Another school shooting (2 Viewers)

[Steve Tasker]

Yep, and it's people in all walks of life - some of whom post on this board. Just look at the Casey Anthony and Trayvon Martin threads - people detailing the horrible things they want to happen to these people (Zimmerman, not Trayvon Martin). My Facebook feed has more people cursing out the shooter than sending their thoughts/prayers to the families (though some are doing that as well, obviously).I think people have always been this way, but social media has magnified it like never before.

 

[cstu]

Thinking about this makes me physically ill. Gonna stay out of this thread.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Watching the CBS news online feed they were just reporting that a dad of one of the kids that got out was interviewed and said that his son told him that he helped get his friends out of the room/school/area whatever. I don't remember specific details because I lost it when I heard that. How in the hell does a kid know how to do anything at that moment? I'm almost 40 and I have no idea what I would do. The dad said that his son waited for his friends. Christ.

 

[shader]

Sorry, was just trying to express an anger at God I have never felt before, not at the people calling for prayers. Won't post any more about it.

There is no God. HTH.

Did you really need to go there? What's the point.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I dont feel much like cracking any jokes today...i feel more like crying...and people want me to believe in God ??? ...i DO however believe in evil...it carries a gun and kills 5 yo children ....i cant say i`ll miss this world when im gone.... Christmas just lost its luster

 

[Ilov80s]

The oversaturation is a byproduct of how unhealthy this country is. The most major news stations in the country are running around interviewing children. Put the cameras down and help out. Unfortunately, the media and Americans live this kind of tragedy. As a teacher that was spending my time with a great group of kids and trying my hardest to have a positive impact on their lives, knowing that this attack is happening while I was at school, it is really depressing. The real depressing part is that the story is not the least bit surprising. The issue isn't guns or the media or jail sentences, it is in the mirror. America and Americans are unhealthy. We can argue over national debt, fiscal cliffs, right to work, but that is all meaningless if we end up becoming a country of self-absorbed a-holes and socially-emotionally unhinged lunatics?

 

[BassNBrew]

Watching the CBS news online feed they were just reporting that a dad of one of the kids that got out was interviewed and said that his son told him that he helped get his friends out of the room/school/area whatever. I don't remember specific details because I lost it when I heard that. How in the hell does a kid know how to do anything at that moment? I'm almost 40 and I have no idea what I would do. The dad said that his son waited for his friends. Christ.

I hope this is true, but I'll wait on the secondhand hero stories.

 

[cstu]

Sorry, was just trying to express an anger at God I have never felt before, not at the people calling for prayers. Won't post any more about it.

There is no God. HTH.

Did you really need to go there? What's the point.

Everyone has their own way to dealing with things.

 

[ROCKET]

I'm not quite sure what to say to my 12 year old son about this. Like any other kid this has to be scary for him. On top of that our Cal Ripken 12 year old team was in Newtown for the New England Regional tournament last summer.He was 11 then and most of his older friends were there with the 12 year old team. He will most likely play there next year with next years 12 year old team. I've heard it's a wonderful town that has a great baseball facility and some really great Cal Ripken teams who win the New England Regionals on a consistent basis. This is beyond heart-breaking. :(

 

[zDragon]

Sorry, was just trying to express an anger at God I have never felt before, not at the people calling for prayers. Won't post any more about it.

There is no God. HTH.

Did you really need to go there? What's the point.

EDIT: After reading Ramsay Hunt Experience take on it. I withdraw my previous comment. I'm going with the view that I took the wrong meaning from the post.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Sorry, was just trying to express an anger at God I have never felt before, not at the people calling for prayers. Won't post any more about it.

There is no God. HTH.

Did you really need to go there? What's the point.

Some might find it comforting. Possibly Clifford. If you're angry at God for allowing this or can't imagine how something like this could be part of His plan, it might comfort some to consider that He didn't and it isn't. It's just life, and the only way life gets better is for us to figure out how to make it sn the flip side, some might find the expressions of prayers for the victims comforting. I disagree with Clifford. I think those are perfectly appropriate, too. I don't see why either side needs to decide what expressions others find helpful.

 

[Standing Hampton]

I am an elementary school teacher who deals with 5 - 11 year olds everyday and I just can't imagine. My heart is breaking over this.

 

[Clifford]

Really wasn't trying to be down on people for expressing their faith. Was just struggling with what I was feeling on the same and thought I would see if anyone else could relate. I have learned my lesson and won't be doing that again.

