Tuesday April 17, 2007, 7:50 am
Here's my message to them, which I'm sure they won't publish:

I want to feel bad for you, I really do, but how many of you ever put any effort into thinking about what your reaction to such an event would be? How many of you were smart enough to buy a gun, learn to use it, and keep it with you in case of such an event, when you have only seconds or less to decide if you will have the dignity to fight back or the cowardice to act like a domesticated animal waiting your turn at the butcher shop?
Barry Bright (Taylor County, KY)

Tuesday April 17, 2007, 9:13 am
As a preventive measure:

My hope is that this particular "news submitted" doesn't become a opening for a debate on gun control. There are other areas on Care2 that such a debate can take place.

My intention in submitting this story was to provide those who wish to express their condolences the means to do so via the guestbook found at the Roanoke Times newspaper.

I realize that I have no control over the comments section, but hope this will remind us that the negativity of this event is thick already and there's no need to add to it.

Tuesday April 17, 2007, 9:53 am
Stephanie...
I think your idea is a valid one. I agree with you that there is a time and place for a debate on gun control.

Barry... you make some very valid points, but there is a time and place to do things, and I don't feel that a page for condolences is the best time and place for your comment. I feel it will likely cause anger, rather than the thought provoking discussion that I'm sure you meant for it to cause.

Tuesday April 17, 2007, 10:57 am
Fighting violence with violence is never an answer. Peace to all beings.
S.

Tuesday April 17, 2007, 10:57 am
Stephanie, thank you for posting this, and giving us an opportunity to let those families, friends, neighbors, classmates, etc effected by this know that we are all thinking of them.

Tuesday April 17, 2007, 11:08 am
Agreed. Thank you Stephanie.

Tuesday April 17, 2007, 1:01 pm
Thank you Stephanie. This is such a horrible thing to happen and I pray for their families and friends. Having this guestbook is a great thing, I am sure it will bring comfort to those that need it most. Let's use this guestbook for good instead of for a debate or for remarks.