What we must not lose from this situation it the fact that this man was responsible for his own actions. In a society where we routinely assign “victim” status to everyone and their dog in order to avoid making the tough decisions about the nature of evil in people, this is a rare instance in which we cannot do that.

This man left his manifesto. This man claimed responsibility. And this man showed us his tools of death. This man was not a victim. And this is an opportunity for us to face that.

These young folks died at the hands of a monster in love with his own self-image. There are others out there like him. Some of us know who they are, and have excused their behavior – chalking it up to the idea that they are a “victim.”

So what do we do now?

Any cause-and-effect theory, whether organic (brain tumor), chemical (amphetamine psychosis), or psychological (military training or child abuse), embracing the idea that Charles Whitman’s judgment or free will was impaired, is not consistent with what he did. He carefully planned every move and detail, and he succeeded in doing what he set out to do — murdering people and getting himself killed in spectacular fashion. The Whitman case taught me that sometimes our zeal to champion causes important to us or to explain the unexplainable and be “enlightened” blinds us to the obvious.

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Charles Whitman was a murderer; he killed innocent people. We should not forget that. In Virginia we appear to have a Whitman-like character. It is vitally important for all to remember that there is only one person responsible for what happened in Blacksburg, and that is the man who pulled the trigger.

I just really want to thank you. I’m a student at Virginia Tech, and I have been totally disgusted by people who are turning this into their political issue. Gov. Kaine said, “People who want to take this within 24 hours of the event and make it their political hobby horse to ride, I’ve got nothing but loathing for them.”

Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated by the community.

A troubled soul reached out and shattered many lives. But I doubt anyone could have foreseen what happened. It is also the way of things that we all want to find answers and find a way to protect our children. I wish it were that easy. I personally do not question the way the University handled the situation. Faculty members did their best to protect students and lost their lives in the process. This isn’t the world of Minority Report where things could be known in advance. No one could have foreseen it.

My wife was able to sit next to my son at the Convocation Service providing love and support where it is needed. I personally don’t feel that finger pointing is the thing to do. Now is the time to provide all the love and support we can to allow those involved to heal. As you say, solutions should be discussed another day with clearer heads.

Eric, we did meet at AEA in Boston. So this has touched me. I, my wife and family, appreciate the words and support you and the others have given.

Thoughts and prayers to those involved … may you find peace and comfort in your time of mourning.