The Pro-Gun people say that this wouldn't have turned out the way it did had the students had access to their own guns. And they're right, it wouldn't have turned out the way it did, it would've turned out much worse. Can we say Valentine Day Massacre?

I would like to commend and thank Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera for being at Virginia Tech to offer to those who very much need a voice the opportunity to express the contributions made by their loved ones to this community, as well as their families. I know that it must be amazingly difficult to express how you feel about a loved one who has just been killed, but, Mr. Lauer's obvious compassion and sensitivity to those so affected by this horrific tragedy have allowed them to share that loved one - which, as part of the grieving process, is vital for emotional healing. I have watched the Today Show for many years and have always admired Mr. Lauer's interviewing skills, but, his interviews in these past two days have shown so much more than skill. He has confirmed what one always feels when you look at someone's face every morning: he IS part of the family. Thank you Mr. Lauer for coming to Blacksburg, and to all of those so directly affected by this heinous event, by heart and spirit go out to everyone.

I am not bothered by your coverage from the VA Tech campus. I have felt closer to what everyone there is going through, and much more informed of the facts as they are continuing to develop, than if you weren't there covering the story. Having visited the campus there in Blacksburg on numerous occasions, including season tickets to the Hokies triumphant 1999-2000 football season, I know the spirit of the Hokies and of VA Tech will prevail beyond even this horrific tragedy. KEEP THE SPIRIT .. and GO HOKIES !! However, I do have a question. If possible, I would like to hear some discussions regarding how someone with a known mental illness, or someone for whom law enforcement authorities has been made aware of being suicidal or mentally unstable could purchase a firearm, and especially an "automatic" firearm. Can you address this issue some?

I am amazed that the Congress and politicians are doing nothing to tighten or control the gun ownership in this country after so many tragic and horrific school shootings. How many innocent deaths does it take to change the gun control law? It's so easy to kill in this country, especially for those who have mental or psychological problems. I think it's absolutely necessary to at least add a psychoanalysis as a requirement to own a gun.

I just want to send my condolences to all that have been affected by this horrific tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless!

I think the question that should be the focus of the "why?" of all of us and most importantly the focus of politicians, on both the state and federal level,the public school systems and mental health care providers is how do we reach out and make broad changes in a very, very broken system. I am a single mother with two boys who have had extensive help and attend a private school that was created not just to help them academically but emotionally. It comes at great expense and sacrifice but I am seeing the benefits. How do we protect our freedoms but also protect our children who will be adults before we know it? Mental health care for children and adolescents is NOT a focvus for anyone nor do big insurance providers approve of it or support it. This horrific event should be a wake up call to our society and serve as a cry for help from "our CHILDREN"..ALL OF THE U.S.A.

As difficult as it may be, it is remarkable to see the faces of the students and facility that were killed in this horrible tragedy. I am amazed at the strength of the students at VT and was inspired by the candlight vigil. The four students who spoke with Matt this morning about what they are doing to help their classmates was inspiring. There are many ways people respond to situations like this and these students should all be praised for stepping forward and not even questioning as to what needed to be done. I send along my prayers to the families whose sons and daughters and loved ones died and to the students at VT for their strength. God be with you all.

I am a resident of Blacksburg, and I'm grateful that Matt has reflected some of the love and caring that is the heart of this town. It is in stark contrast to have the most violent of acts happen here. Blacksburg is safe, beautiful and filled primarily with many interesting and intelligent individuals. I wish there had been a fuller report of Blacksburg as a town, with some of the stunning views and homes. We don't want this horrible day in history to be the cloak we always wear. This one day was filled with gunshots in Heaven...as they say, it is God's country here. If you saw the landscape yourself, you'd know what I mean. Thank you for your compassionate coverage.

Like most, we are all deeply affected by this unbelievable tragedy.I am proud that so many business and individuals have OUR American flag at half mast.
This morning I received an E-mail from an individual in Thailand expressing their regret.I can not imagine the trauma all involved must be experiencing..I am proud that our fellow citizens feel the loss.

As difficult as it may be, it is remarkable to see the faces of the students and facility that were killed in this horrible tragedy. I am amazed at the strength of the students at VT and was inspired by the candlight vigil. The four students who spoke with Matt this morning about what they are doing to help their classmates was inspiring. There are many ways people respond to situations like this and these students should all be praised for stepping forward and not even questioning as to what needed to be done. I send along my prayers to the families whose sons and daughters and loved ones died and to the students at VT for their strength. God be with you all.

Gun Laws Gun Laws Gun Laws Gun Laws Gun Laws Gun Laws

For the like's of me I do not understand the whole thing. Why others get blamed for somthing they cannot controll. Putting the blame on someone else seams to be the thing in todays times.

I served my time in war and I knew I had a job to do then I would go home hopefully. These young people had there whole life ahead of them and there lives were taken without a thought. If and I say if this person had a problem the it should have not been sweap under the rug instead someone didient do there job of following up on the matter. So where is the blame now? We could do this all day long but whats the use. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO TO ALL PARENTS GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

This is one of the most comforting and insightful articles I've read, coming out of this tragedy.

Thank you MATT LAUER for your comments. This should be read by the spectators and the speculators that want to criticize the University for not interfering in Cho's personal life, or take issue why families talk to the press.

