Virginia Tech Shootings

Posted by: Exiled Highlander on 16 April 2007

I watched the internet news feeds in horror today as the almost unbelievable events at Virginia Tech unfolded.

I watched the University President give a very controlled nes conference in trying circumstances and I watched video clips of shocked students trying to come to terms with this tragedy.

I then read a White House statement issued on behalf of George Bush which said "A White House spokesman said President Bush was horrified by the rampage and offered his prayers to the victims and the people of Virginia.

"The president believes that there is a right for people to bear arms, but that all laws must be followed," spokeswoman Dana Perino said

I am stunned that at a time like this he immediately chooses to defend the US constitutional right to bear arms....why the F@*k did he even have to mention it? I guess the National Rifle Association carries a strong lobby and he is already heading off the inevitable cries for stronger gun laws....way to go Mr. Prez.

Jim
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by u5227470736789439
Rasher, we would be top nation again! The Long-bow was the most lethal weapon for a long time! [Smiley]!! Fredrik
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by acad tsunami
No need to have massed armies go at it with bare knuckles either - why not have each country produce a champion to do battle on their behalf?
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by acad tsunami
In fact why don't we have our leaders scrap it out in a large arena? - Bush vs Saddam in a bare knuckle fight to the death and shown on tv - now that would have been worth the license fee.
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by acad tsunami
Galtieri vs Thatcher would have been amusing - would we allow her to use her handbag though?
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by u5227470736789439
The stilleto/stiletto [spelling?] would have been more lethal, I expect! Fredrik
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Fisbey
Problem with the 'cultural issues' is that I feel they have/are creeping in here (the UK)...

I'd personally rather see a real 'feel good' film than loads of shooters and blood'n'stuff.

Also where there's money to be made from violence (computer games, films, guns etc.) - it's unlikely to go away soon.....
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by u5227470736789439
Dear Fisbey,

US culture is a sort of Imperialism. I would guess it will spread less fast in non-English speaking countries. The conclusion is inevtable - emigrate. Adam has the right idea! [Smiley]!

ATB from Fredrik
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Rasher
quote:
Originally posted by Fisbey:
I'd personally rather see a real 'feel good' film than loads of shooters and blood'n'stuff.

That's because you are turning into a woman Fisbey.
quote:
Rasher, we would be top nation again! The Long-bow was the most lethal weapon for a long time!

Fredrik - We've just solved a world problem and you want to start an arms race again!! I dunno. Winker
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Fisbey
Can I be be auntie Fisbey then? Big Grin

not stereotyping here are we?.......
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by acad tsunami
quote:
Originally posted by Rasher:
[QUOTE]

Fredrik - We've just solved a world problem and you want to start an arms race again!! I dunno. Winker


Blooming warmongerers are everywhere Roll Eyes
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Rasher
And always the people you least expect
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Fisbey
I'm just a regular Joe with a regular job
I'm your average white suburbanite slob
I like football and porno and books about war
I've got an average house with a nice hardwood floor
My wife and my job, my kids and my car
My feet on my table, and a cuban cigar....
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Alexander
Seems like this killer has gotten way more than his 15 minutes of fame. Beat that.

Suppose you have a rule that the first 20 days after such an event the only reporting allowed is in writing. No images, no video.
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Rockingdoc
quote:
Originally posted by Big Brother:
I always take my gun because I have had a number of close calls with the local bears (!!).

BB


What do you expect in a country that insists on the right to arm bears
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Fisbey
That's cheered me up after having my sexuality questioned Big Grin
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Diode100
quote:
Originally posted by AlexanderVH:
Seems like this killer has gotten way more than his 15 minutes of fame. Beat that.

Suppose you have a rule that the first 20 days after such an event the only reporting allowed is in writing. No images, no video.


What if there was a rule that the killer could not be identified in these incidents, if he was required to be buried by sunset in an unmarked grave. No face, No name, No number, No agenda, just erased from the records, forever.
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Alexander
That would affect his fame indeed. It would not avoid the media making a big event out of it though. Seems my post was a bit elliptic. How do you avoid spreading the meme? What appeals most to potential killers like that, the ability to exit with a big bang , or the ability to achieve some fame for your name? My guess is the first, hence the idea to dampen the media bang while minimizing the infringement on free speech. But one approach doesn't exclude the other.
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Big Brother
quote:
Originally posted by AlexanderVH:
Seems like this killer has gotten way more than his 15 minutes of fame. Beat that.

Suppose you have a rule that the first 20 days after such an event the only reporting allowed is in writing. No images, no video.



Great, so now we'll start censoring the media.

Next thing you know, THEY'LL TAKE AWAY OUR FRIGGING GUNS !!!! Winker Roll Eyes
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Deane F
quote:
Originally posted by Fisbey:

I'm just a regular Joe with a regular job
I'm your average white suburbanite slob
I like football and porno and books about war
I've got an average house with a nice hardwood floor
My wife and my job, my kids and my car
My feet on my table, and a cuban cigar....


You're an arsehole?
Posted on: 20 April 2007 by Fisbey
Very much so.
Posted on: 20 April 2007 by Deane F
It's a great song. Dennis Leary seems to be a versatile fellow.
Posted on: 20 April 2007 by Earwicker
quote:
Originally posted by Deane F:
You're an arsehole?

I though it was asshole??
Posted on: 20 April 2007 by Deane F
quote:
Originally posted by Earwicker:

I though it was asshole??


He's American. They spell stuff wrong.
Posted on: 20 April 2007 by Mick P
Very few Colonials can spell.
Posted on: 20 April 2007 by Melnobone
Most can barely string a sentence together.

Facial hair seems very popular as well...