Letter: Don't blame the innocent
Letter to the Editor
April 26, 2007
In all the confusion surrounding the recent tragic events, it seems attention is being directed, in a negative light, on those who were affiliated with the shooter. It is a disgrace to think that anyone besides the shooter was responsible for his self-perceived martyrdom. How could anyone even think to blame his family or friends? Why blame innocent victims deeply affected by this tremendous loss? Geraldo Rivera appeared on national TV and talked to a student who gave statements regarding the social class differences at Virginia Tech. His opinion nailed this issue on the head, and drove it deep into the ground. Yet it still seems everyone wants to know why classes weren't canceled due to the early morning shooting in the dorm room, or why the shooter wasn't mandated to attend his recommended counseling. Hindsight is 20/20, and always will be. The future is far, far harder to predict. I must say that I've never been more proud of being a Hokie than I am today. Our students are amazing individuals willing to give compassion and sympathy to anyone they notice needing a helping hand. The community on our campus this first day of classes has been phenomenal, and I've seen human acts so beautiful words cannot describe them. We all need to thank Virginia Tech for all the support it has given us, and every option they've made available for students and those affected in this aftermath. We will never forget this brutal, blatantly unnecessary tragedy that has befallen our university, but we will not be held captive by fear. We are Virginia Tech.
Marc Lewis
Senior, Industrial Systems Engineering