Blink’s Year In Review: The True Crime Cases That Headlined 2012 Tonight On The Dana Pretzer Show (Podcast Added)
S. Christina Stoy “Blink”, Editor In Chief www.blinkoncrime.com discusses the Sandy Hook Elementary Massacre and this year’s top true crime cases as special guest of Dana Pretzer, host of THE DANA PRETZER SHOW on scaredmonkeys radio tonight at 9 PM.
Dana’s featured guests will also include Retired FBI Criminal Analyst Clint van Zandt , Richard Muti and Charles Buckley – former New Jersey Prosecutors and National Authors of “The Charmer” and Editor In Chief “Red” of www.scaredmonkeys.com
Unfortunately, 2012 was a year filled with blinkoncrime’s coverage of Jerry Sandusky, Isabel Celis, Joshua Powell, Kyron Horman, Etan Patz, Christine Sheddy, Megan Sharpton , Jessica Ridgeway , Kelli Bordeaux and many other topics to be discussed.
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I did get to listen to the first part of the show, but the last part with Blink and Red was eaten by the weather. Satellite reception is iffy when weather changes occur.
I will down load the show later when it is posted.
Blink-
I really enjoyed the radio show last night, start to finish. I am glad you brought attention to what has been mentioned here many times and that is the growing number of cases that remain unsolved- a new and disturbing norm in the area of true crime cases. This too must be analyzed and remedied before it becomes permanent. Looking forward to 2013- Merry Christmas all!
Thank you and to you and yours also!
B
Hi Blink. As far as I can tell, the recorded version of this broadcast is incomplete. It does not include yourself, Clint VanZant nor Red. Can Klassend help?
I listened to it personally from that, let me know if you have the same problem.
B
I have to be honest – while I really enjoy your discussion on Scared Monkeys, Blink, Red’s political angle really bothers me. You mentioned the need for resources as a tool of prevention, but resources tie in with politics and are at odds with the right-wing bias on Red’s site. You simply put a cop in every school on the off-chance (being involved in a school shooting is less likely than being struck by lightning, I might add) without drastically increasing the state budget, and states without the funding (like California, most certainly) will then ask the feds for aid – Republicans that Red favors will veto that aid. Where does Red think the money for guards in every school is going to come from? I just have a hard time not addressing politics when it comes to crime prevention of this sort because those things are tied in to eachother so intricately – and what it comes down to is that if it were up to Republicans, they would not be funding these things, and they would tell states to come up with the money themselves. So what gets cut when you fund more public safety initiatives? Public health! Among the first to go are mental health programs. So if you want more security AND more mental health resources, you have to make sure that the politicians you voted for in November will actually fund those things in a budget crisis.
I also really was not happy when Red carefully sidestepped the “gun control” issue when it came to Sandy Hook. How can you not discuss gun control? The fact of the matter is, it may not have changed the shooter’s motive or intent the kind of weapon he had, but the type of weapon he did have made his attempt a LOT more lethal. This is a gruesome thought and some might disagree, but it is a hell of a lot harder to kill 20 kids with a knife in the timeframe that it takes to shoot them. He would have been either tackled by an adult at some point or the cops would have gotten to him. There is no need for a private citizen to have the type and lethality of weapon that we’re seeing now in these mass shootings. (Red may not want to address this on his show because the high-caliber assault weapons ban instituted in 1994 under Clinton was let lapse by the Bush admin. in 2004.)
That being said, 2 things I really appreciated: that you both addressed the irresponsibility of the media when it came to talking to children. I could not BELIEVE it when I saw CNN stick a mike in front of a little kid’s face. So opportunistic. They also interviewed a school nurse who was crying and the CNN reporter asked “why are you crying?” seriously? do you not know how trauma works? I wish there was some kind of time period in which media are not allowed on-site following a tragedy of this proportion. I totally respect the media’s right to information and all, but when it comes to traumatized children those kids should be protected from that kind of exposure.
