One of my very few political rants. If you’re not registered to vote when you can, then shut the f*ck up about our country and its state of affairs. That is all!
OK, for those of you that follow my blog regularly, you’ll know that I’m not a big political ranter (well, not about anything that matters, like Weerd’s stance on gun control). Let me begin by saying (as I know Mr. Beard has already said on his blog) that it really doesn’t matter what gun control measures you put in place. The criminals will get the guns anyways and use them how they want. It’s not the gun’s fault it was used, and we shouldn’t penalize the legal holders and lovers of guns for the idiots that don’t use them correctly. And the reason that statement should mean something is that … wait for it … I don’t use or own guns and probably never will, but I’m not forcing my views on those that use them properly.
That rant out of the way, the real reason for this post is about the events of yesterday. I’ve felt so many emotions over the past 24 hours that this seems to be the best way to get them out, so I can focus on my math paper due in a few hours. For those of you who’ve been living in a bunker, there was an emotionally charged shooting (possibly pair of shootings) at Virginia Tech, not more than 3 hours from here. What really makes it hit home for me is that the major shooting occured in an ENGINEERING building. As those of you who are regulars know, I myself was an engineering student (for 6 years nonetheless) and spent a lot of time in Engineering classes (and buildings). It just strikes a chord near the heart. Granted, there’s nothing I could do, and it didn’t happen at UMaine, but it still rings true. Add to the fact someone made a comment “It could happen at any school in any major” and it just hurts like hell. Why did they do it? What were their motives? What about those 30+ students who were so close or just there for an education? How about the professors who were active in the science and engineering community? I weep for those students and my mind races and wanders, knowing nothing most of us can do will ever help them or their families. I’ve felt a gamut of emotions, and this morning was no different. I don’t think I even talked about it with Nikki or anyone. I just couldn’t find the words, so here’s a bit from Sarah McLachlan.
“I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don’t let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories”
I know this day will forever live in the hearts of Virginia Tech students, but the biggest impact will actually be felt across the United States, in college and university communities everywhere. I’m actually surprised A&M hasn’t commented on it yet, as they do with any crimes at the local level, but as it is for me, it may be just as hard for them to come up with the words to say. To everyone this morning, I say “Let us begin anew, remembering those students for who they were and what they did, not how they passed, and let their memories remind us that while the crime was forged in hate, the love and friendship it brought about is the real destination.” Truer words could not be spoken when I say, “Go with peace in your hearts”.
OK, at some point today I’ll make a real post, but for now, I’m going to just post a Clicky for a YouTube video (Not embedded for the sanity of my wife at work). Can we say Democratic infighting anyone? Though I will admit the use of the Apple “1984″ commercial is kind of interesting.