[alum]

That headline IS disrespectful and unneedlessly sullies the reputation of that poor girl. I am appalled.

I don't think the killer was crazy. That gives him an "out". I think he was methodical, cold-blooded, and amoral.

Couple of points:

Fairfax County (Northern VA) Public Schools have very large high schools. Many of the FCPS high schools send a tremendous number of students to Tech. My D's class alone sent 52 from the class of '06. I imagine that Westfields HS (the killer's alma mater) would send a similar number.

My D lost at least one former schoolmate yesterday. Her sorority chapter sister who graduated from Westfields lost 2 high school classmates.

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The DC area kids who are currently Hokies have had several bad situations befalling them in their adolescent and teen years.

In 2001, the Pentagon was attacked. Many kids were in a state of uncertainty while waiting for word from parent(s).

2002, the DC area was under seige for 3 weeks by a pair of snipers who struck at seemingly random locations. All outdoor activities were cancelled. Athletic competitions were held on military bases or at stadiums 3 hours away. Elementary kids couldn't go out for recess. Adults were afraid to pump their own gas.

2006, The first day of class at VA Tech was cancelled because there was a shooter on campus. Luckily this man was caught before something horrific occurred.

2007, Yesterday

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I think we need to remember Erin, Rheema, Leslie and all the victims as individuals. They were all on the threshold of adulthood and their lives were brutally snuffed out prematurely.