Third, Blink, and I apologize for going on and on here, but I wanted to say that I appreciate that you discuss issues on this site without a political bias. I have no idea who you voted for in November and I’m glad I don’t know. It’s a fine line to walk and we all have different political beliefs, and I appreciate you respecting that crime can be discussed in a way that respects both sides of a very polarized political spectrum.
The above should say “you simply CAN’T put a cop…”. left out a word.
Blink – have you read Dave Cullen’s book “Columbine”? He does a really good comprehensive investigation of the crime, the killers and the aftermath. It’s won several awards and I think as an investigator you would appreciate it. He also talks a lot about the knee-jerk reactions of the media coverage immediately following and how much false information was disseminated. It certainly made me look at the coverage of Sandy Hook a little differently.
Blink I listened to the radio show days ago- just havent had the time to comment til now.
For an end of the year show, I was disappointed you didnt have enough time to discuss in depth the many cases you have covered this year as well as those that are still ongoing.
As always you did a nice job.
Lyndsay,
Hi- Blink does try to stay off the political angle. Despite being very outspoken she tries to keep her personal political thoughts out of the discussions.
Personally I value this immensely as anyone who follows politics knows that discussing the topic can easily result in little to no real discussion and more infighting-
Scared Monkeys Blinks sister site and Red, Blinks friend on the other hand seems to pride himself and his site as a forum that combines the two- and sees it as his duty to inform the masses of the reasons it is important to do so .- many contributors to SM value this combining of the issues.
I agree that Red has some very strong beliefs- as do we all-
You wrote that Reds “political angle” bothers you.. then went on to write your own political angle.
All of your points when given and discussed without a political label or a side could be embraced by all- regardless if one is a Republican Democrat or independent- whomever.
You made some really great points Lyndsay, but I am afraid those who are Republicans or those who love Red will now not “Hear” the truth of your words for you inadvertently backed many into the corner by urging them to take a “side”
Lets take political “sides” out of the discussion.
Mass shootings especially in schools are rare and I agree putting armed guards into schools will not prevent those who are determined to perpetrate these killings.
Columbine, had an armed security guard on campus- Dylan and Eric were well aware of this it did nothing to stop them
A school again has many entrances exits classrooms and halls- each class on a different schedule- some may be in gym while others are eating lunch some students may be on recess or outside in a common area.
At Columbine some students were shot outside, others in the library- The shooters were not stationary
Armed security, police, or teachers can not be in all places at once.
So yes- wanting to place armed personnel at the schools is not the answer to ending school shootings –
A good guy with a gun IS not the solution to a Bad guy with a gun- – many have said one head shot by the principal would have ended this- well that may be true- but the principal would have had to have the gun pulled and ready and would have had to ve been a marks men – to shoot and kill while in motion and pull off a perfect head shot…..
Regardless a gun as protection- it wont prevent the next mass killing for the bad guy will just armor up- or plan better-
Columbine was supposed to be a mass bombing -killing hundreds-
Dylan and Eric were always prepared to die-they expected to- the bombs were there to kill even if they were already dead. If Dylon or Eric succeeded in bringing in those bombs had they went off as planned -then no amount of body armor would have saved anyone-
The movie theater shooter- he too booby trapped his apt with bombs etc and he wore extensive armor- He lived- and told police of the boobytraps otherwise those in and around that apt building plus first responders would have died.
A person, a “bad guy” will always think of newer and better ways to kill and maim – and no matter how “armed” we are- that will never protect us.
Yes just as we talk about addressing the mental health issues and concerns we need to also discuss “gun control” to include the housing of guns and ammo-
If Adams mother had been required to keep her semi automatic guns and the bushmaster at the range along with any ammo- then this tragedy certainly could have been avoided.
But that wot prevent the next mass killing anymore than it did in Colorado- for if a “bad guy” is determined he/she will find a way.
Lyndsay, I agree with you the media did a poor job in the aftermath of Columbine just as it seems to be doing in the aftermath of SandyHook-
I read that book and it left many unanswered questions- and as many “myths” as it addresses it doesnt begin to discuss some
So please if you want to know more about Columbine do not curb your reading to only Cullens book -regardless of the # of awards he received its not the whole “story”.
