Sunday, January 9, 2011

Arizona Congresswoman Shot

Very sad article but one you should know about. I thought the Sherif's comments were especially poignant. From politics to road rage, why are we becoming so angry with each other?

52 comments:

  1. Dana S. (pd.7)

    Although I previously read this article for AP Government, it is still a shock to see how violent and alientaed some people have become in our society. Obviously, this event was horrible and I hope "Gabby" remains alive and healthy in the days to come. This act of violence is a direct representation of how our society does not react in the proper way it should to violence and threats, and for that innocent lives have been taken. I believe security will be eventually provided for all of Congress because this event reveals the terrifying truth: how human beings are irrational and violent at times. All in all, this new security for all of Congress will cost the federal government more money, but I believe that safety is the first priority for those who serve our country.

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  2. This story is unbelivable. I really didnt know anything bout this shooting until i read this article. I am suprised that someone would just walk in the court room and start killing innocent people. This goes to show that there are many crazy people out there, even someone from college. What ever the reason might be, it isnt fair to take it out on other people that arent responsible. The law is responsible for this event and the shooter should understand that. This is ridiculous.

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  3. When I first heard about this shooting, I couldn't believe it. People shooting politicians because of their views seems like a distant idea that can only be found in areas of conflict in the Middle East, but sad enough this is not the first time the United States has witnessed such an action (even though it is not as common as in other places). When people see that such incidents occur in a place as great as the US, a sign of hope to many outside of the country, it is almost as if there is no more hope that people can talk out conflict rather than bad mouthing each other and then resulting to this kind of behavior. In addition, it is extremely upsetting that the Congresswoman was reaching out to the people, meeting in a public place, so that they don't feel like they aren't a concern to politicians, when she was shot. After this, politicians and security will not be overly willing to have such public meetings which are directly beneficial to the people she is representing.

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  4. Timothy E (Period 7)
    In my opinion,I think that the moment of silence that the high school observed today was very appropriate. Not many people even knew about this shooting, myself included. We are all so shut out from the world sometimes that even the most important or life changing information can go out and no one will realize. Without the moment of silence in school today, I do not know how long I would've went without knowing about the shooting. It is extremely sad and disheartening but I'm glad that Giffords is recovering. The only thing that I did not like about this article is the fact that the main point was on Giffords. I think it would be fair if everyone got their own segment on the situation since there were a total of 17 people shot.

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  5. Kripa Bhagat Pd. 7

    I think it's really outrageous that anyone would try to attack a congresswoman, which I'm sure anyone can agree with, but what's more is that it seems really fruitless to try and shoot someone based on their political beliefs. As regular citizens, it is our job to appreciate the rights that we have and express our opinions in ways that are respectful and agreeable. Obviously most people don't follow that, but democracy and government is supposed to be about sharing ideals and opinions in a constructive way. It's incredibly disappointing that we've stopped making this about the issues and have made it purely politics and anger. I think we need to some how get back to a place where government really is about respecting other human beings and creating a better place for human beings, but I really don't believe that's ever going to happen if we, as younger people in our country, don't recognize that.

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  6. melissa driscoll -per 9
    Although I knew about the congresswoman and other poeple being shot I was not aware that 17 were shot and six died! That is a lot of people. The gunman is clearly crazy and needs go to jail. I think its crazy that poeple think that one person in congress makes the laws of the land and that attacking that person will make your views be seen. Giffords is very lucky shes alive because I was stunned to read that he went through 20 rounds of ammunition and that he killed a nine year old year. I was a little confused as to why she would do another store front speech if the year before someone dropped a gun and it had to be cancelled but that donsnt mean its her fault at all. Its really scary that people can do things like this.

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  7. I think that we are becoming more angry with each other because life is becoming more stressful. People are losing their jobs and losing faith in the government. People need to realize that life still goes on through all the difficulties we face in life.

    Mike Capilupi

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  8. After I heard about this incident, I couldn't help but think about why someone would do such a horrible thing like this. If you have an issue with your congresswoman, or just anyone in general, there are much easier ways to settle things than to go on a shooting rampage and try and kill everyone in sight. I think the shooter decided to do what he did because maybe he didn't agree on some of the policies that Giffords believed in, particularly the idea of healthcare. People are allowed to have opposing opinions with one another, but the idea of shooting someone because of these opinions is just ridiculous.

