Shots fired on UT campus

[pied]

Apparently the gun man is contained in the library.

Police on scene of shooting on UT campus
Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 08:32 AM

UT police say an active shooting situation is taking place on campus. Officials believe they have the suspect contained. No other details are available.

Get the latest crime reports in your neighborhood with the Statesman's Crime Tracker.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2010/09/28/police_on_scene_of_shooting_on.html?cxntcid=breaki ng_news

Can only hope/pray this ends well.

[twcpfan1]

Just texted my daughter to check on her friends.

[Favpack]

thanks Pied - my biggest nightmare.

[twcpfan1]

thanks Pied - my biggest nightmare.

Did you check on LMFP to make sure she was ok?

[Favpack]

Did you check on LMFP to make sure she was ok?

Yes - but don't know yet - she's in that library alot - but should not be there now. No class until later on t-th. haven't heard but I think she's at home.

[pied]

rumors that there may be a second suspect and that the original may have shot himself.

Also 5 shots were fired prior to him going into the PCL library, directly across from Jester.

[pied]

Oh crap


DrewCarls on Twitter

1. Earlier report: 7 people shot, being confirmed by a colleague with a connection to UT police. More sirens now going off.

[chhspantherfan]

wfaa reporting right now

[Favpack]

Today was ticket pick-up day for RRS - lots of kids at that which would not normally be on campus including mine - but don't know anything else yet - still haven't heard. thanks

[CCCSportsFan]

Oh my gosh!!! Dear Lord please keep all involved safe!!!

[JagFan]

Praying. Texting kids I know that go to school there.

[twcpfan1]

They're still saying no casualties except for the suspect who shot himself.

2nd suspect possible. But not confirmed.

Watching Fox in Houston

[CCCSportsFan]

Praying. Texting kids I know that go to school there.

I just called my daughter at OU and told her I loved her!!! She's getting text messages and FB updates from her friends at UT about the situation.

[twcpfan1]

I can't believe the News TV in Houston aren't breaking away from regular programming to be on this full time. Un f'n believable.

[Favpack]

LMFP is fine - thankfully she had not gone early to pick up tickets and had just gotten up for class.

Please continue to pray for others. 2nd suspect "contained"?

[twcpfan1]

LMFP is fine - thankfully she had not gone early to pick up tickets and had just gotten up for class.

Please continue to pray for others. 2nd suspect "contained"?

That's great news about LMFP. Thanks

[Favpack]

That's great news about LMFP. Thanks

Thanks - she is pretty stressed - but is fine. Have not heard from anyone else. The guy had an ak 47.

[SWMHebron]

Ch. 11 in Dallas finally broke away from a Rachel Ray rerun to cover this. I first learned about it here.

[Dawg Fan]

I know that at Texas Tech and A & M they have a system that sends out texts to students when there is danger or a lockdown. I am sure UT has the same system which should help get students away from the danger area. I am glad the gunman is dead and pray there isn't another. We don't need anymore tragedies on college campuses........ever

[FarmerFootballPlayer]

I was just waking up to go to class then the sirens came on. I thought it was a drill at first. We've been on lockdown for about an hour now. If it were really only one person that just shot themself, I'd think we'd be all clear by now.

[pied]

I was just waking up to go to class then the sirens came on. I thought it was a drill at first. We've been on lockdown for about an hour now. If it were really only one person that just shot themself, I'd think we'd be all clear by now.

Looking for a second suspect. Hopefully that will prove to be false. Glad you're safe. Stay that way and listen to the authorities.

Glad to hear everyone that has someone down there is ok.

[F18mustang]

Damnit. Be safe Horns.

[Dawg Fan]

in the middle of all the football furor, reality comes in and kicks you right in the ***. I am so stressed and I don't even have a kid going to school there.

[yankee]

stay safe everybody.

[twcpfan1]

I know that at Texas Tech and A & M they have a system that sends out texts to students when there is danger or a lockdown. I am sure UT has the same system which should help get students away from the danger area. I am glad the gunman is dead and pray there isn't another. We don't need anymore tragedies on college campuses........ever

Apparently, 2 campus wide text messages have gone out. They're still on lock down. Students being kept in class or confined to their dorms according to CNN.

Still no reports of casualties.

[Dawg Fan]

Apparently, 2 campus wide text messages have gone out. They're still on lock down. Students being kept in class or confined to their dorms according to CNN.

Still no reports of casualties.

even though this is happening at UT, I'll bet A & M is on high alert right now

[pied]

The latest from the Austin paper:

Police on scene of shooting on UT campus
Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 08:32 AM

A gunman who fired several shots in the Perry-Castaneda Library on the UT campus is dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and police are looking for a possible second suspect, officials say.

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo confirmed that the shooter is dead, but UT continues to be locked down, and people are urged to stay out of the area.

Officials say it appears there are no other injuries. UT spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon said witnesses had reported that the man was armed with automatic weapon.

“The shooter is dead on the sixth floor of Perry-Castaneda Library, said Don Hale, a UT spokesman. “No identification. Apparently took his own life.”

“We don’t have any report of anybody getting shot at this point,” Hale said.

“It’s not clear yet” if there is a second suspect, Hale said shortly after 9 a.m., adding that the university’s advice to stay indoors and keep doors locked remains in force.

Police officials raised the possibility of a second gunman because they had received different descriptions of the gunman by witnesses.

It was unclear how many shots were fired, but witnesses described eight to 10 shots in short bursts.

There were numerous reports that the gunman was wearing a black ski mask.

KVUE talked to UT student Andrew McWaters who said he saw the shooter near Dobie Mall and heard four gunshots followed by two more. He said the gunman was wearing a black ski mask, smiling and waving the gun.

Hale said university officials at 8:23 a.m. alerted students, faculty members and staff members by text message, outdoor loudspeakers and an online posting to stay indoors.

A second e-mail alert from UT officials said: “Armed subject last seen at Perry Casteneda Library and UTC. Shelter in place. UTPD responding.”

“That seems to be working pretty well,” Hale said of that advice.

Emergency sirens began going off about 8:30 a.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. from Red River Street to University Avenue is closed at this time.

Members of the Austin SWAT team accompanied by DPS troopers are on the scene.

Alicia Dietrich, public affairs assistant with the Harry Ransom Center, which is down the street from the library, said she heard the shots as she was parking her bike.

“I didn’t even know for sure that it was gunshots,” Dietrich said at 8:47 a.m. “The sirens went off about five to 10 minutes ago. The building has been locked down and I don’t think they’re letting anybody in or out.”