 

[butcher boy]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

 

[bagger]

Boo hoo, Barry - we need your rage, not your grief.

jesus christ you are a piece of ####.yes, lets not be sad that children died, but lets introduce more rage into society since that is working out so well for us.####### loser.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

[lhucks] Nope, pretty sure it was 'Call of Duty' [/lhucks]

 

[BustedKnuckles]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

 

[wazoo11]

ABC News just got added to the news shows I'll never watch again.

"Expert" chimed in saying a "learning disability" could have caused this "outrage".

 

[Disco Stu]

Also thoughts and prayers to the poor policemen, coroners and medical staff who are there. This is happening in a small town apparently where I doubt they ever see much of anything...Seeing 18 dead kindergarten kids......i can't even fathom what kind of damage that would do to anyone that has to see that.

I had to see a 3 year old in a casket last week. It was awful. This would be a billion times worse. :(

 

[Yankee23Fan]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

Not everyone with autism or Asperger's is a potential lunatic.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

Not everyone with autism or Asperger's is a potential lunatic.

no...not everyone

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

Not everyone with autism or Asperger's is a potential lunatic.

no...not everyone

Stop

 

[Zegras11]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

Not everyone with autism or Asperger's is a potential lunatic.

no...not everyone

Stop

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Dodds needs to come back and ban more people in this thread

 

[belljr]

Right or wrong I'm not telling my daughter anytHing

 

[timschochet]

ABCNews posted:

Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a "personality disorder." Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as "odd" and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OK, pet peeve here:I have known children who are autistic, and I have known children with Aspergers (though not adults) and it is NOT the same thing. I understand that there is a tendency nowadays to link all such behavior under the "autistic" umbrella, but I suspect this is being done at least somewhat for insurance purposes. Kids that in my youth were termed "hyperactive" and treated with ritalin are now diagnosed as having Aspergers- but they don't suffer from the sort of autism you would associate with Rain Man or special ed classes.

 

[culdeus]

I have an idea, how about we keep god, 4chan, lhucks, and gun control somewhere else, k?

 

[Apple Jack]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

Not everyone with autism or Asperger's is a potential lunatic.

no...not everyone

Wow.

 

[The Flying Elvis]

Jeez... Probably should have done it a few hours ago but I'm out on the media coverage for the night. CNN has some guy breaking down the shooting like its Sunday Night Football on a teleprompter and I am sure other news outlets are doing the same. Absolutely tragic and sad day for this country and everyone affected by the shooting and a shameful day for the media in how they are covering this tragedy.

 

[Mark Davis]

ABCNews posted:

Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a "personality disorder." Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as "odd" and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OK, pet peeve here:I have known children who are autistic, and I have known children with Aspergers (though not adults) and it is NOT the same thing. I understand that there is a tendency nowadays to link all such behavior under the "autistic" umbrella, but I suspect this is being done at least somewhat for insurance purposes. Kids that in my youth were termed "hyperactive" and treated with ritalin are now diagnosed as having Aspergers- but they don't suffer from the sort of autism you would associate with Rain Man or special ed classes.

Not to get off track here but Aspergers children can be extremely intelligent. My wife is a gifted teacher at an elementary school and has had a couple of kids with Aspergers that qualified as gifted.

 

[culdeus]

Right or wrong I'm not telling my daughter anytHing

this is going to be my approach as well. sue me.

 

[Slapdash]

ABCNews posted:

Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a "personality disorder." Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as "odd" and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OK, pet peeve here:I have known children who are autistic, and I have known children with Aspergers (though not adults) and it is NOT the same thing. I understand that there is a tendency nowadays to link all such behavior under the "autistic" umbrella, but I suspect this is being done at least somewhat for insurance purposes. Kids that in my youth were termed "hyperactive" and treated with ritalin are now diagnosed as having Aspergers- but they don't suffer from the sort of autism you would associate with Rain Man or special ed classes.

Relevant

 

[Dr. Awesome]

ABCNews posted:

Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a "personality disorder." Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as "odd" and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OK, pet peeve here:I have known children who are autistic, and I have known children with Aspergers (though not adults) and it is NOT the same thing. I understand that there is a tendency nowadays to link all such behavior under the "autistic" umbrella, but I suspect this is being done at least somewhat for insurance purposes. Kids that in my youth were termed "hyperactive" and treated with ritalin are now diagnosed as having Aspergers- but they don't suffer from the sort of autism you would associate with Rain Man or special ed classes.

Aspergers is officially inside the autism spectrum so I'm not quite understanding your beef. Is it because the media may not know what the heck they're talking about but in their haste to be first to report the story are saying aspergers or autism? Doesn't sound like even they're saying it's the same thing, else they wouldn't have mentioned each by name.

 

[Neovivo]

I guess we all need to have a rational for why someone would shoot all these innocent people. So I guess the NEWS media is going to say it was mental defect. Just want mentally challenged people needed...more people wondering what is wrong with this person, or could they just start shooting up the joint.