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  9. David L. -
    I think that in the current condition of the nation people are growing more impatient with the economic situation of the country. When this is added to other political factors that are disliked by the public it causes people to grow even more impatient and grow angry. In this case, the shooter was pushed over the edge and thought that shooting and possibly killing the congresswoman would call for Arizona regime change. I also think that in this case the shooter wasn't completely stable mentally which could have also been a cause of the attack.

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  10. I think it is very sad to see someone who is so involved with helping better the country in such critical condition. This goes to show that the people in this world have nothing better to do than to criticize people with different beliefs than them. I hope that Mrs. Giffords gets out of this whole situation because it will prove to people that she is stronger than others think. I think that it is purely stupidity to shoot a person who does not have the same beliefs as you, when the only thing she is trying to do is better the country and the people around her.

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  11. I think it is very sad that things like this happen anywhere in the world but especially in the US. It's obvious that many people are against a lot of laws and bills that come out, especially more recently with some of Obama's bills, but I don't really understand what killing innocent people will do about it. Last time I checked killing a 9 year old girl won't give you better health insurance.

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  12. when i first heard about this incident i didnt know to think. A congress women was horrificly murdered by a man she never met before. This incident should advise political people around the world that basic security cannot withstand todays killers.

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  13. Shivankar Adhlakha per 7

    So many people had to suffer and get killed because of one man's stupid actions. Seventeen people were shot and 6 were killed. Just the occurence of such a thing has caused such a major distruption in the United States and is all around the news. Just because the suspect was against one of the Ms. Gifford's policies, the man took it into his action to go and shoot her. This is so very disturbing.

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  14. It's terrible how these people died. Innocent people, living a normal life getting shot out of no where. Just the thought of that is mind blowing. However, Ms. Gifford's should have taken more precaution because she had received threat before as well. A man tried bringing a gun to one of the meetings they were having. The world we live in is a scary and unpredictable one.

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  15. I think it's awful that some mad man tried to kill the congress woman and killed a nine year old girl. It seems as though she cared about people and while I can understand how people disagree with other points of view the answer is not to go around killing people because you don't like a member of congress.

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  16. Kristen Cretella (Period 7)

    I first heard about the shooting from my Dad and then after reading this article, I started to question American politics and society in general. In America, the death rate due to gun violence is catastrophic compared to other countries. Either Americans really hate each other or there are underlying problems no one seems to see. Ms. Gifford did not deserve this whatsoever, irregarless of her political viewpoint. No one in politics should be attacked because of what they are trying to do with America and something needs to be change right away.

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  17. The shooting that occurred in Arizona is really such a tragedy. The article said that the shooting occurred because of some potential political motives. However, no matter what was going on, there was no reason for this man to have gotten to such a violent point. The fact that people knew this man was becoming violent before the actual shooting and didn't really do anything to stop him or intervene in any way is really sad. Lives could have been saved if someone who knew what was going on had just stepped in or spoken up.

    Alana Shebiro
    pd. 9

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  18. Anytime someone hears about something as tragic as this, it brings a sense of wonder of how anyone could possibly bring themselves in doing such things. I agree with John McCain's statement that "Whoever did this, whatever their reason, they are a disgrace to Arizona, this country and the human race." It really is a disgrace and whatever the shooter's reason, violence never solves anything. If anything it makes everything much worse. There is nothing that can justify the shooter's actions and none of the victims deserved to die. Until people learn to stop hating one another, nothing is ever going to end the ridiculous problems we have amongst each other.
    Aymun Syed, Per. 7

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  19. Johnathan Pinkhasov: Period 7

    I had heard about a shooting but I didn't know what happened or where it happened. This goes to show that people are often isolated (including myself)in their own lives and don't really pay attention to anything outside of themselves. However, I am glad that i read this article because i feel more obligated to remain current with worldly events. On the other hand, it is truly a disgrace that someone would resort to violence simply because of a dislike towards a government policy. Until human violence is no longer brought upon each other, ridiculous and unpredictable tragedies will continue to occur such as this one.

