Unfortunately, it's been happening for awhile. In the late 70's, a shooting occurred at Murchison in Austin, Texas. A student killed a teacher, and I believe kept an entire classroom hostage. But, shootings are far more widespread now. So very sad

...I lived just a mile away from the shooting, but was only about 8 or so, and do not recall all of the circumstances.

I live not far from Austin, and we had them all the time when I was in public school. It was required at least two times a year to practice.

Columbine? That wad '99

You are absolutely right, Katinka. I have many, many friends in other countries that don't understand our idea that we are the best of everything. They look at us as arrogant and purposely ignorant. Americans are taught that we are exceptional and we actually believe it until we go travel to other countries. They are proud to learn several languages and to have social programs that help all their citizens. All of them value a good education and the government makes sure those opportunities are there without crippling debt afterwards.They don't even think about if they are or are not the "greatest country on the earth". It's time Americans woke up and joined in with the rest of humanity to make the world a better place. The most glaring difference is our treatment of guns. We idolize the gun and lust over the power it gives us. No wonder we are the gun death capital of the world. We never should have gotten to the point of shooter drills.

@Thomas O'Keefe: The USA are a very interesting and scintillating place of dreams. It's been a land of endless opportunity for a long time, and I'm sure there are still very many good opportunities for education and research. Yes, the USA are fascinating. A large part of that is due to the good press they have - be it movies or series or maybe even history. What a lot of people don't know or maybe overlook and sometimes have to learn the very hard way is that it's not perfect, that you may have a lot of opportunities but if you fall, you fall hard. Very hard. Maybe the fallen still live better than in their original country, but for a person from Europe, it's pretty unbelievable that breaking your arm could lead to you losing your job and everything you own because there is not a lot of social security. So yes, a lot of people would like to go to the USA. The poor, the hopeful, the curious and some who would love to see its incredible beauty. (tbc)

Again to Thomas O'Keefe: The thing is - it's all a bubble. Unless you are wealthy or have a very good contract for a job, you will have to struggle and fight and if you are not white-skinned, you'll have to fight a bit harder even. If you are from a "shithole-country", you will get a chance -but current climate would also make you grow a thick skin. The president asked why nobody from Norway would want to immigrate to the US, why always the poor countries. Though I'm sure some Norwegians would love to go, the majority is very fine in their own country. Wonder why that is... I am in awe of a lot of things the American people managed to do in history by sheer will and stubbornness and smarts. I am also appalled by a lot of things they managed to do because of the same traits. I'm not sure what to think, but I'm sure sad about the way the US is digging its own grave right now. (thinking the same of my own country, but I can at least do something here!)

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You're wrong, Katinka. The United States remains the top choice among the people of ALL nations as the place to which they hope to immigrate. The innovations of this country in medicine, software, and all manufacturing continue to lead the world beyond that of any other nation. There are many great nations in the world. But none even remotely compare to the U.S,

enough for immediate action. But I have confidence that my generation will be the one to change things for the better. I have lots of opinions on this, but I'll spare you on them for now :) I think the best thing I can do at this point is support others, spread love, and stand up for what I believe in, because this is going to change.

There have been shootings under the past Presidents as well,so while I'm not a fan, these aren't political in nature. These are children with mental illnesses. Our health care system needs to change in how it treats mental illness and the laws that prohibit them from reporting people with mental health issues need to change as well.

You remind me of me when I was about your age......... Time is wisdom.

Oh? So you could grab your Arma-Lite and go shoot the President if he became tyrannical? Would you (not you-specifically but you-the-people) even recognize a tyrant once he's been elected into office? Turkey is an interesting example here - Erdogan was elected and is in many places still placed in highest regard. From outside, Turkey is already ruled by a tyrant - from the inside, everyone who suggests so is imprisoned for treason.

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