Ryanne was one of five students who were killed 6 years ago at Northern Illinois University. I know that she was only one of the victims, but she shows how the event impacted her family and her friends. It also effected the entire NIU community. I'll add that Ryanne was an only child.
But this video tribute from Tom Frey is one that really sticks in my mind. Not only is it a tribute to Ryanne, but it is the memory of someone who knew her. It shows the effect that gun violence has on people:
This is another of the many tributes to Ryanne that I found while trying to find the one by Tom:
This is Ryanne's mother talking about her being active in the Gun violence prevention movement:
A toast to Ryanne Mace, a lovely young woman who was taken from this world far too early. Your memory is contributing to making the world a better place. Who knows how much better the world would be if you were still alive.
All I can say is thanks for posting, and I can only hope Mary Kay and Eric find the peace they so deserve - whether it be through their efforts to do what they do in Ryanne's memory or through something else. I'm honored to know them even if only, thus far, through social network mediums.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that people like you stopped by to read this. Than you.
Delete"Kazmierczak purchased a pump-action Remington shotgun and a Glock 9mm handgun on February 9, a High Point 380 pistol on December 30, 2007, and a Sig Sauer pistol on August 6, 2007, all legally from a Champaign gun store. "
ReplyDeletehttp://uofiwiki.org/wiki/Steven_Kazmierczak
So he jumped through all of the hoops required of a citizen of Illinois in order to be able to possess firearms. Yet whatever demons haunted him, he passed all of the tests.
Obviously, thoie tests aren't strong enough.
DeleteThanks for making the point.
While I respect the pain that these parents and family members feel, I cannot respect lashing out at millions of Americans who did nothing wrong, especially when the proposed solution would do no actual good.
ReplyDeleteAnd you call me shallow!
DeleteI find it interesting that you never say much of anything which isn't some form of "pro-gun" talking point.
Let's see, I discuss politics, home brewing, literature, opera, and other such matters when Mikeb posts those things. Elsewhere, I discuss all manner of topics. But all you can notice is that on the subject of guns, I'm pro-choice.
DeleteAll within your gun rights brick wall mind, to the point of supporting the death of innocent people.
DeleteGreg, what you call "doing nothing wrong," is a bit curious. Millions of lawful gun owners DO NOT store their guns in a safe, millions DO NOT insist on a background check when they sell a gun. Are these the things you refer to as "doing nothing wrong?"
DeleteI like guns being sold without a background check--so long as your side keeps insisting on documentation, I want as many undocumented guns as possible. It prevents your policies from working. And no, by itself, storing a gun in a manner that gives you the vapors isn't wrong.
Delete"I want as many undocumented guns as possible."
DeleteOf course you do; it promotes gun theft, innocents being killed, and the lack of police to trace guns used in murders. Which promotes your "I could care less about gun shot murders" position.
No, as long as gun control advocates push violations of our rights, no deals are possible. If your side would stop trying to force bad proposals on us, we could work for real solutions.
Delete"I cannot respect lashing out at millions of Americans who did nothing wrong, especially when the proposed solution would do no actual good."
DeleteExactly
Greg, these are the reasons why I call people like you fanatics and hold you responsible for the gun violence that plagues the US.
DeleteIf you'd be reasonable, we could make progress.
DeleteI'd like to say something about the phrase "lashing out at millions of Americans who did nothing wrong."
DeleteYou guys are a bunch of fucking babies. You love to play the victim card. Suggesting gun control laws like background checks and safe storage IS NOT "lashing out at you." Grow up.