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  20. This article brings up a good point about gun violence, gun violence is a a huge part of death rate in this country yet there is still nothing being done. It's quite sad hearing how the man was intending to target the congress woman and accidently killing several other people along with a third grader. It could have possibly been avoided had there been more precaution but not many are willing to stand and take a bullet for someone. Although it's good to know that the suspect is supposedly in custody. - Cona

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  21. this article is sick the man shot t many people just for this one lady who dosnt really seem that important but anyone is important no matter whop or what they are. this man of 22 years old just some how ticked most likely there are wither going to say drugs or he was deppressed i fell like he just wasn't felling the way goverment was doing for him or the poeple so he felt that someone else needed to take this womens spot but that might not be it either this young man is just sick in the head and this is how he wanted to live the rest of his life in jail that he killed this women in goverment but not just her he killed a little girl who was just starting her life is now ended by this monster who also was just starting his life
    mario.v

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  22. I first could not believe it when i heard about this shooting. How on earth can you kill someone just because they have different thoughts. I mean it might be a little frustrating but wow, to actually hurt someone for doing whatever they believed in! Anyways i felt sad for the 3rd grade girl that was killed, i still dont get why he shot so many people. I mean i kind of get the judge and her staff but wow to kill a innocent being is messed up. ANd i agree with John McCain's statment. This was a disgrace.
    -YH-

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  23. I can't believe these kind of things would happened. I don't even know why would someone try to shoot a congresswoman. It's sad how the man killed a third grader and others. But even if the man hates her, he doesn't have to get as violent to this point. I don't think anyone has got attacked becuase they were trying to do something for America.

    - t.weng

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  24. After reading this article, it just makes me conclude that where ever you go now a days you always have to watch out. Growing up my mother would let me go to the mall with my friends but now since september 11th after terrorist attacks, to shootings, makes her worry and now just as much me. I am concerned for own safety at all times and I can never just trust anyone you meet today. I heard that "Gabby" finally opened her eyes, and spoke a few words. She deserves nothing less than a full and safe recovery

    -lindsey

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  25. Jacki R. Per.7

    This event was truly shocking and horrifying to say the least. I think the most terrifying part is that he had been violent in recent events and people just ignored it. I think any kind of violence by anyone should make some one more suspious rather then leave them alone. People always get involved once its to late causing tragity. I think changing gun laws in Arizona would also help to prevent something like this again. If it wasnt so easy to obtain then something like that event would be hard to do. I pray for all those who were shot and for the families of those who were killed.

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  26. After reading this article I tried to explain the reasons for the gunman and i couldnt find any. There is absolutly no reason to kill someone unless they are going to kill you. This man has to be mentally ill that and needs attention ASAP. I hate learning about these shootings becuase they always give you get a gut reaction that you wish to go away as soon as possible. This tradegy should not have happened and we should try to prevent this from happening ever agian.
    Justin Mathew Prd6

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  27. It's a shame that someone would do something this tragic. Whether it was for political reasons or something else, turning to violence is not a good answer. It shouldn't even BE an answer because it never solves ANYTHING. It's disgraceful that society hasn't stopped being so violent. Not only was the congresswoman shot, so were six others, including a little girl. This cycle of violence and death will never end until people learn that turning to a gun and hurting others is never the answer.
    Irene Yeh Per. 6

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  28. Mark Ginter pd.6 Global

    To my opinion this article shows how far some people will go when they dislike the government. Some people are crazy and when they are under stress and they think that everything wrong that has happened in their lives is a result of the government, they may try to take it out on officials. People need to realize that life still goes on through all the difficulties they face and that the government isn't the cause for all of them.

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  29. After hearing about this tragic event, it made me wonder why things like this occur. Is it because of the lack of regulation within the country? Is it because the people aren't satisfied with their government? Though it's understandable that there are people who are unsatisfied with their current way of life, that's not a legitimate reason to go around murdering others. There are other ways to express one's thoughts and ideas on an issue. This Arizona shooting was an example of how people shouldn't express their views.