I think the guy was just evil.

 

[Genedoc]

Really wasn't trying to be down on people for expressing their faith. Was just struggling with what I was feeling on the same and thought I would see if anyone else could relate. I have learned my lesson and won't be doing that again.

FWIW, I thought people were way too hard on you. Feelings of anger, questioning your faith, and being "mad at God" are certainly understandable given the gravity of the situation. You are not alone. Don't let other people tell you what is the "right" way to think/feel about something like this. It's by very nature deeply confusing, upsetting, and frustrating. Regardless of what your personal belief system is or isn't, something like this can absolutely shake it to the core. Introspection, discussion, and asking those questions is what community is all about. Reminds me of a lecture given by a Holocaust survivor on a college campus right after Schindler's List came out. He gave a moving, beautiful lecture. He was also an unapologetic atheist. He said he knew other survivors who were guided through the horror by their faith, and he respected them deeply. However, he said he simply wasn't that faithful, as no God that made any sense to him could allow what he'd seen.

 

[sho nuff]

Right or wrong I'm not telling my daughter anytHing

Yeah...had my 4 year old home sick with me and cut the news off when things came in...went to computer only as far as hearing about it.My 8 year old has not said anything about it...so he has not heard anything.Felt better my wife was at the school for his Christmas party this afternoon.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

ABCNews posted:

Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a "personality disorder." Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as "odd" and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OK, pet peeve here:I have known children who are autistic, and I have known children with Aspergers (though not adults) and it is NOT the same thing. I understand that there is a tendency nowadays to link all such behavior under the "autistic" umbrella, but I suspect this is being done at least somewhat for insurance purposes. Kids that in my youth were termed "hyperactive" and treated with ritalin are now diagnosed as having Aspergers- but they don't suffer from the sort of autism you would associate with Rain Man or special ed classes.

There is some talk about stopping the use of the distinction between autism and Aspergers and classifying it all as autism. Not so much for insurance purposes but for service purposes. School services and government services are better geared for autism whereas Aspergers isn't considered something that they have services for. Which they might not. Many Aspergers kids don't need actual specialized help in academics but in simply social interactions which are hard to create a set black and white policy around to pay for with tax money.EDIT: I should add, this is just what I've seen in my locality here as it deals with school level services. I know that there is a movement in the medical community to make it clear there is a distinction between the two.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

ABCNews posted:

Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a "personality disorder." Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as "odd" and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OK, pet peeve here:I have known children who are autistic, and I have known children with Aspergers (though not adults) and it is NOT the same thing. I understand that there is a tendency nowadays to link all such behavior under the "autistic" umbrella, but I suspect this is being done at least somewhat for insurance purposes. Kids that in my youth were termed "hyperactive" and treated with ritalin are now diagnosed as having Aspergers- but they don't suffer from the sort of autism you would associate with Rain Man or special ed classes.

Relevant

Interesting. Did not know they had changed the classification mere days ago.

 

[iamsmilin]

Right or wrong I'm not telling my daughter anytHing

this is going to be my approach as well. sue me.

I think I am going to sit my son (8) down and tell him tonight. The subject is bound to come up at school next week and I want to make sure I can answer all his questions before the kids start talking about it next week. I'm not sure what I am going to say but I don't want the information to come from other people.

 

[belljr]

Right or wrong I'm not telling my daughter anytHing

this is going to be my approach as well. sue me.

I see no need to tell my 7 year old about something far away that does not impact her.... Hopefully shell never hear of something so awful ever

 

[larry_boy_44]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

I seriously hope you don't think that everyone with a learning disability, Asperger's, Autism, or OCD are likely to go and shoot a room full of 5 year olds...Because that isn't even remotely true and is awful to say.Symptoms of autism (Asperger's is a "mild form" that is on the "Autism Spectrum", but isn't full autism):

Core symptomsThe severity of symptoms varies greatly, but all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of: Social interactions and relationships. Symptoms may include: Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills, such as eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions, and body posture. Failure to establish friendships with children the same age. Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people. Lack of empathy. People with autism may have difficulty understanding another person's feelings, such as pain or sorrow. Verbal and nonverbal communication. Symptoms may include: Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk. As many as 40% of people with autism never speak.1 Problems taking steps to start a conversation. Also, people with autism have difficulties continuing a conversation after it has begun. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language. People with autism often repeat over and over a phrase they have heard previously (echolalia). Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective. For example, a person with autism may not understand that someone is using humor. They may interpret the communication word for word and fail to catch the implied meaning. Limited interests in activities or play. Symptoms may include: An unusual focus on pieces. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy. Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by video games, trading cards, or license plates. A need for sameness and routines. For example, a child with autism may always need to eat bread before salad and insist on driving the same route every day to school. Stereotyped behaviors. These may include body rocking and hand flapping.