Kevin Olsen, a graduate student at the University of Texas, said he was walking by the Dobie dorm about 8:15 a.m. when he heard about eight to 10 shots in short bursts. He said other people walking to class also heard shots and were looking around “kind of in awe.”

A UT facilities worker told KLBJ-AM that he heard at least 10 gunshots but saw nobody get hit.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2010/09/28/police_on_scene_of_shooting_on.html

[F18mustang]

even though this is happening at UT, I'll bet A & M is on high alert right now

We're all on edge here at Tech. My prof got a text about it in my 8am class and we were all freaked out. Closer to home I guess.

[Dawg Fan]

We're all on edge here at Tech. My prof got a text about it in my 8am class and we were all freaked out. Closer to home I guess.

thing is, you never know when a coordinated attack on universities might happen. I would be very wary

[pied]

in the middle of all the football furor, reality comes in and kicks you right in the ***. I am so stressed and I don't even have a kid going to school there.

I think that most of us can tell the difference between supporting a University and their sports teams and things that really matter. Not everyone, but I think the vast majority in this community feel that way, even when we get angry about touch downs, first downs and penaltites.

Not really my place to say thanks as I am as more removed than most of you, but the thoughts and attitudes are expected on here I think, and that's a good thing in my opinion.

[the_phoenix612]

even though this is happening at UT, I'll bet A & M is on high alert right now
Nothing sent out via Code Maroon.

[Favpack]

It concerns me the man had an ak47. Was he just shooting randomly or at people?

[F18mustang]

To all Texas Tech University faculty, staff and students:

An active shooter situation on the UT Austin campus this morning has caused the cancellation of today’s scheduled test of the TechAlert! system.

Although the situation in Austin is still evolving, this morning’s TechAlert! test will be rescheduled at a later date.

However, this is a reminder for the Texas Tech community that we must all be vigilant about campus safety. It is vital that you keep your information updated so that we can reach you as quickly as possible during an emergency. Verify and update your information at www.emergency.ttu.edu.

Let us all keep our colleagues and fellow Texans in our thoughts.

Thank You,

President Guy Bailey

..

[Favpack]

Unbelievably scary - and fortunate:

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2010/09/28/i_was_very_vulnerable_one_witn.html

Seems the gunman thankfully did not have intentions of killing, which he easily could have. My daughter and have the student body walk on 21st street many times a day.

[slcdragonfan]

Unbelievably scary - and fortunate:

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2010/09/28/i_was_very_vulnerable_one_witn.html

Seems the gunman thankfully did not have intentions of killing, which he easily could have. My daughter and have the student body walk on 21st street many times a day.

Favpack, I am glad your daughter is safe, I understand how you must feel right now.

[JBT]

..


I was wondering why we hadn't received that text yet.


I'm glad it's looking that everyone but gunman is okay. Hope they catch the second guy (?), and praying for everyone who had to witness and be involved in it. :(

Stay safe UT and everyone at all college campuses. You never know when someone might lose it.

[BDB]

wow thank god no one else is hurt.

[TheBigPeach]

I just got off the phone with a friend in hysteria. She said she was walking past the library when she heard gunshots and she just took off running. Scary stuff right now.

[Favpack]

All organized classes for today are canceled, and the campus remains closed, an alert from UT officials said.

Classes canceled for today. Thanks all - thanks pied. Hug your kids - the world is a big, bad place sometimes. I'm very grateful it appears there are no other victims. Could have been 100x worse.

[dragonsdaddy]

Just texted my daughter to check on her friends.
my youngest dropped his roommate off at this facility and was going to go himself, but of course parking wasn't available. thank God, he and his rm were ok, along with every other student, apparently.

[Favpack]

my youngest dropped his roommate off at this facility and was going to go himself, but of course parking wasn't available. thank God, he and his rm were ok, along with every other student, apparently.

Glad to hear it for sure! Most students are around there sometime during the day. I didn't know your youngest was in Austin - seems our kids keep ending up at the same U's.

[KT2000]

Unbelievable. An assault rifle.

It is stuff like this that has me reading the sight lines and automatically formulating an exit strategy whenever I'm in a building now.

Unfortuantely, there are few defenses for crazy.

[CCCSportsFan]

WBAP radio in DFW just reported that Austin police are definitely looking for a second gunman. They said there had been speculation there was another person and I guess the police confirmed it.

[Favpack]

WBAP radio in DFW just reported that Austin police are definitely looking for a second gunman. They said there had been speculation there was another person and I guess the police confirmed it.

Ok, thanks - glad school was canceled. Can't imagine this guy gets far.

[KT2000]

I hope they get this one alive, so we can have some answers for once. There was an interesting note on Statesman about a "More Guns, Less Crime" program that was due to be given on campus today.

[su4c]

Unbelievable. An assault rifle.

It is stuff like this that has me reading the sight lines and automatically formulating an exit strategy whenever I'm in a building now.

Unfortuantely, there are few defenses for crazy.

Sometimes I find myself randomly thinking about how I would escape from emergency situations/scenarios wherever I'm at, good to know it's not just me being paranoid.

My physics professor has a son at UT. He took a brief phone call when class began this morning and tried to keep teaching, but ended up just cancelling class so he could find out what was going on.

[shslb15]

Maybe deciding to not get up to campus at 8 to study was a good idea... A lot of people are still being locked in, talked to a few people who just want to leave the business school (where I would have been) which just happens to be across from the PCL. Pres. Powers and the Austin Chief of Police have both confirmed that no one was hurt. Thankfully this didn't happen at say 3:30 when there are a great number of people right in that area (and when I had a test).

[patient1019]

An alarming day for sure, I'm thankful I didn't have early morning classes today. Police sirens have been howling around downtown Austin all morning. Everyone here is safe at least, I know the SWAT mandated building evacuations are still going on.

[KT2000]

An alarming day for sure, I'm thankful I didn't have early morning classes today. Police sirens have been howling around downtown Austin all morning. Everyone here is safe at least, I know the SWAT mandated building evacuations are still going on.

Very glad yall are ok. This is just a bizarre situation the more I read about it. It will be interesting to see what, if any, motives are revealed.

[yankee]

i'm honestly surprised this kinda stuff doesn't happen more often...thousands of kids unarmed and unsuspecting, either walking around campus or sitting together in classrooms. i'm just glad this situation didn't turn out worse than it did.