    Austin
    period 6

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  30. There were many gun shot around the U.S., I am too surprised about a gun shot news. I'm surprised that when someone is important got shot, the news and the government take it very seriously. However when normal person got shot, the news and the government draw less attention to it. I don't get why, isn't everyone equal? Why can't take it equally?
    -Ed Wu Per 6

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  31. Last week we had a moment of silence for congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords. When the principal spoke about the shooting I glanced around the room to see if anyone understood her. Many kids looked more confused than I. By now I think everyone knows about the shooting but it’s still devastating. Really, all I have to ask is why? I hurt me that some people hate others so much, with a burning passion, that they plan their death. We don’t know who did this yet, and I think it’ll be a while till the government finds evidence and have a trail and ect. But it doesn’t matter who did it, what matters is how we are going to grow from this experience. Also, you have to look at, why did this man hate Giffords so much? And something equally important, why was it so easy for him to kill and injure 17 people? I bet the governments going to step up their security systems now. Better late than never I guess.

    -Priya P per. 6

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  32. Reading this article, I couldn't help but to feel extremely saddened and disturbed by the events that took place last week. I find it horrendous that someone could be so filled with hate for someone that they risk the life of not only the person they dislike but also of innocent bystanders, like that poor nine year old girl. The shooter is obviously a cruel, heartless man who deserves to be severely punished for his actions. ~Emily E period 6

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  33. What happened to this congresswoman was unethical. To start a shooting because of political beliefs is unappreciated and unacceptable in our world today. We should all appreciate what we already have and express how we feel about everything in a logical manner being as we are citizens of this country. Honestly, I first had no idea of what had happened to this lady and so many others. the day when our school remained silent for a few minutes didn't have an effect on me because I hadn't known what was happening. But reading this article come into realization that the Congresswoman was trying to reach out to the people. She met with all these people in a public arena so that the people would know know that the politicians actually did care. But because of this incident, i hardly doubt that politicians will hold their meetings in public places because of what had happened that week.

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  34. I don't support what the shooter did in any way possible, just like the rest of the people blogging on this page. I feel like these shootings were ridiculous but also showed the lack of trust of the American people in the politicians that were elected to office. For a long time now, I've heard numerous people complain about how our senators, representatives, and governors just want money and really don't care about if anything gets done to help the economy or to create a better government. I believe that a possible reason for the shootings may represent a very strong dislike of the shooter for politicians who seem to do what the public doesn't approve of. I believe that although people can complain, it is definitely taking it too far to go and try to shoot a politician who that person may not like. I've actually also heard on the radio that so many more Americans have actually respected President Obama and the rest of the government for the jobs that they do, and I think that one good thing to take out of this horrific event is that the president and many others are actually being recognized more for their hard work instead of being criticized all the time.

    Karishma Tank, period 6

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  35. Kevin Yu World pd. 6
    Another mass shooting. As long as man lives, there will always be conflict. This man, however, was completely insane. To shoot a targeted congresswoman means severe punishment. But to destroy living innocence (death of the nine year old girl) is something the criminal will never forget. The punishment for killing bystanders is the regret to an extreme degree. The man is a disgrace to the human population.

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  36. its really upsetting to see something like this happen in the United States. Killing and hurting people is not the answer to anyone's problem. It was suspected that the shooter's goal was the kill the congress woman but not only did he shoot her, he shot multiple people who had nothing to do with the situation. Especially killing a 9 year old girl who will now never get a chance to live her life. Also I feel like the shooter is mentally unstable so I believe that since the congress woman is still alive that he will try again.
    Valerie Harrison, Period 6

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  37. Tyler Cruz pd. 7
    I knew about the shooting because it was on the headline of the paper. It really is a tragedy that she had to die based on her political beliefs. The amount of gun related deaths in America is unbelievable compared to other countries. Something has to be done to prevent situations like this from happening again

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  38. This shooter didn't just shoot the congress woman, but he also killed more people including a 9 year old girl. This doesn't only show that there are many dangerous and people who aren't afraid to pull the trigger, but also that this can happen anywhere. I think that security needs to be more enforced and that after seeing a pattern of shootings lately, that this is the time for a change before more happen.

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  39. I think it is very disgusting that there are human beings in this world that would resort to such violence by shooting anyone such as a congress women. The fact that he also injured other people while trying to get this one person is very sad.
    Pasha Shapouri per 9.

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  40. Violence is definetly not to way to go. It's one thing to want to kill a congresswoman but to shoot other children in the process is something else. I can never underestand why a person would want to kill another human, i thinks that's inhumane.
    Arian Farmer per6

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  41. This article/event was devastating and i feel so bad for the innocent congress woman. This is an absolute tragedy and also watched the CNN exclusive on this occurrence and i think its disgusting that some people take politics so seriously and for this to happen to a woman who is trying her best at her profession is a disgrace.

