Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Reactions to Virginia Tech Massacre - and the candidates' websites.

First of all, the shooting at Virginia Tech is an atrocious tragedy that has caused more senseless pain and grief to innocent people. Having attended the University of Iowa shortly after the shooting that had occurred there, I have had second-hand accounts about how these acts could have been avoided if the general public, and the administrations in charge, weren't numb to the suffering of others.

Secondly, I should mention that these shootings do come with some perspective. This is the loss of life that is occurring every day in Iraq. When we talk about the civilian casualties in Iraq, we are talking about the same people as those lost at Virginia Tech. There is no difference. It's easy for me to say this while I'm an ocean away, but after we collect ourselves after these events, let's take a moment to consider the value of life - everywhere.

Finally, it's interesting to note the responses made by the candidates:
  • Barack Obama - immediately upon entering his site, you are presented with his message expressing his sympathies and regret for the tragedy.
  • Hillary Clinton - immediately upon entering her site, you are presented with a form to fill out to contribute to her campaign. Her message is found after continuing on to her website.
  • John Edwards - immediately a message of sympathy and regret, but also of spiritual healing.
  • Rudy Giuliani - his message of sympathy comprises of 3 sentences.
  • John McCain - to view his message, one has to click on a link that is currently at the top of a list in a section of his website.
  • Mitt Romney - perhaps I went to the wrong website, but at www.mittromney.com, as of 6:05am ET, there is no message.
...also puts things in perspective.

No comments: