Every time we hear about another one of these tragic events such as that at VT or Columbine the common thread is always a desperate lashing out by someone who has previously been bullied over a prolonged time period. When I see all of the people mourning the loss of others, I cannot help but to wonder how many of them and how many of the shooting victims just might have been among those who bullied the shooter in the first place only to turn an indifferent face as if it never did happen at all. Each time the so called experts reveal presence of the bullying factor, studies are done and fingers get pointed towards the shooter. To be fair I must give credit to the strong anti-bullying measures being taken in schools and elsewhere, but obviously this is not enough if the same factor keeps on coming up time and time again. People are deaf, dumb and blind and while totally eager to sympathize with the victims, have no compassion at all for the shooter whose life had already been wrecked enough by others that he ended up committing such a desperate act. History repeats itself and until people stop pointing fingers at the shooter and really examine the belittlement that led him to do what he did, I have no doubt that the same thing is destined to happen again and again and again.

At the risk of seeming indifferent to specific current events . . . I would say that who killed whom & why is, of course, reportable, but; it misses the point. People in this country don't "see the forest through the trees" anymore. There is a reason why such attacks happen. There is a reason why this guy, Cho, sent his manifesto to a media outlet; for 'all to see' ( That it was yours, being irrelevant. ). This country is DYING; 'decaying from within', just like the Roman Empire did ! You guys are making it worse, by the KIND of "spin" you put on your coverage; prioritizing it, to "sell a product". A destabilized country promotes your profit - margins; as scared &/or frustrated people are more likely to watch news, seeking understanding of their predicament & how to deal w/ it. I'm sure your producers ( All the other news outlets included. ) are 'aware' of this fact.

Dear Mr. Williams,
The incident in Virginia Tech is most unfortunate and tragic not only for those in the US but also for the world and most especially for us in Asia. It has brought about a great deal of anger, incriminations and mostly shame. Heart-rending as it is, it is now our task is to learn from it. It has happened in the past and perhaps what Cho was trying to do (by sending off the parcel to you) despite his mental instability, was a help-seeking act not only for himself but for thousands of people who find themselves under the same pressure as he was. Being in a state of insecurity, losing one's sense of balance (personal equilibrium), and confused sense of identity could trigger unreasonable behaviour which could end tragically. I am trying to make sense of his actions. Why? Because it is a real problem not only with young migrant adults but with full grown adults, as well.

In my experience as a migrant myself and in my business assisting foreigners settle in their new environment, the ability to handle seemingly easy situations tend to become difficult. The demands and stress become insurmountable trying to ‘fit-in’ and be comfortable in the milieu, and if support of any form is not provided to the person going through this unpleasant experience, the defence mechanism kicks in – live in an imagined world where this person has full control! Normally this fantasy remains a fantasy. Sadly for dejected Cho, he made this ‘fantasy’ into his ‘reality. Surely there are many more aspects to consider why he did what he did and I am generalising it here, but I simply would like to share the view that we need to understand the power of or loss of intra-and inter-personal equilibrium or balance in one’s self in new and foreign situations in our global village.

In order to solve or prevent future problems, it is constantly discussed that laws should be changed. To change laws would be an arduous, complicated and lengthy process but to change our personal attitudes, taking time to talk and to make an effort understanding the people around us only requires one person – you! Which is easier to do?
Let's stop blaming each other, instead let's move on.

This is a message not only for superiors but also for peers.

Regards,
Nancy Griffiths

Dear Brian:

Since the Virginia Tech shootings this week (referenced in your blog), it occurs to me that there must be some sort of Red Flag Warning/Advisory system that the police/DMV departments could legally post on someone's licence record that would also respect the disturbed person's Civil Rights. Once a person has been singled out by peers, teachers, employers, etc., as psychologically troubled and this asserion is confirmed by a therapist, although no actual threat against anyone has been made, there simply has to be some type of safety net created so authorities are able to intervene, capitalize on the good information already on record, and put into motion a prevention plan. At the very least, an extended cooling off period of perhaps 10 days required with possible police notification of intent to purchase firearms. Can you find out if something along these lines can be proposed nationally? The fact that all of the red flags were there, but were not parlayed into prevention makes this horrific tragedy all the more unbearable.
On a completely unrelated note, I am a magazine publisher and NBC (and its affiliates) fan -- practically from birth.
My husband and I respect and enjoy your reporting immensely.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Kuehner Smith

I cannot help but notice that our Country can come together to grieve over the deaths of so many at Virginia Tech, yet we cannot seem to come together in order to prevent more and more and more deaths in Iraq.