    LUCIO ZAREMBA the blog master

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  42. I think what happened in Arizona is so sad. It is so unfortunate that some people believe the only way to handle problems is with violence. Because of one disturbed individual, so many innocent people were wounded or killed for no reason at all. Hopefully Congresswoman Giffords will make a full recovery, and measures will be taken so something like this never happens again.

    -Melissa Rubin (Per. 9)

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  43. After reading this article, it showed how stupid people are at making decisions and resolving situations. You cant just go up to a judge because you don't like her and shoot her then shoot 5 other people. In the end she is dead, you killed someone which is now on your conscience, and you will be sent to jail. It is a no win resolution.

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  44. I first heard about this incident on yahoo before reading the article and it is really heart breaking for the families that lost loved ones. It was a great miracle that Congresswoman Gabrielle is alive and now going to rehab. It is sad how some people in society don't see the big picture and this is just sad to hear and read about.

    Ted Oh Period 9

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  45. After reading this article, I feel incredibly disturbed. In history, there have been many assassinations of leaders that took place. I've never quite understood any of them, because I don't believe that murder will ever solve anything. The deaths of Abaraham Lincoln, MLK Jr., and JFK were all great losses for the nation. In the same way, the death of Representative Gabrielle Giffords is just another loss. It was completely unnecessary, and I wish it never happened.

    Maureen Varughese
    pd. 9

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  46. This article showed me that there are people out there who are not only crazy but do not have any consideration for other peoples lives. When i read this article i felt upset knowing that a young girl who did not even live her life to the fullest was killed because some guy decided that he would go and shoot people killing some. This makes me realize that we should watch out for people like this and also that there are people who do not live out there full lives so one should do everything to their best and live life while u have it.

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  47. It is always upsetting to hear about something like this. One of the most upsetting parts of this is the fact that after the shooter shot the congresswoman he continued to shoot random people who had nothing to do with her. Which make you wonder if he was truly trying to point or was he just crazy or was he just evil. The amount of people that he hurt and the lives that he ruined really make you question if to him it was more then just politics.

    Tom Gonzalez

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  48. There is no denying that this incident is nothing short of horrible. But with that said, it comes to no surprise to me. Considering how many wars the United States has been in over the past 9 years and for the reasons that caused them just tell the world that there insane people even in a country as great as ours. It also raises the question, "What kind of beast is man?" Certainly a question of moral issue, being that a 9-year-old girl was killed in the attack.

    -Dan Grandelli

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  49. After I heard about this incident, I couldn't help but think about why someone would do such a horrible thing like this. If you have an issue with your congresswoman, or just anyone in general, there are much easier ways to settle things than to go on a shooting rampage and try and kill everyone in sight. I think the shooter decided to do what he did because maybe he didn't agree on some of the policies that Giffords believed in, particularly the idea of healthcare. People are allowed to have opposing opinions with one another, but the idea of shooting someone because of these opinions is just ridiculous.
    Danny Mathew Period 9

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  50. after reading this article for the second time i was still shocked, i don't understand how someone can just walk into a courtroom with a gun and shoot Innocent people. i feel that this shooting will change the view on how tight security should be not only in courtrooms, but in all public places because you never know who and what somebody is, for example the shooter.
    Jordan B pd 6

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  51. After reading this article i felt bad for the lady, but it really didnt connect to me so i didnt care. I felt worse that the little girl died. Also people say that many laws arent being strictly enforced and that they should be, but i disagree. This was an exception, because this guy was crazy. In his mug shot, he was smiling. Not once did he feel bad for the crimes he committed. I wish they could just hang him because i dont believe he will ever realize that what he did was really bad. He will never feel guilty.
    Vihar Shah period 6

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  52. Adam Hakimian (period 6)February 3, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    This event was tragic and a major setback in the re-organization of America. Everyone who is affected or even heard about this event definitely had their heart sink. Looking at a mugshot of this man really creeped me out, this man is a raging lunatic. Going on a shooting rampage and firing at will with no thought on who or what is infront of you. Just because you don't agree with a policy someone makes, doesn't mean you retaliate like this. You can solve it with words (because clearly EVERYTHING in politics is solved with words!). Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and nothing less.

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