[JBT]

Sometimes I find myself randomly thinking about how I would escape from emergency situations/scenarios wherever I'm at, good to know it's not just me being paranoid.



I was required to take an active shooter training course because I work for Tech, and it was not fun to sit through at all, but when stuff like this happens, I'm grateful they train us for the unimaginable.

I'm sure UT's and A&M's response times are similar, but Tech PD has an unbelievably fast response time. I won't say the exact time because I can't remember, but they can be at the location and have it locked down in no time. I believe it too because we had an incident over the summer, and I'm not kidding, two officers responded in under a minute (granted not even near an active shooter situation but still).


Thank God for university police and the police in general. Everyone "liked" the UTPD Facebook page today. :)

[pied]

Obviously, we have a gunman in UT Library.......


Too soon?

Don't get it, but probably so.

[Firebird]

Thank God that the only person hurt was the nut who decided to start shooting. Is it confirmed that there was a second shooter? I caught only bits and pieces on CNN at work.

[svhorns]

Thank God that the only person hurt was the nut who decided to start shooting. Is it confirmed that there was a second shooter? I caught only bits and pieces on CNN at work.

No second shooter.

[SWMHebron]

svhorns- I found your earlier posts about Greg Davis and Bob Stoops in poor taste but posting home address, email and telephone number is totally inappropriate.

[svhorns]

svhorns- I found your earlier posts about Greg Davis and Bob Stoops in poor taste but posting home address, email and telephone number is totally inappropriate.

I guess I'm going to hell.

[SV61]

svhorns- I found your earlier posts about Greg Davis and Bob Stoops in poor taste but posting home address, email and telephone number is totally inappropriate.

I guess I'm going to hell.

aloof [əˈluːf]
adj
distant, unsympathetic, or supercilious in manner, attitude, or feeling
[from a-1 + loof, a variant of luff]
aloofly adv
aloofness n


Dude,

Really?

[slcdragonfan]

svhorns- I found your earlier posts about Greg Davis and Bob Stoops in poor taste but posting home address, email and telephone number is totally inappropriate.

+1

And it is just a matter of knowing when some things are and are not appropriate. This is a huge tragedy for this kid's family as well.

[SWMHebron]

+1

And it is just a matter of knowing when some things are and are not appropriate. This is a huge tragedy for this kid's family as well.

My thoughts exactly. Whatever commotion was caused a 19 y/o kid killed himself, and that is a tragedy.

[pied]

I guess I'm going to hell.

I think we can all agree that we are glad it didn't end worse. What we have at the moment, is a suicide and his friends and family that are left to deal with that situation. Rumors are around that he lived with his parents at the address you just listed. In addition there are some students on here that were on campus and parents who worried about their kids until they were able to reach them. But it's all good, joke away...

[svhorns]

I've already talked to 30-40 people there who attend the university and live not too far away from where it happened. They we're making jokes to me about it while I was showing sympathy. The kid was a whacko. I'm not going to act like this was something compared to V-Tech or the Charles Whitman incident because it wasn't.

LOL. You guys are a trip.

[svhorns]

I guess these people are poor in taste too because they made a song about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txnexV8fS6A&feature=player_embedded

[pied]

I've already talked to 30-40 people there who attend the university and live not too far away from where it happened. They we're making jokes to me about it while I was showing sympathy. The kid was a whacko. I'm not going to act like this was something compared to V-Tech or the Charles Whitman incident because it wasn't.

LOL. You guys are a trip.

You're correct.

In this case only one person was killed. What's the over/under that we can start making jokes and forget that 8 hours ago this kid with everything in front of him took his own life? Seven or so? Give it 5-6 hours for frantic parents that had to make calls to be sure that their pride and joy was safe?

What about Colton's parents? Did they call him to see if he was ok? Joke's on them, huh.

[KT2000]

I've already talked to 30-40 people there who attend the university and live not too far away from where it happened. They we're making jokes to me about it while I was showing sympathy. The kid was a whacko. I'm not going to act like this was something compared to V-Tech or the Charles Whitman incident because it wasn't.

LOL. You guys are a trip.

While I'm sure you mean no harm, there are people on the board who were very close to the situation and we should respect the gravity of what happened (and what could have happened) today.

If we play stuff like this off like nothing happened, what do we learn? Not much.

I've never seen or been near a maniac with a gun up close (have you?), but I can't imagine that is a fun thing to be a part of. All it would have taken is a squeeze of the trigger, and we might have had board members and/or their extended families in serious trouble.

I would just urge you to simply take a few seconds and think about this. I am, and I no longer have personal contacts at UT. One twitch of a maniac's temperament and/or finger in the wrong direction could have put your friends in grave danger today. One squeeze of the trigger at the numerous people this person ran by and UT is another Columbine, Virginia Tech.

[svhorns]

You're correct.

In this case only one person was killed. What's the over/under that we can start making jokes and forget that 8 hours ago this kid with everything in front of him took his own life? Seven or so? Give it 5-6 hours for frantic parents that had to make calls to be sure that their pride and joy was safe?

What about Colton's parents? Did they call him to see if he was ok? Joke's on them, huh.

If you want to be a debbie downer thats fine. I've talked to several of my friends who go there and they are laughing and joking around. I took that as a sign that everyone is alright now and everything has died down. You can cut the holier than thou crap now. I lived in Austin longer than you and know several people who work there at the University who are also friends of my family.

The kid was a whacko and he died. Nothing I can do about it.

[SWMHebron]

If you want to be a debbie downer thats fine. I've talked to several of my friends who go there and they are laughing and joking around. I took that as a sign that everyone is alright now and everything has died down. You can cut the holier than thou crap now. I lived in Austin longer than you and know several people who work there at the University who are also friends of my family.

The kid was a whacko and he died. Nothing I can do about it.

Get back to me when you have kids that age.

[svhorns]

While I'm sure you mean no harm, there are people on the board who were very close to the situation and we should respect the gravity of what happened (and what could have happened) today.

If we play stuff like this off like nothing happened, what do we learn? Not much.

I've never seen or been near a maniac with a gun up close (have you?), but I can't imagine that is a fun thing to be a part of. All it would have taken is a squeeze of the trigger, and we might have had board members and/or their extended families in serious trouble.

I would just urge you to simply take a few seconds and think about this. I am, and I no longer have personal contacts at UT. One twitch of a maniac's temperament and/or finger in the wrong direction could have put your friends in grave danger today. One squeeze of the trigger at the numerous people this person ran by and UT is another Columbine, Virginia Tech.

