Connecticut 'gunman dead' after US school shooting

[August]

Originally Posted by Fish

Guns don't kill. Americans do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ted_death_rate

You Dutch weren't complaining when us evil gun owning Americans rescued you from the Germans.

[August]

A very interesting article on mental illness:

'I Am Adam Lanza's Mother': A Mom's Perspective On The Mental Illness Conversation In America

Posted: 12/16/2012 9:15 am EST | Updated: 12/16/2012 2:34 pm EST





Written by Liza Long, republished from The Blue Review
Friday’s horrific national tragedy -- the murder of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut -- has ignited a new discussion on violence in America. In kitchens and coffee shops across the country, we tearfully debate the many faces of violence in America: gun culture, media violence, lack of mental health services, overt and covert wars abroad, religion, politics and the way we raise our children. Liza Long, a writer based in Boise, says it’s easy to talk about guns. But it’s time to talk about mental illness.
While every family's story of mental illness is different, and we may never know the whole of the Lanza's story, tales like this one need to be heard -- and families who live them deserve our help.
Three days before 20 year-old Adam Lanza killed his mother, then opened fire on a classroom full of Connecticut kindergartners, my 13-year old son Michael (name changed) missed his bus because he was wearing the wrong color pants.
“I can wear these pants,” he said, his tone increasingly belligerent, the black-hole pupils of his eyes swallowing the blue irises.
“They are navy blue,” I told him. “Your school’s dress code says black or khaki pants only.”
“They told me I could wear these,” he insisted. “You’re a stupid bitch. I can wear whatever pants I want to. This is America. I have rights!”
“You can’t wear whatever pants you want to,” I said, my tone affable, reasonable. “And you definitely cannot call me a stupid bitch. You’re grounded from electronics for the rest of the day. Now get in the car, and I will take you to school.”
I live with a son who is mentally ill. I love my son. But he terrifies me.

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by August

A very interesting article on mental illness:

Do you have a link for the whole artice? I guess I'm going to wait for the dust to settle. If the boy was autistic/aspergers and violent, that is a dangerous combination.

More on aspergers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

A lack of demonstrated empathy has a significant impact on aspects of communal living for persons with Asperger syndrome.[2] Individuals with AS experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which may include a failure to develop friendships or to seek shared enjoyments or achievements with others (for example, showing others objects of interest), a lack of social or emotional reciprocity (social "games" give-and-take mechanic), and impaired nonverbal behaviors in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and gesture.[1]

Management

Further information: Autism therapies
Asperger syndrome treatment attempts to manage distressing symptoms and to teach age-appropriate social, communication and vocational skills that are not naturally acquired during development,[1] with intervention tailored to the needs of the individual based on multidisciplinary assessment.[81] Although progress has been made, data supporting the efficacy of particular interventions are limited.[1][82]

There's no good that's going to come from this, but hopefully there will be a greater interest in treating/helping people with mental illness/ mentally impaired. I've been around two kids (boys) with Aspergers and they have violent tendencies. They are really hard to manage when they get "set off."

[Cybermat47]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

I've been around two kids with Aspergers and they have violent tendencies. They are really hard to manage when they get "set off."

If you want them to stop being violent, get a female Maori teacher for them. It worked for me, so it'll work for them

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by Cybermat47

If you want them to stop being violent, get a female Maori teacher for them. It worked for me, so it'll work for them

You mean a nun. Could make the problem worse.

[Cybermat47]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

You mean a nun. Could make the problem worse.

Nah, I'm talking about a hard-as-nails Maori woman

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by Cybermat47

Nah, I'm talking about a hard-as-nails Maori woman

Boo!

[August]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

Do you have a link for the whole artice?

Sorry Nik I meant to include the link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2311009.html

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by August

Sorry Nik I meant to include the link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2311009.html

Intereting article.

At the start of seventh grade, Michael was accepted to an accelerated program for highly gifted math and science students. His IQ is off the charts. When he’s in a good mood, he will gladly bend your ear on subjects ranging from Greek mythology to the differences between Einsteinian and Newtonian physics to Doctor Who. He’s in a good mood most of the time. But when he’s not, watch out. And it’s impossible to predict what will set him off.

Pretty much says it all. They're good kids most of the time, but whatever sets them off, look out.

[Cybermat47]

Originally Posted by nikimcbee

Pretty much says it all. They're good kids most of the time, but whatever sets them off, look out.

"Quick! Call the Maori women! Cybermat47's on the loose!"

"So?"

"He has Aspergers!"

"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"

[TarJak]

Some interesting articles on the gun control question:
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politi...216-2bhfy.html
Note the fact there has been 16 mass shootings in USA in 2012 alone. In Australia there have been none since the introduction of tight gun controls in 1996.

Some interesting facts on gun control by an American commentator: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politi...216-2bhgl.html

So will Obama take the step he hinted at in his speech? http://www.smh.com.au/world/obama-no...217-2biq3.html

Looks like his party will be raising it: http://www.smh.com.au/world/first-mo...217-2biem.html

[Krauter]

Originally Posted by August

A very interesting article on mental illness:

Hmm.. trying to find an AMA on reddit about a guy who gave up his life to take care of his mentally disabled brother. He talks about how he managed it fine up until his brother turned 20 and started getting violent. Powerful stuff.

I'll post it if I can find it.

Originally Posted by August

You Dutch weren't complaining when us evil gun owning Americans rescued you from the Germans.

Yeah, totally the same thing, wow.

[August]

Originally Posted by Nippelspanner

Yeah, totally the same thing, wow.

Really? did I say anything about going over to Holland and shoving a gun up someones butt? It's kind of dumb to be comparing a threat of violence with a simple statement of fact.

Yeah, go ahead and tell people what is dumb and what is not.
Just like telling them to keep out of another countries business (in an international forum) and get yourself involved into stuff that, by your own advise, should not be your concern.

Oh and don´t forget to insult them! Very important!

I refer to all your general postings, not a single one btw.