(note: symptoms are for adults that have it and kids)

 

[mozzy84]

Right or wrong I'm not telling my daughter anytHing

same - k&1st grader here.

 

[Neovivo]

Puts everything in perspective. I was so mad at one of twin boys for making a "C" on a paper yesterday. All things considered, I don't think Harvard is going to ask about his insect test in 3rd grade. I suck! Good Lord give me strength to be a wiser man.

 

[larry_boy_44]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

Not everyone with autism or Asperger's is a potential lunatic.

no...not everyone

Stop

 

[BustedKnuckles]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

Not everyone with autism or Asperger's is a potential lunatic.

no...not everyone

Wow.

i didnt post his mental disorders as a possible reason that happened...i was actually making fun of that post...then i agreed with the other response that not all people with autism kill people i guess i was misunderstood

 

[larry_boy_44]

ABCNews posted:

Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a "personality disorder." Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as "odd" and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OK, pet peeve here:I have known children who are autistic, and I have known children with Aspergers (though not adults) and it is NOT the same thing. I understand that there is a tendency nowadays to link all such behavior under the "autistic" umbrella, but I suspect this is being done at least somewhat for insurance purposes. Kids that in my youth were termed "hyperactive" and treated with ritalin are now diagnosed as having Aspergers- but they don't suffer from the sort of autism you would associate with Rain Man or special ed classes.

"Autism" isn't like having the flu or a broken bone, there isn't one set list of symptoms that everyone has.There are whole ranges of symptoms, and if you have enough of them, you're autistic. If you have less, you have Asperger's. (note: that is ridiculously simplified, I'm aware)

They are related when being talked about because, well, they are related. Not everyone with autism is rain man.

 

[Foosball God]

Right or wrong I'm not telling my daughter anytHing

this is going to be my approach as well. sue me.

I see no need to tell my 7 year old about something far away that does not impact her.... Hopefully shell never hear of something so awful ever

I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I have a 10 year old and an 8 year old. I would like to be like you and just not have to talk about it with them, but I think it's naive to think my kids won't hear about this.

 

[timschochet]

Dr. Awesome, my beef is exactly this: about two minutes ago, on the radio, I just heard the network announcer say, "the suspect's brother reports that the brother had autism." Just like that. No mention of Aspergers, no explanation.

Now I have never heard in my entire life of an autistic person committing a crime anything like this, and I don't want to see that taint attached to autism. Furthermore, most Aspergers kids are aware of when they're doing something bad or wrong.

 

[Henry Ford]

ABCNews posted:Ryan Lanza, 24, brother of gunman Adam Lanza, 20, tells authorities that his younger brother is autistic, or has Asperger syndrome and a “personality disorder.” Neighbors described the younger man to ABC as “odd” and displaying characteristics associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

translation - a ticking time bomb

I seriously hope you don't think that everyone with a learning disability, Asperger's, Autism, or OCD are likely to go and shoot a room full of 5 year olds...Because that isn't even remotely true and is awful to say.Symptoms of autism (Asperger's is a "mild form" that is on the "Autism Spectrum", but isn't full autism):

Core symptomsThe severity of symptoms varies greatly, but all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of: Social interactions and relationships. Symptoms may include: Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills, such as eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions, and body posture. Failure to establish friendships with children the same age. Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people. Lack of empathy. People with autism may have difficulty understanding another person's feelings, such as pain or sorrow. Verbal and nonverbal communication. Symptoms may include: Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk. As many as 40% of people with autism never speak.1 Problems taking steps to start a conversation. Also, people with autism have difficulties continuing a conversation after it has begun. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language. People with autism often repeat over and over a phrase they have heard previously (echolalia). Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective. For example, a person with autism may not understand that someone is using humor. They may interpret the communication word for word and fail to catch the implied meaning. Limited interests in activities or play. Symptoms may include: An unusual focus on pieces. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy. Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by video games, trading cards, or license plates. A need for sameness and routines. For example, a child with autism may always need to eat bread before salad and insist on driving the same route every day to school. Stereotyped behaviors. These may include body rocking and hand flapping.

(note: symptoms are for adults that have it and kids)

Several of the people in my family, including me, have been diagnosed with varying degrees of "autism-spectrum" issues. It never ceases to amaze me how narrow peoples' thinking is with respect to the term autism.

 

[butcher boy]

It's now being reported that Nancy Lanza, the mom, was found dead at home, not at the school which begs the question who was the killer really targetting.