...but it wasn't and that's why we should all be happy that everyone is ok. People handle these situations in different manners and I choose to handle mine this way. I'm not wrong. and ya'll arent wrong. but what you call poor taste is me showing that we should all be in good spirits about the situation and joke about what happened. If you can't handle me put me on ignore and go about your day.

[yankee]

svhorns- I found your earlier posts about Greg Davis and Bob Stoops in poor taste but posting home address, email and telephone number is totally inappropriate.

lolwut? where?

[svhorns]

Get back to me when you have kids that age.

Get back to me when you have 30+ personal close friends who attend UT. Friends of my fathers... friends of my mothers... friends of my brothers... friends of my sisters.

[svhorns]

lolwut? where?

I said there were reports coming out that he was after some guy named Greg Davis. I then said whoever that guy is the kid must be really pissed at him. Pied got butt hurt than I switched it to Bob Stoops.

[pied]

If you want to be a debbie downer thats fine. I've talked to several of my friends who go there and they are laughing and joking around. I took that as a sign that everyone is alright now and everything has died down. You can cut the holier than thou crap now. I lived in Austin longer than you and know several people who work there at the University who are also friends of my family.

The kid was a whacko and he died. Nothing I can do about it.

Time and place my man.

On a thread where people were talking about calling their kids to make sure everything's ok, thinking there's a possibilty they've been shot, posting ou sucks jokes probably can wait.

Not holier than anyone, I've just made enough ill-timed jokes in my life to realize that waiting or simply not posting them is better sometimes. What the hell do you do if we find out that this kid was a poster on here?

[SWMHebron]

lolwut? where?

One of the Admins rightfully took it down. He posted the kids name, email, home address, phone number.

There are parents mourning the death of their 19 y/o son and for some reason that eludes me svhorns thinks that is funny.

[pied]

...but it wasn't and that's why we should all be happy that everyone is ok. People handle these situations in different manners and I choose to handle mine this way. I'm not wrong. and ya'll arent wrong. but what you call poor taste is me showing that we should all be in good spirits about the situation and joke about what happened. If you can't handle me put me on ignore and go about your day.

Always the best thing to do. Call out the owner of the site...

[yankee]

I said there were reports coming out that he was after some guy named Greg Davis. I then said whoever that guy is the kid must be really pissed at him. Pied got butt hurt than I switched it to Bob Stoops.

i giggled...even though i agree with pied/swm.

[yankee]

Always the best thing to do. Call out the owner of the site...

lasers charging.

[svhorns]

Time and place my man.

On a thread where people were talking about calling their kids to make sure everything's ok, thinking there's a possibilty they've been shot, posting ou sucks jokes probably can wait.

Not holier than anyone, I've just made enough ill-timed jokes in my life to realize that waiting or simply not posting them is better sometimes. What the hell do you do if we find out that this kid was a poster on here?

Are you telling me that if the people who were directly affected by what happened are joking around... I can not because I was not there? Even though everyone told me everything was over and everyone was alright. I took this attitude of the theirs and represent it here and I get attacked because you guys want to get all PC and blah, blah, blah.

[yankee]

Are you telling me that if the people who were directly affected by what happened are joking around... I can not because I was not there? Even though everyone told me everything was over and everyone was alright. I took this attitude of the theirs and represent it here and I get attacked because you guys want to get all PC and blah, blah, blah.

don't you have gold mine slaves to administer to?

[svhorns]

One of the Admins rightfully took it down. He posted the kids name, email, home address, phone number.

There are parents mourning the death of their 19 y/o son and for some reason that eludes me svhorns thinks that is funny.

I don't give two hoo hoos about that kid. He put a lot of people I know in danger and he's the one dead. Good riddance buddy.

[svhorns]

don't you have gold mine slaves to administer to?

I put them in the cave for now. They started pissing and pooping all over themselves. I have a whip to keep them in line. ou sucks.

[yankee]

I don't give two hoo hoos about that kid. He put a lot of people I know in danger and he's the one dead. Good riddance buddy.

"One less longhorn"




That is the fb status of an OU friend of mine...one of those jokes you laugh at initially but realize it's so wrong. I feel like we have similar situation, houston...

[SV61]

Are you telling me that if the people who were directly affected by what happened are joking around... I can not because I was not there? Even though everyone told me everything was over and everyone was alright. I took this attitude of the theirs and represent it here and I get attacked because you guys want to get all PC and blah, blah, blah.

I think THAT part of your comment, might be a cause for debate.

So, in your world, it is okay to make fun of the situation, because the guy was misguided, and killed no one but himself? You think that his brothers, sisters, parents, etc, feel the same right at this minute?

I am about as far from PC as they come, and even I can see that.

[svhorns]

"One less longhorn"




That is the fb status of an OU friend of mine...one of those jokes you laugh at initially but realize it's so wrong. I feel like we have similar situation, houston...

One less threat to humanity... but I'm the bad guy because I make jokes.

[pied]

Are you telling me that if the people who were directly affected by what happened are joking around... I can not because I was not there? Even though everyone told me everything was over and everyone was alright. I took this attitude of the theirs and represent it here and I get attacked because you guys want to get all PC and blah, blah, blah.

You can do whatever you want to with them I'd say. There's a time and a place for everything. It certainly appears that for now, you are ni a company of one on here that wants to joke about it. Like everything that will change in time I think.

[svhorns]

I think THAT part of your comment, might be a cause for debate.

So, in your world, it is okay to make fun of the situation, because the guy was misguided, and killed no one but himself? You think that his brothers, sisters, parents, etc, feel the same right at this minute?

I am about as far from PC as they come, and even I can see that.

Do you feel sorry for this kid? Sure I feel bad for his family but there are much bigger issues in this world than a kid committing suicide and a family have to cope with it. Like I said... good riddance to the kid.

[svhorns]

Guys I'm calling everyone and facebooking everyone who attends UT that made a joke about the situation today and using your words to tell them it's wrong... because you guys decide how students and other people should cope with their feelings and situations.

[slcdragonfan]

Get back to me when you have 30+ personal close friends who attend UT. Friends of my fathers... friends of my mothers... friends of my brothers... friends of my sisters.

That has no bearing on how you behave. Obviously you and those folks are young and not really "aware" of what it all means. When you get older you might understand our take a bit differently.

[pied]

Do you feel sorry for this kid? Sure I feel bad for his family but there are much bigger issues in this world than a kid committing suicide and a family have to cope with it. Like I said... good riddance to the kid.

