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The Virginia Tech Shooting

Gun violence has notched yet another scar on the American psyche today in Blacksburg, VA. Recent reports from major news services about the Virginia Tech shooting estimate the death toll at 33, including a gunman who took his own life, more than double the number of victims claimed in the tragedies at Colorado’s Columbine High School in 1999 and the University of Texas in 1966. Fifteen more students are being treated in local hospitals, according to the school’s website. Already, the accounts strike a familiar chord with those previous incidents, with students huddled in classrooms or plunging desperately from windows to escape gunfire.

Now Hear This:
A statement from Virginia Tech President Charles Steger STREAMING MP3

Now Watch This:
Cellphone video from a Virginia Tech student WINDOWS MEDIA

Some interesting sites to visit for more information:

Searchviews.com: An intriguing account of how online networking sites like Facebook.com and LiveJournal have been used today to report on the tragedy — and how journalists are prowling, trying to get student comments.

Californiaconservative.org: A frankly ridiculous comment from the gun-loving community that armed students in classrooms could have prevented this tragedy.

Washingtonpost.com: Roundup of posts from students.

Whitehouse.gov: Read the White House’s statement on the tragedy. “As far as policy, the President believes that there is a right for people to bear arms, but that all laws must be followed,” says spokesperson Dana Perino.