It was most encouraging to see how the community has touched you. The true test of character is seen when dealing with loss an crisis. I hope and pray that Virginia Tech comes out on top

We here in the US Virgin Islands are deeply saddened by the tragedy at VT. Our thoughts and prayers are with all whose lives have been affected by this terrible tragedy. May God's blessings be with all and may they rest with the assurance that God cares.

I have lived in two other countries in different parts of the world. Both had national strict gun control. Both had national health care systems which intercepte mentally ill individuals and provide the treatmeant and the control (as necessary). Both had higher tax rates to pay for all this. Both had less individual freedom, due to the laws in-place to make all this work. Is it possible to make our lives more secure without increasing taxes and giving up some of our individual freedoms? Don't know. Good question.

At a time like this, it is hard to remember that mental illness is just that, an illness. All of the information coming out of the press now about Cho's behaviors and his writings...all the signs were there. Could he have been saved, thereby saving the lives if all those innocent people?
We will never know. We know at least one teacher tried desparately to get him some help. With all of our advances in medicine today, one of the least understood is mental illness. It is too easy in this country to get a weapon like a 9mm shotgun. The owner of the gun store said Cho seemed like an upstanding individual. He said he never would sell to someone he thought was a bad person (I am paraphrasing here). The point is, he didn't know. One cannot tell by the mere fact that a person did not commit a felony what their intentions are when buying a pistol. Nor can you know if and when that person will have a mental breakdown and use the weapon on himself or another individual. With all our talk of a right to arms in this country, the fact remains that most weapons are not used in self defense. They are used to kill innocent people without provocation. The only provocation is in the person's mind, and we have no idea what is going on in anyone else's mind, do we? This is the worst case scenario. It is not, however the first time a very sick and troubled person has used a gun for killing for his own seemingly very real reasons. Cho's reasoning (the rich spoiled kids he hated) instantly reminded me of Mark David Chapman, the man who shot and killed John Lennon. He said John Lennon had become a phony. The gun gave him an easy out. He was able to exress his violent hatred and kill so much more easily with it in his hand. It is so sad. My heart and prayers go out to all those dear people who lost their loved ones. May god bless your heart with his grace and help you move through this awful time of grief.

I have long been a Notre Dame fan but I think I'm like so many at this time... a VT fan! I join the millions in my support and prayers to VT and their community. I think there will be plenty of time to discuss why this or that didn't happen but let's try to embrace them with all our love and support so they can try to breath at a time that certainly would have swept the breath from us all.... GO Hoakies!

While I certainly understand the need to keep the public aware, and that this unfortunate incident is news. I do not agree that families of those slain should have to contend with reporters, etc. so soon after the event. As a parent who has lost a college age child, I cannot understand why families are not afforded some private time to grieve.

I am thinking of the parents of these children whose lives have been cut short by a madman. All of their efforts to educate their bright kids for a successful, happy life have been dashed in a micro moment. My heart goes out to them and to wish them strength in dealing with their overwhelming grief.

I just want to send my symphathy to all the people in Virginia Tech. So sorry for the parents to lose their children and students that lost their friends. I think we should pay more attention to what our children are doing, and watch signs of trouble before it becomes too late!!

Matt,

First of all, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to VT. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt and Meredith, you have been doing a excellent job of showing us, the viewer, what professionlism is in journalism. You are both sensitive and caring in what you ask. My question to you is this, after the cameras are gone, after the shows ends, where do you go to decompress? You helped us deal with the past days events, to help us deal with the pain with a great deal of tact. But what about yourselves as journalist? You have feeling also. I hope you and the rest of the staff are all ok. Again, I must say that my prayers are with VT. Thanks for doing what you do on a day to day basis Matt, Meredith, Al and Ann. You are truly our window to the world! God Bless us all!

This is so sad people need to learn that human life is so important and to take it away is dangerous and wrong! I am praying for the families at VT and hope that some day that we all can get pass this and teach others to value human life no matter color, sex, race, class, nationial orgin, sexual orientation, etc. God be with the families and have mercy on Cho!

Sorrow..tragedy..why does it take these things to bring people together? My prayers are with the families & friends of those lost. My heartaches for the condition in society that has no respect for human life anymore. No gun controll or laws can stop the violence, only gaining respect back for the human life can. This generation of young adults today have been raised on the notion that we can kill our unborn and it is acceptable. Violence & slaughter is everywhere they look today..Lets get God back in schools & starting loving each other...like He asked us to...PLEASE

How exactly do gun law proponents propose to collect the millions and millions of handguns in the possession of the population. Impossible. This campus was actually "gun free" by law. Therefore, the only persons other than law enforcement that have guns on this campus are the criminals.

The Virginia legislature recently looked at the right of the state to keep registered "conceal and carry" permit holders from exercising that right on college campuses. They came to the conclusion that the state had the right to keep guns off campus.Therefore the other students on campus including the victims were prohibited from exercising their constitutional right to bear arms and protect themselves and others from eminent risk of bodily injury or death at the hands of another.

First and foremost; my condolences to all the victims families (including Mr. Cho's family) and to all who are affect by this tragedy.
Secondly, I believe that it is important that we view this incident as a tragic event that was the result of an "individuals" actions; thus, we must refrain from "blaming" individuals or organizations (family, friends, schools, or government for the matter). Nevertheless, mistakes have been made; however, it is up to us as a society to ensure that we do everything in our powers to prevent this tragedy from happening again. (Which does not include violating Second Amendment Rights)