I agree; this guy was very sick and troubled...and that I fear those words do not even start to cover it....and just talking about "the pain and suffering" he caused only just starts to cover, in MHO, what his families and friends and those of his victums are now going through.....
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,217240,00.html

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/03/ami...ing/index.html

But I do have to agree, with comments made at press conference, that out of all groups, perhaps the Amish as group may be able to handle (if one can ever truly handle anything like this ) this kind of tragity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish

I'm going out on a limb and say that the perp was more than "troubled". He was a coward. No matter what his problems were, he chose to invade a community that is non-violent by definition. Then he chose a school - so that the people involved would be mostly under 14. Then he let the boys go free. Then he used a form of handcuffs on these little girls - very non-street smart little girls. Then when he heard the state police, he shot those little girls execution style, then shot himself. That is NOT the work of a sophisticated killer, it's the work of a coward.

Of the little girls who are dead, there were two sets of sisters. Another little girl was shot in the upper back, instead of head - we can only pray that she won't be paralyzed.

And this coward left a family who will have to live with this the rest of their lives.

Sorry, but this has me angry, as well as hurt. People don't realize how much most locals care about "our" Amish.

I really agree with everything you said but one: As far as I know and have heard or read, he chose this school not because it was Amish. Yes, he chose a school but this one was simply near by and convenent.:(

I agree!!! They were definatly victims of opportunity. Not that all school shoting are sad but in this one it's hard to find any reasoning AT ALL!!! This one also hits me hard because I grew up a couple of hours away from Lancaster and my family and I would go the Amish country a great deal. They are just such kind people I just can't wrap my mind around this at all!! I will be really interested as all the details in this come to light.

Yes, this guy was a total nut case. He apparently had a grudge about an infant daugther that passed away a few years ago. These poor little girls he targeted would have been roughtly the same age of his late daughter had she lived. He walked into the school waiving his gun around and asking "Do you know what this is?" according to some of the news reports.

I couldn't imagine the horror. Just like the Russian school that was invaded a few years ago...these are LITTLE CHILDREN that are being targeted.

All I can say about this recent rash of school shootings is that it is a good thing these shooters have taken themselves out (at least 2 of the 3 shooters) to spare the families more grief, etc., dealing with the justice system.

And, the Amish who keep to themselves, are now thrust into this public eye for something that is so horrible.

I am literally sick when I think of those poor girls. That would be like someone going into one of my kids' classrooms.

Just a note: most Amish do not have insurance. Their medical bills are going to be outrageous. Think about donating if you see reliable organizations collecting to help the Amish community. I may be involved with this and if I hear anything I will pass info along.

jess_pom; I agree with all your points. In all the media reports that I have seen or heard, while officials have reached out to the area Leaders asking what "outsiders" can do there has not been any reply as of yet. Outside of a request for mantaining privacy of families.

We, as outsiders, should remember that this is a group that does support each other.

So, perhaps we should all in our own way give good thoughts and wait untill there is some official notification.

Sadly, this was one of my first thoughts. Many hospitals in the area have funds for such a thing, but there could be years of therapy needed for the girls who were shot but didn't pass away.

I just found out that as soon as possible they're going to burn down the school and rebuild. I bet the whole undertake will be done in less than a week.

Apparently, Fred Phelps and his band of assholes are planning on protesting the funerals. :mad: :mad:

http://www.nbc10.com/news/9999816/de...s=phi&psp=news

I hope Big Ed sics every single state cop from east to west on these idiots.

Just saw that too. I can not say what is on my mind right now. Just upset over the very thought:mad: :( :mad: :( :mad: :(

It pisses me off how they've claimed "baptist" as their name, when they're not connected to any Baptist organization.

You guys needs to recheck the link because the protest has been cancelled. Appearantly a deal was made.

Good - but I wouldn't put it past them to go through with the protest, anyway.

I now feel real sorry for those who live or work anywhere near where Mike Gallagher's show is done.