US school shooting

[Bodhi]

In Australia, we have seen in the media the terrible news that sadly there has been another mass shooting in the US. Reports indicate 7 people were killed (including the gunman) and 7 injured. The video confession of the gunman was equally disturbing and makes me wonder why kids like this are slipping through the cracks. Are we doing enough...in families...in schools...and as a society to identify those around us who might be suffering loneliness or depression and simply ask "are you ok?". And surely it is time to ask if deadly guns such as assault rifles and handguns really make the US a safer place?

In any case, I can't imagine how the family and friends of those killed and injured must be feeling. It is a great tragedy. Given many of the members here are from the US, I offer my thoughts at what must be a sombre time.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-25/elliot-rodger-confirmed-as-gunman-in-california-shootings/5476256

Cheers,
Bodhi

 

[BlueFox]

Thank you. I too am wondering how much longer we are going to tolerate this madness in our society. It just has to be completely utterly devastating for a family to lose a child for any reason, let alone for absolutely nothing.

 

[Bodhi]

Thanks for your comments Bud. We can only hope some good comes out of this latest tragedy which reaches out to those in our society falling through the cracks, and protects our children.

 

[Mosin]

I believe that hopelessness is the worst feeling anyone can experience, but I wonder why someone would strike out in anger.

I think this extreme example speaks to a disintegration of society that is fueled by dysfunctional families and a general lack of one-on-one interactions between people.

It's a symptom of a problem that can't be fixed by passing a law. Maybe we've misplaced some of our most important values.

 

[Bodhi]

You made a good point Win about the degradation of values in society. I grew up in a large family and have wonderful parents who have been my rock, but many kids today grow up in broken homes where the parents have divorced, or one parent has been incarcerated. And the pervasive selfishness in society only leads to further isolation. Assault and hand guns also increase the danger. It's a complex problem which requires discussion at the dinner table, but ultimately a willingness on everyone's part to do whatever they can, however small, to improve the inclusiveness and cohesiveness of their local communities.

 

[Bodhi]

Keeping the focus on the Community of Isla Vista, here are some photos showing the Community response...

 

[mep]

I don't think this should be classified as a "school shooting." The shooter was a child of privilege who had issues that were known. He went on a shooting rampage in a public area, not on a school campus.

 

[Bodhi]

Thanks for your comments Mep. I will seek to amend the title and any references I made to "school shooting" asap (sorry on way to work now). I hope I haven't inadvertently offended anyone as that was not my intention.

 

[GaryProtein]

The father has some nerve blaming what he calls "lenient gun laws" for his son's crimes.

The father has far more blame than any laws that could be enacted.

 

[c1ferrari]

The father has some nerve blaming what he calls "lenient gun laws" for his son's crimes.

The father has far more blame than any laws that could be enacted.

Hello,

Perusal of the referenced article suggests the gentleman was the father of one of the victims.

 

[GaryProtein]

Yes, it was the father of a victim. Sorry. It has been a long day. Still, gun laws won't help. People have gotten illegal guns as long as there have been gun laws.

 

[Bodhi]

Thanks for your comments Gary. This is an emotive subject, and I think everyone understands there are many points of view about what could be done better or differently. I personally think it is good for citizens in the US to have that conversation. We can only that leads to a safer community.

 

[rockitman]

The father has some nerve blaming what he calls "lenient gun laws" for his son's crimes.

The father has far more blame than any laws that could be enacted.

Didn't he blame the NRA and congress for his son's death ? No wonder the kid turned out so well. Great parenting...

 

[c1ferrari]

Yes, it was the father of a victim. Sorry. It has been a long day.

No need to apologize...I was in the Isla Vista area not so long ago.
One of my former colleagues and good friend is a UCSB alumnus.

 

[Whatmore]

A I understand it, the killer obtained his guns legally.

 

[rockitman]

A I understand it, the killer obtained his guns legally.

Even w/o the guns, he stabbed 3 people where he lived. Time to ban Chef knives.

 

[Bodhi]

Is there much coverage of this tragedy in the US media? I bet it will be a hot topic around the water cooler after the holiday break..

 

[mep]

Is there much coverage of this tragedy in the US media? I bet it will be a hot topic around the water cooler after the holiday break..

There is tons of coverage and it was the lead story on ABC World News Tonight. And no, it won't be a hot topic at the water coolers tomorrow except for places close to where it happened. In most major American cities, they stack up the dead like cord wood every day from all of the shootings that occurred during the night. Two people were shot in Indy this afternoon and that won't get talked about tomorrow where I work either. People have become numb to all of the shootings and as long as it's not someone they know, people don't get too excited. We now have to practice 'active shooter' drills at work because the thought is that it's just a matter of time until it happens to us.

 

[BlueFox]

Just another weekend, 6 shootings in Myrtle Beach, 3 dead, 5 wounded.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/25/us/myrtle-beach-shootings/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

 

[Mosin]

Things are actually looking up in some areas.

One man, this time a competent and honest Chief of Police, has made a big difference.

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2014/05/detroit_homicide_update_90_yea.html


There are places I avoid at all costs, however. This is one.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-shootings-258603111.html

http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-murder-capital-of-america-fbi-142122290.html