Could be, but don't forget that there is also a Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech, and one of its own was also killed in yesterday's events.

While necessary, it is why presidents pick events carefully. It would have been better is the president had not gone directly to the campus though. Another venue would spare people already rocked by horror.

so it goes...

I see no reason whatsoever for George W. Bush to include himself in the Virginia Tech convocation. This is a time for the university to mourn, not for a politician to make yet another speech.

Although I understand the concern for such low-flying jets, I also know their necessity. As a member of the Red Cross Disaster Relief team at Dulles Airport on September 11, 2001, the flyover of fighter jets was a welcome sight and sound, reassuring us that life goes on, and we have protection even though it sometimes fails us. Our President's safety is imperative, and until the entire story is told, especially at this time.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the students, faculty and staff at Tech. May God give peace to the families and friends of those lost.

I'm having a hard time with President Bush's visit. It takes the focus away from those who were killed and wounded and their loved ones, and puts it on him, instead.

Plus, I would think that having a presidential visit right now, would be the last thing law enforcement would want. Don't they have enough to cope with?

I don't see why the presence of low flying planes would unnerve people. Jet noise...it represents freedom and security. I feel comfort when I hear them.

I have to agree with Amy... Why would the President need to stick his nose in and cause even more up roar for the law enforcement there in virginia. The need to make a speech should fall second to what these kids and their parents and everyone involved needs to hear right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with the children and the families of the children who were killed. I will turn off my TV and Computer when Bush comes on.. One of the things that I have noticed reviewing the site with the pictures is how now, everyone turns to God in prayer. I guess we can't separate school and church after all.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. This is the worst student mass shooting in US history. The President should be there to show support.

Our hearts and prayers are with those who are dealing directly with this horrific tragedy.

i agree...I see no need for Bush to be there today. All the security he requires is just putting more strain on the people who don't need it today.

I understand the concern for the security but if he wouldn't have gone, there would be an entirely different forum questioning his compassion and concern for the American people. Some people dissapprove everything he does while others stand behind him regardless of the circumstances.

I guess you would have to had been on campus yesterday to understand loud noises are unsettling. I agree at other times the jets are nothing but comfort. I should amplify the White House deliberated long about this and with the help of the university administration made a decision. It's just not an easy time; I wish VT privacy and time to reflect. Has anyone notice the Imus time which was all over 24 hours news has disappeared.

I wish VT the best; it's going to be all right.

This is such a sad and disappointing event, and President Bush appears to be showing genuine concern. It also reminds me of the killings at Bagdad University and elsewhere in Iraq. This event gives us a tragic and unfortunate taste of how a country feels rocked to the core when things like this happen. Imagine having to go through a tragedy of this proportion and larger on a regular basis, as is the case in Iraq. I can't help but wonder how Bush really feels about what is going on there with our soldiers and innocent civilians.

First and foremost, my thoughts are with those having to sort through this mess, deal with the loss of loved ones, and find some sort of closure to such a horrid event.

However, I agree with many of you, and believe this is no place for politicians to play any part - president or not. He said enough on tv yesterday and sent out his thoughts. That should be enough.

Honestly, I can't see WHY he would feel that showing his face on that campus would help more than the support they can all give eachother. Perhaps he feels, deep down, that if he makes an immediate trip to at least ONE of our Nation's tragedies, that he can make up for his ignorance on 9/11 and his lack of concern or know how when it came to what he should do for the multitude of people affected by a natural disaster like Katrina - where he was actually provided WARNING to the event.

The President is doing what leaders our supposed to do. This is a national tragedy, he is the leader of our nation. It's pretty straightforward. Don't try to reduce it to something "political".

If he wasn't there, you'd be blaming him for not caring enough to show his support.

I am proud of him, today. Today he was our President.

Let's face it. No matter what the President does or doesn't do, people are going to take issue with it. I suspect he would have had to deal with far more criticism had he not gone.

I think his words were encouraging and centered around those grieving and had little to do with him at all, except that he was the one speaking.

I think his presence today was like receiving a comforting hug from all those who have gone before us, sacrificing themselves for our freedoms. ---Now we must honor them and go live!

As our President (and whether you voted for him or not he is our President)he speaks for the nation. So many of us would like to be there to offer comfort and support to the victims, families, students and staff. He was there as a representative for those of us who can only watch and pray. Whatever your political beliefs, he was a man genuinely grieving for the loss of life. Get off this soap box and focus on what comes next - the beginning of healing.

This event was the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States, I find it fitting that the President of the United States appeared to offer his support and condolences. I don't understand why people would attack him at this time of such great loss. He is human. He's the leader of our nation. Nothing political about it.

People who dislike the President would haved criticized him if he didn't show up. It doesn't matter what he does.

While I'm not a stong supporter of our President, I was glad he was there.

First of all, I DO NOT agree with Trina from Washington. It made me cringe when I read that. You need to put yourself in his shoes. I don't think anyone has the right to say what the president should or shouldn't do...you have no idea what he goes through on a daily basis. I would never want his job. He is a compassionate man that just wanted to extend his condolances in person. What if he didn't show up for the memorial? Now that would give people something to talk about. Guaranteed there would be a post about how our President didn't show any concern for Virginia Tech. How can you say that he showed a lack of concern for 9/11 and the victims of Katrina? How much more did you want him to do? It's time America stops pointing fingers at one another! My thoughts and prayers go out to the families at Virginia Tech.

It seems the comments have wandered far from the question of the original fly over I pondered out loud. Why not pick a place off campus so the campus would not be affected by the security it takes to have him there let alone the overloaded state of VT security.

Can we get back to the question or end the thread?

I don't think this is the time or place for a Presidential visit, or a flyover, or any such thing. There is a big difference between showing up at a natural disaster at which National Guardsmen and federal aid resources are necessary to help the victims. In the aftermath of a school shooting, the President's presence on campus adds nothing but security issues and distractions. A statement, even attendance at a memorial service in a week or two might have been appropriate. But this is just showboating.
Frankly, the first statement he made after the massacre about supporting the right to bear arms if we all just obeyed the law was so disgustingly calculated and cold, that I think he'd be better off just to shut up and lay low.

Caitlin!! I think you are correct with your thought that the President rushed in too early. There is too much turmoil on campus to add the extra distraction. He is a compassionate man but his timing is wrong. A very honest and heartfelt message would have been more prudent.

I feel that Bush better have been there as thats the way it SHOULD be. However....I question his motives!!!!

Let us remember that Tech at one time was ALL military. It would not surprise me if the fighter pilot was actually an Alum, doing his job and yet still trying to show his support to fellow Hokies. And why shouldn't the President be welcomed to bring support to OUR Hokie family, he is the Commander in Chief. Let us remember to band together to lift up, not take away and look for blame.

This has been a very sad day in the lives of all who call themselves Americans. I feel that we should embrace the love and compation from our Nation. we are mothers,fathers,sisters,brothes grandparents of someone on this earth. It is in God were we find peace.our faith and love that sets us free. GOD BLESS