Yes, I feel sorry for him.

Yes, there are bigger issues.

[svhorns]

That has no bearing on how you behave. Obviously you and those folks are young and not really "aware" of what it all means. When you get older you might understand our take a bit differently.

Not all these folks are young. I got the Greg Davis joke from a friend of my dads who works at the University. I'm showing a lot of them this thread where you try to make someone who is actually a good person and called 40 people to make sure they were OK feel like he's worse than the kid who actually put everyone in danger.

[patient1019]

I didn't know this Colton Tooley, nor do I understand what possessed him to open fire on his fellow students and himself today. But he was a kid, barely over a year younger than me, and he had his own life and his own family and friends. He endangered a great number of students today, many of them my friends, and though we're not mourning the loss of numerous young lives, we're still observing the loss of one. Which, and call me a softy or a hippie or whatever you choose, is one life too many. Maybe the kid was crazy and that's why he did it - but I don't know that and neither does anyone else. As far as I know, he was kid roughly my age at my school. You think about it long enough and you realize that he was born about the same time as I was - experienced probably a lot of the same childhood things I did. He probably grew up with a family like mine, and was loved by them as well as his friends. I don't know what made him do what he did, and his actions are inexcusable, but he's still a kid whose family now has to bury him. My prayers are with his family and his friends. Sorry if this post was a bit morose.

[pied]

Not all these folks are young. I got the Greg Davis joke from a friend of my dads who works at the University. I'm showing a lot of them this thread where you try to make someone who is actually a good person and called 40 people to make sure they were OK feel like he's worse than the kid who actually put everyone in danger.

I think you're reading into the comments.

Analogy for you.

Dead baby jokes may be funny. Telling them to your friend who just had a miscarriage may not be so funny. Awhile later, they may laugh.

Time and place.

[svhorns]

[QUOTE=JMSFan;1618207]I will help.



Not even close buddy.

[patient1019]

but do you get it?

...the nursery rhyme from hell?

[JMSFan]

Do you feel sorry for this kid? Sure I feel bad for his family but there are much bigger issues in this world than a kid committing suicide and a family have to cope with it. Like I said... good riddance to the kid.

Seriously? Do you really feel this way?

[svhorns]

Seriously? Do you really feel this way?

Um. Yeah. He was a terrorist.

[SV61]

...the nursery rhyme from hell?

I really like Calvin and Hobbs.

BYW, what (who) is 0 - 4??

[svhorns]

...the nursery rhyme from hell?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q&ob=av2e

[KT2000]

... If you can't handle me put me on ignore and go about your day.

Don't hurt yourself there big cat.

I'd just ask for a bit of tact. For example, if people want to research the guy's personal information, they are free to go do so on their own and don't need it put in front of them on a BB.

The GD jokes ran their course years ago, but that's my personal opinion on that particular matter.

[patient1019]

I really like Calvin and Hobbs.

BYW, what (who) is 0 - 4??

Calvin and Hobbes is all I really need in life. Bill Watterson is a comic genius.

"0-4" has been my sig since last spring's NBA playoffs. I was keeping track of the Spurs' playoff run and 0-4 is how the finished against the Suns in the Western Semis. I haven't changed it yet

[patient1019]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q&ob=av2e

Yes, that I understand. The page, however, no.

[svhorns]

Don't hurt yourself there big cat.

I'd just ask for a bit of tact. For example, if people want to research the guy's personal information, they are free to go do so on their own and don't need it put in front of them on a BB.

The GD jokes ran their course years ago, but that's my personal opinion on that particular matter.

That's fine. I find it funny you skipped right over mustangs comment. Hypocrite much or did you just miss that one.

[svhorns]

Obviously, we have a gunman in UT Library.......


Too soon?

I guess ya'll were just too stupid to get this one.

[the_phoenix612]

Um. Yeah. He was a terrorist.
Nice white christians boys cant be terrorists.

[JMSFan]

This thread is fail.

[slcdragonfan]

I guess ya'll were just too stupid to get this one.

no, didn't get it.

[Firebird]

The jokes were in poor taste, but seriously? You posted the contact information on the bulletin board of a college kid who publically killed himself? What did you hope would happen, that maybe we would be like /b/ and call and harass a grieving, traumitized family? Real cool. That would totally be hilarious. Maybe I could hear his dad cry on the phone, that would be awesome. And it's all OK because after all, that kid was the bad guy......

[JMSFan]

The jokes were in poor taste, but seriously? You posted the contact information on the bulletin board of a college kid who publically killed himself? What did you hope would happen, that maybe we would be like /b/ and call and harass a grieving, traumitized family? Real cool. That would totally be hilarious. Maybe I could hear his dad cry on the phone, that would be awesome. And it's all OK because after all, that kid was the bad guy......

This point of view is exactly what I was thinking.

[Dawg Fan]

I have no soul. I have no heart. I have no brain.

I hope you aren't holding your breath for someone to argue about that. You forgot, you have absolutely no class what so ever.

[JMSFan]

By the way. I would not go to shaggybevo.com in the off-topic section titled bada bing. The jokes probably start around page 10 or 11. They are all going to hell too. They also have no souls, hearts, or brains neither.

Two wrongs dont make a right.

[JMSFan]

Zero. I am the most classless poster on this board. Thanks forgot about that one.

You crossed that line.

[BDB]

i feel as if the entire yard just trololo'd me....

[yankee]

Calvin and Hobbes is all I really need in life. Bill Watterson is a comic genius.



:notworthy

thank you. i'm glad someone else loves calvin and hobbes around here.

[JMSFan]

i feel as if the entire yard just trololo'd me....

Youre welcome.

[BDB]

Youre welcome.

WOW! you win.

[svhorns]

Youre welcome.

Were you trolling me?

[JMSFan]

Were you trolling me?

No, I wasnt. I was being serious with you.

[JMSFan]

WOW! you win.

:rofl:

[tayb]

Glad I don't live in the pee-hall also known as Jester. No one was hurt except for the kid who aced himself. Still pretty scary and I'll never walk around campus feeling all that safe again. Could have been much much worse. I feel for the family of the kid. They'll likely be demonized in the media without ever really knowing why he did it.

[slcdragonfan]

Glad I don't live in the pee-hall also known as Jester. No one was hurt except for the kid who aced himself. Still pretty scary and I'll never walk around campus feeling all that safe again. Could have been much much worse. I feel for the family of the kid. They'll likely be demonized in the media without ever really knowing why he did it.

yes. Events like this change you. or can if you truly recognize the randomness of it and the "reality" of it. It can also make you more empathetic to others who have gone through similar events.

