attackers took off because they only had a knife. Maybe they just wanted his wallet and maybe his wifes purse but maybe something worse could have happened. If you look up crimes commited by people who have carry permits it is very very low. When I was in high school back in the early 80's guys brought guns to school hanging in gun racks in their pick ups. I can even remember checking out shot gun my buddy got for his birth day with the principle of the school. It was no big deal back then and it was not even an issue. I myself do not own a gun and do belive that a better back ground checks might help but I still believe if a person wants to kill they will.

I'm still undecided on this issue, but how come Britain has such a low crime rate with basically a law against all hand guns?

I'm still undecided on this issue, but how come Britain has such a low crime rate with basically a law against all hand guns?
You know I was thinking yesterday as someone pointed out that Europe and other countries that ban guns have a lower gun murder rate. Well that would make sense but it seems we never see their murder rate as a whole only the selective gun stats. It could be lower all around but I'd like to see the numbers.

I would too. If their stats are similar, I'd like to adopt a few of their changes, because it seems to work out well for them.

Tell my buddy that he did not need a hand gun when he was attacked on the street with his wife and child. Luckly he had his gun (legaly) and with the sight of the gun the attackers took off because they only had a knife. Maybe they just wanted his wallet and maybe his wifes purse but maybe something worse could have happened. If you look up crimes commited by people who have carry permits it is very very low. When I was in high school back in the early 80's guys brought guns to school hanging in gun racks in their pick ups. I can even remember checking out shot gun my buddy got for his birth day with the principle of the school. It was no big deal back then and it was not even an issue. I myself do not own a gun and do belive that a better back ground checks might help but I still believe if a person wants to kill they will.

I'm not for or against gun control but there are just as many instances where not having a gun would have saved a life. Domestic disputes, teenagers getting drunk and playing with daddy's gun (personal tragedy in my life, actually), road rage, etc.

Once again, I really don't care what the legislation is or will be regarding gun control but I don't see how one can argue the merits for or against by recounting personal events that affected that situation only. The argument works for both sides.

Not sure if this was reported here but the NATS wore V Tech ball caps last night. I pulled mine out of the closet and have it on too.
peace
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I have a rhetorical question, will owning a 9mm really prevent the government (which has just a few more and bigger weapons) from oppressing the peeps?