Colorado School Shooting on Friday

[SLP]

Just for curiosity I looked up all the school shootings that I could find that have occured since the 1999 Columbine shooting which seems to be the big one that everyone refers back to. If I counted correctly I come up with 85 school shootings since then. I was surprised at it being that large a number because I certainly hadn't heard of most of them. The one thing that stood out to me was that the shootings that I recall being big news stories are the ones with the largest number of deaths. I would be surprised if anyone can display any correlation between the amount of publicity and the political views of the shooters.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._United_States

[MrSplitshot]

I guess I'll concede that the size of the events (number of deaths / shock factor) is probably what drives the media bus...and I don't recall political affiliation really being an issue discussed with the school shootings that I can think of from memory.

However, and most importantly in regards to the link to the blog I posted, I'm more concerned with the stance the writer takes on protecting our kids in schools with good guys that have guns. In the case of this shooting, it's the reason why it was less tragic from a number of deaths standpoint. Had there not been a good guy with a gun, this one could have been much more "newsworthy"...That's why I think the blogger is on point.

[GeoFisher]

I guess I'll concede that the size of the events (number of deaths / shock factor) is probably what drives the media bus...and I don't recall political affiliation really being an issue discussed with the school shootings that I can think of from memory.

However, and most importantly in regards to the link to the blog I posted, I'm more concerned with the stance the writer takes on protecting our kids in schools with good guys that have guns. In the case of this shooting, it's the reason why it was less tragic from a number of deaths standpoint. Had there not been a good guy with a gun, this one could have been much more "newsworthy"...That's why I think the blogger is on point.

If the media stopped the FRENZY when they happen, they would stop happening. Simple. The crazy folks killing kids in schools crave the publicity. If the publicity was not there, I would bet half would not have happened.

If no one knows about it, how much notoriety will the shooter actually get. AND I believe this is a huge part of it. How many times have you heard the news report that such and such wanted this to be the biggest shooting since ...........

Later,

Geo

[MrSplitshot]

If the media stopped the FRENZY when they happen, they would stop happening. Simple. The crazy folks killing kids in schools crave the publicity. If the publicity was not there, I would bet half would not have happened.

If no one knows about it, how much notoriety will the shooter actually get. AND I believe this is a huge part of it. How many times have you heard the news report that such and such wanted this to be the biggest shooting since ...........

Later,

Geo

No doubt about it....the media frenzy and notoriety only adds fuel to the crazy fire.

[mhall]

No doubt about it....the media frenzy and notoriety only adds fuel to the crazy fire.

Very true and I kinda was having a little fun, note the comment from Earl Pitts.

I have said before and I'll say it again and I now am being very serious we MUST do a better job of recoginizing mental health issues in this country. In he case of Sandy Hook EVERYBODY in that town was scared chitless of that freak boy, look at his picture for God's sake. His own Mother begged for help and was told until he does something we can't help you. Now why she had access to guns for that nutbag who knows thats another issue but my point is valid in most cases people MOST TIMES many people know there is a major issue with these nutcases and it is just ignored until something horrible takes place.

[fishraker]

Very true and I kinda was having a little fun, note the comment from Earl Pitts.

I have said before and I'll say it again and I now am being very serious we MUST do a better job of recoginizing mental health issues in this country. In he case of Sandy Hook EVERYBODY in that town was scared chitless of that freak boy, look at his picture for God's sake. His own Mother begged for help and was told until he does something we can't help you. Now why she had access to guns for that nutbag who knows thats another issue but my point is valid in most cases people MOST TIMES many people know there is a major issue with these nutcases and it is just ignored until something horrible takes place.

AMEN!!!