I too feel for the kid's family, they lost a son today.

[JagFan]

The jokes were in poor taste, but seriously? You posted the contact information on the bulletin board of a college kid who publically killed himself? What did you hope would happen, that maybe we would be like /b/ and call and harass a grieving, traumitized family? Real cool. That would totally be hilarious. Maybe I could hear his dad cry on the phone, that would be awesome. And it's all OK because after all, that kid was the bad guy......

Agree.

[F18mustang]

You can ban me if you want for my comment, but just know that it was taken directly from a facebook status of a UT student.

[F18mustang]

Glad I don't live in the pee-hall also known as Jester. No one was hurt except for the kid who aced himself. Still pretty scary and I'll never walk around campus feeling all that safe again. Could have been much much worse. I feel for the family of the kid. They'll likely be demonized in the media without ever really knowing why he did it.

I have a lot of friends in Jester. I'm guessing thats where the shooter lived?

[tayb]

I have a lot of friends in Jester. I'm guessing thats where the shooter lived?

I don't know where the shooter lived. I was mainly commenting on that because they locked down the dorm for the entire day and that dorm smells like urine. I guess if you lived there you might get used to it but I would hate to be trapped there all day long. Castilian for the win.

[F18mustang]

Don't get it, but probably so.

It was. I apologize to all who got it and were offended in anyway.

[F18mustang]

I really don't know what I'd do if there were a shooter on the Tech campus. I've always thought about it, different scenarios and what not, but I've never felt this close to home. Its definitely a wake up call. There was a weird feel to the air walking the Tech campus today. Everyone was talking about it. You can tell on peoples faces the worry and anxiety about "what if the gunman went into such and such building" or "what if I heard gunshots". I found out about it today through a facebook status at about 8:40 am. Immediately my focus turned to this situation because I have a ton of friends at UT. I was noticeably worried about them. Next, a girl in my class interrupted lecture and said "I'm sorry, but I have to go call my older brother. There has been a shooting at UT-Austin". Everyone seemed shocked and promptly there was a ton of chatter about it. Tech was supposed to test the emergency system today but it was thankfully cancelled. I couldn't imagine the chaos had those sirens gone off.

I'm very glad that this escalated into nothing more than it was. Scary nonetheless.

[JMSFan]

Agree.

I agree with Bird too. I would hate to know that my child had done something like this, and then to have to hear that someone like svhorns said something as cold and callous as he did.

The rest of the time I was just messing with el prez.

[JagFan]

I agree with Bird too. I would hate to know that my child had done something like this, and then to have to hear that someone like svhorns said something as cold and callous as he did.

The rest of the time I was just messing with el prez.

Some people deal with stress by joking and that I can understand. Posting the kids address is just wrong. I pray for that family just as I do those students that were there today.

[Firebird]

Some people deal with stress by joking and that I can understand. Posting the kids address is just wrong. I pray for that family just as I do those students that were there today.

People forget that that, and everyone else around them are actual people when they get hooked up to a keyboard. It's weird.

The jokes are one thing, but that was the bit that astonished me. I can't imagine in what universe you would want to do something like to a family regardless of what one of the family members had done.

I also think that the word "terrorist/terrorism" is one of the most overrused in today's society. People want to attach that word to whatever they can and use it to justify follow up treatment. I don't know what caused this kid to do this today (I suspect we will subsequently find some level of mental illness in the coming days), but regardless, unless he did this to advance some sort of political or idealogical goal, he wasn't a terrorist. It's kind of like how the term Nazi gets thrown about. That doesn't make what happened any less tragic or tramautizing.

Whitman and the VT shooter were seriously disturbed individuals who committed terrible acts of mass murder for reasons that we (and probably even they) don't fully understand. They weren't terrorists, and neither was this man. Save that term for the folks in business with Hezbollah, al-Qaeda and the like.

[yankee]

zomg

[F18mustang]

zomg

**** got real today.

[JMSFan]

Some people deal with stress by joking and that I can understand. Posting the kids address is just wrong. I pray for that family just as I do those students that were there today.

I understand it too, because there has been times Ive done the same.

[JagFan]

People forget that that, and everyone else around them are actual people when they get hooked up to a keyboard. It's weird.

The jokes are one thing, but that was the bit that astonished me. I can't imagine in what universe you would want to do something like to a family regardless of what one of the family members had done.

I also think that the word "terrorist/terrorism" is one of the most overrused in today's society. People want to attach that word to whatever they can and use it to justify follow up treatment. I don't know what caused this kid to do this today (I suspect we will subsequently find some level of mental illness in the coming days), but regardless, unless he did this to advance some sort of political or idealogical goal, he wasn't a terrorist. It's kind of like how the term Nazi gets thrown about. That doesn't make what happened any less tragic or tramautizing.

Whitman and the VT shooter were seriously disturbed individuals who committed terrible acts of mass murder for reasons that we (and probably even they) don't fully understand. They weren't terrorists, and neither was this man. Save that term for the folks in business with Hezbollah, al-Qaeda and the like.

You are right. I do not look at him as a terrorist but as someone really really messed up.

I have friends that are in law enforcement and who are doctors and nurses. They have to joke to stay sane sometimes.

This family is suffering and most likely having to face some pretty strong realities about themselves and or their son. I would not wish any more hell on them than what they are already going through and will continue to go through.

I am just thankful he only hurt himself and not others.

[JagFan]

I understand it too, because there has been times Ive done the same.

I think we all have at some time.

[yankee]

**** got real today.

no one freaked out at OU. hypersensitive techies.

[mad_fan]

Some of you are more screwed up than I evar dreamed...

[patient1019]

So I found out today that I did know the shooter, Colton Tooley, he was a kid in my Satirical Rhetoric class last year (his first semester as a freshman). I had to think about it, because I was never really friends with him, but I remember he was quiet though he contributed intelligently to the class discussion often. We did a lot of class discussion on Blackboard, and I went through his journal and blog posts today. He said in his introduction to the class that he was adopted, and liked to keep to himself because he felt new and small in Austin. He often wrote about gun control issues in his papers and the issues of violence in society. He never came off as belligerent, but did show at least some interest in the debate. Other posts of his showcased his ability to understand the literature of satire quite well. One of the lines from his introduction struck me, though. He said that he appreciated the quiet privacy of the upper floors of the PCL (Perry-Casteneda Library), which he planned to make his "home" over the course of his years at UT. Tooley reportedly shot himself on the 6th floor of the PCL this morning.

[F18mustang]

no one freaked out at OU. hypersensitive techies.

Heard it was worse at A&M.

[yankee]

Heard it was worse at A&M.

it's a conspiracy.

[twcpfan1]

Spare a thought for the kind of mental and emotional strain the kid was under that made him do something like this. Be thankful that he ultimately decided not to hurt anybody else. Don't think that something like this could not happen to somebody you're close to. The kid was a freshman at UT, I understand, probably for the most part, somebody you run into on a regular basis in any school hallway. It just goes to show it does not take much to push somebody over the edge. Pray for him and his loved ones. And pray that God forgives him. In the end, they are the victims in this whole episode.

[F18mustang]

Lasers were charged today.

[Favpack]

I've never been anti-gun, but something is wrong when a kid has an AK 47.

[Favpack]

So I found out today that I did know the shooter, Colton Tooley, he was a kid in my Satirical Rhetoric class last year (his first semester as a freshman). I had to think about it, because I was never really friends with him, but I remember he was quiet though he contributed intelligently to the class discussion often. We did a lot of class discussion on Blackboard, and I went through his journal and blog posts today. He said in his introduction to the class that he was adopted, and liked to keep to himself because he felt new and small in Austin. He often wrote about gun control issues in his papers and the issues of violence in society. He never came off as belligerent, but did show at least some interest in the debate. Other posts of his showcased his ability to understand the literature of satire quite well. One of the lines from his introduction struck me, though. He said that he appreciated the quiet privacy of the upper floors of the PCL (Perry-Casteneda Library), which he planned to make his "home" over the course of his years at UT. Tooley reportedly shot himself on the 6th floor of the PCL this morning.


Wow - thanks for the insight. I appreciate it - it's been a rough day for students, admin and parents. Take care.

I think the campus and Austin PD did a fantastic job with this incident.

[twcpfan1]

I've never been anti-gun, but something is wrong when a kid has an AK 47.

Gun show loophole. Any private individual can legally sell or trade his gun to anybody he wants without having to ask for ID. As long as he's not a licensed gun dealer, he can pretty much sell to whoever he wants. All he has to say is he's emptying out his collection.

[patient1019]

Wow - thanks for the insight. I appreciate it - it's been a rough day for students, admin and parents. Take care.

I think the campus and Austin PD did a fantastic job with this incident.

A rough day indeed. Thankfully the incident didn't escalate, but it is still quite frightening. The UTPD did an outstanding job, IMO. They sent out updates regularly on the situation and worked with the APD to get campus locked down quickly and without incident. According to my friends on campus the entire procedure, though terrifying, was handled very orderly and the subsequent student evacuations were done with care and without panic. An outstanding job by UT and Austin police.

[F18mustang]

A rough day indeed. Thankfully the incident didn't escalate, but it is still quite frightening. The UTPD did an outstanding job, IMO. They sent out updates regularly on the situation and worked with the APD to get campus locked down quickly and without incident. According to my friends on campus the entire procedure, though terrifying, was handled very orderly and the subsequent student evacuations were done with care and without panic. An outstanding job by UT and Austin police.

They have laid out a blueprint to how to handle these situations. :notworthy

[patient1019]

They have laid out a blueprint to how to handle these situations. :notworthy

Yeah, I think it just surprised me how quickly UTPD were in place to begin the evacuations and lock everything down. They had buildings locked, alerts out and the campus alarm sounding within ten minutes or so of the incident starting. It's very reassuring, to say the least...

[FarmerFootballPlayer]

Yeah, I think it just surprised me how quickly UTPD were in place to begin the evacuations and lock everything down. They had buildings locked, alerts out and the campus alarm sounding within ten minutes or so of the incident starting. It's very reassuring, to say the least...

Amen to this and all the other similar posts. The UTPD and APD couldn't have handled it better. They took no chances, but at the same time had the campus back to normal(ish) by the afternoon. I won't feel any less safe tomorrow than I did yesterday. The fact is, that unless we want to put up checkpoints and screenings everywhere (which is impractical because of the sheer volume of people), that this is just something we all have to live with the risk for.

[Firebird]

Gun show loophole. Any private individual can legally sell or trade his gun to anybody he wants without having to ask for ID. As long as he's not a licensed gun dealer, he can pretty much sell to whoever he wants. All he has to say is he's emptying out his collection.

No need for a loophole. My freshman roomate at ACU and I walked into a pawn shop on South 1st in Abilene and plunked down $150.00 each and left with a Serbian made SKS (the Soviet carbine used before the introduction of the AK, the law would have been the same for the AK) fitted for a 30 round magazine (pre-Brady Bill weapon), we showed our Texas state drivers licenses and filled out some paperwork. Took the gun back to campus that day and put it in the campus PD safe. We could have checked it out anytime we wished, although we just bought it for use out at his ranch near Stamford.

Anyone with a clean history who is over 18 can legally buy a semi-automatic weapon, which most of the AKs in the U.S. are, from a dealer just by proving he's 18.

[SV61]

No need for a loophole. My freshman roomate at ACU and I walked into a pawn shop on South 1st in Abilene and plunked down $150.00 each and left with a Serbian made SKS (the Soviet carbine used before the introduction of the AK, the law would have been the same for the AK) fitted for a 30 round magazine (pre-Brady Bill weapon), we showed our Texas state drivers licenses and filled out some paperwork. Took the gun back to campus that day and put it in the campus PD safe. We could have checked it out anytime we wished, although we just bought it for use out at his ranch near Stamford.

Anyone with a clean history who is over 18 can legally buy a semi-automatic weapon, which most of the AKs in the U.S. are, from a dealer just by proving he's 18.

Which, is the way it should be.

Speaking of which, did anyone else see the report on the newer tech bullets this morning? They will penetrate flesh, etc, but basically disentegrate after that. No more richocet (read: friendly fire) related injuries and deaths.

[Firebird]

Which, is the way it should be.

Speaking of which, did anyone else see the report on the newer tech bullets this morning? They will penetrate flesh, etc, but basically disentegrate after that. No more richocet (read: friendly fire) related injuries and deaths.

No arguments from me on that. I have taken advantage of those laws, after all.

[twcpfan1]

No need for a loophole. My freshman roomate at ACU and I walked into a pawn shop on South 1st in Abilene and plunked down $150.00 each and left with a Serbian made SKS (the Soviet carbine used before the introduction of the AK, the law would have been the same for the AK) fitted for a 30 round magazine (pre-Brady Bill weapon), we showed our Texas state drivers licenses and filled out some paperwork. Took the gun back to campus that day and put it in the campus PD safe. We could have checked it out anytime we wished, although we just bought it for use out at his ranch near Stamford.

Anyone with a clean history who is over 18 can legally buy a semi-automatic weapon, which most of the AKs in the U.S. are, from a dealer just by proving he's 18.

The loophole applies to people who would otherwise be turned down after the pawnbroker phones in his details to the ATF. They can theoretically walk in and out of any gun show with an AK-47 without having to give anybody so much as their name.

[thestud]

The loophole applies to people who would otherwise be turned down after the pawnbroker phones in his details to the ATF. They can theoretically walk in and out of any gun show with an AK-47 without having to give anybody so much as their name.


you could cancel all the gun shows in the United States and it wouldn't even come close to making a dent in the sale of guns to folks who aren't allowed to have them. Gun control laws, just like every other law, do nothing to deter those with criminal intentions. Kinda like the old saying, locks are for honest people. Was listening to a radio show today and the host read off a stat that blew my mind. They did a survey of college students, and asked which would be easier to obtain, cocaine or a gun. Something like 79% said gun.

[Firebird]

The loophole applies to people who would otherwise be turned down after the pawnbroker phones in his details to the ATF. They can theoretically walk in and out of any gun show with an AK-47 without having to give anybody so much as their name.

Yeah, but from what I am hearing about this guy, there's no reason his details would have triggered bells and whistles with the ATF. Not many college freshman have records that would.

[Firebird]

you could cancel all the gun shows in the United States and it wouldn't even come close to making a dent in the sale of guns to folks who aren't allowed to have them. Gun control laws, just like every other law, do nothing to deter those with criminal intentions. Kinda like the old saying, locks are for honest people. Was listening to a radio show today and the host read off a stat that blew my mind. They did a survey of college students, and asked which would be easier to obtain, cocaine or a gun. Something like 79% said gun.

Doesn't really blow my mind. It's perfectly legal in most states for an 18 year old to purchase a long gun and a 21 year old to purchase a handgun, with the only real hassle being a three day waiting period. Of course it's not hassle, and you run no risk of being arrested and hauled off to jail. Why shouldn't it be easier? Most college students aren't interested in shooting up their schools.

[pied]

Doesn't really blow my mind. It's perfectly legal in most states for an 18 year old to purchase a long gun and a 21 year old to purchase a handgun, with the only real hassle being a three day waiting period. Of course it's not hassle, and you run no risk of being arrested and hauled off to jail. Why shouldn't it be easier? Most college students aren't interested in shooting up their schools.

nor snorting up an eight ball...

I'd suggest most college kids could name several places to purcahase fire arms legally. The vast majority would haev difficulty figuring out where to buy blwo.

[thestud]

Doesn't really blow my mind. It's perfectly legal in most states for an 18 year old to purchase a long gun and a 21 year old to purchase a handgun, with the only real hassle being a three day waiting period. Of course it's not hassle, and you run no risk of being arrested and hauled off to jail. Why shouldn't it be easier? Most college students aren't interested in shooting up their schools.

I dont recall the exact context of the question the Host was referencing, but I'm pretty sure it was in the context of readily attainable, i.e. without hassle or waiting. Either way it doesn't matter, it's like cutting off your nose to spite your face. The host also threw out something that I found rather intriguing. He brought up the point that in the next couple of days( as you alluded to earlier) we will undoubtedly find out that this kid had a mental illness or depression issues and that more than likely he was on anti-depressants if that is the case, maybe even several. The radio host brought up the point that when someone is involved in a car accident and they are drunk, it is automatically blamed on the alcohol and the driver being drunk. However, when something like what happened at UT yesterday happens, it is hardly mentioned that the person was on anti-depressants or some other mood/mind-altering drug. When will it become realized that these prescription drugs, which are so readily prescribed by doctors, that alter everything about a person, are just as dangerous if not more dangerous than alcohol?

[SWMHebron]

I dont recall the exact context of the question the Host was referencing, but I'm pretty sure it was in the context of readily attainable, i.e. without hassle or waiting. Either way it doesn't matter, it's like cutting off your nose to spite your face. The host also threw out something that I found rather intriguing. He brought up the point that in the next couple of days( as you alluded to earlier) we will undoubtedly find out that this kid had a mental illness or depression issues and that more than likely he was on anti-depressants if that is the case, maybe even several. The radio host brought up the point that when someone is involved in a car accident and they are drunk, it is automatically blamed on the alcohol and the driver being drunk. However, when something like what happened at UT yesterday happens, it is hardly mentioned that the person was on anti-depressants or some other mood/mind-altering drug. When will it become realized that these prescription drugs, which are so readily prescribed by doctors, that alter everything about a person, are just as dangerous if not more dangerous than alcohol?

They aren't. People are on them because they are depressed, anxious, bipolar, schizophrenic, or psychotic. People that are depressed, anxious, bipolar, schizophrenic or psychotic have altered thought processes or they wouldn't be on these meds in the first place. In many cases it is found that they are in fact OFF of them when these things occur.

[thestud]

They aren't. People are on them because they are depressed, anxious, bipolar, schizophrenic, or psychotic. People that are depressed, anxious, bipolar, schizophrenic or psychotic have altered thought processes or they wouldn't be on these meds in the first place. In many cases it is found that they are in fact OFF of them when these things occur.


Exactly. This isn't an indication of my character so please don't take it that way, but I have several friends from high school and even a relative who got into prescription drugs and liked them. They liked them so much that they went to their regular doctor, put on a song and dance about being depressed and voila they had a prescription. I also know many more that go to their doctor, tell him they're having trouble concentrating and focusing in class and/or at work and voila again, they have a prescription for adderall/rittalin etc. I'm not saying it is the doctor's fault because I've listened directly to these same folks brag about rehearsing what they were going to say to the doctor to convince him they were in need of these meds, including being coached by other friends who were legitimately prescribed those meds.

[slcdragonfan]

they aren't. People are on them because they are depressed, anxious, bipolar, schizophrenic, or psychotic. People that are depressed, anxious, bipolar, schizophrenic or psychotic have altered thought processes or they wouldn't be on these meds in the first place. In many cases it is found that they are in fact off of them when these things occur.

+1