There is no easy answer it is never just because the perp is sick or evil or deranged- it wont be prevented by any one issue whether gun control or mental health lists barring ownership- or armed guards-
We need a comprehensive discussion and a comprehensive approach that deals with all factors not to exclude any one set
Just like with mental health issues, schools need to be better funded- Our children need to stop living and dying because our partisan politics get in the way of so much like better funding our healthcare/ mental health care- public schools and the rest.
We need to stop trying to lower our taxes at the risk of increases the death toll
Sorry for the length
And thanks for having the courage to speak up lyndsay and
Blink thanks for allowing me to express mO as well.
AJMO
Peace
Happy Holidays
Lyndsay
I am going to disagree with your premise about gun control and safety in schools. I do agree with you about mental health problems.
It is now rather evident that Adam used his mother’s guns and ammunition to perform his deed.
We need to address more than just guns in order to have safe school buildings. The school structures need to be changed regarding ingress and egress to grounds and buildings. The “lockdown” proceedures need to be reviewed and changed. Administrators,teachers and services personnel at a school need to be given training regarding an attempt to enter a school with equipment such as Adam possessed.
Columbine school if you remember from Dave Cullen’s book had two guards on duty, but the boys studied their behavior and figured a way around them. If several of the teachers or custodial personnel had concealed weapons permits, they probably could not have harmed near the number they did.
We need to listen to the satellites we are sent. Observation and intervention are the answer.
B
Just a note on the consideration of arming school staff – Not everyone can aim at a subject and shoot to kill. I believe it’s best left to the professionals if we’re talking about arming for security. There can be no hesitation involved.
I am not in favor of arming anyone that is not a trained professional in the area of counter-assault and security protection in a school or institutional environment.
B
There is also the element of surprise to be considered in an attack like this. In that situation the perpetrators have the advantage over armed, trained personnel. In a planned surprise attack bystanders often act differently than they would in a drill or exercise because we all act differently under stress and particularly in groups. I agree with Blink that I do think security needs to be in the hands of those who are heavily trained. I know how we used to snoop in our teacher’s desk in elementary school and IMO I would not be comfortable with a teacher having a handgun 10 feet from my kid’s desk, no matter how secured it is. ATG- I think that Columbine being a “first” in this type of crime was a learning experience in a lot of aspects – you’ll also remember they thought they were dealing with a hostage situation so the police waited hours before going in. The same with terrorist situations now I think we are rethinking the rules of engagement so to speak and must assume that suicide is one end goal of the shooter and that no time can be wasted in taking them out.
There are concealed carry classes that teach just the basics of shooting to the level of obtaining a permit. Then there are others that teach well beyond that level of how to behave in a tacticle situation. This IMO is the type of training that should be required for all CCW permits.
I agree that unless you have the proper mind set, one should not engage in firearms training. Those who are not mentally prepared to defend their lives with a gun could get themselves killed with their own weapon.
There is a website or two that have tracked the mass shootings of the past fifty years. All but the Gabby Giffords shooting in Arizona have been in areas where there was signage declaring them to be gun free zones.
These same sites are also reporting that almost 100% percent of the shooters were on or had been on psychotropic medications. These drugs IMO are very, very dangerous and should be given only to people who are in a facility where they cannot harm themselves or others. Instead, we have a whole generation or more of people some from the time they are small children who are being prescribed these dangerous medications and allowed to live in a home with family.
Adam and many others that have engaged in mass shootings are not stupid people. They may be crazy when compared to the majority of the population, but they are smart. They have all picked sites that there would be little or no resistance to their evil.
I think there is a lot of emotion when dealing with treagedies like the recent school shooting, but when powered by emotion, sometimes the solutions we come up with don’t work as we expect.
We could convert our schools into maximun security prisons and reduce the risk of these events, but that environment would not be conductive to quality education. The DC snipers shot a kid playing in hios school’s playground. The only way to prevent that would be to keep the kids locked in the school, and I think few or us would support that. All security measures need to be evaluated concerning their effects on the learning environment. And keep in mind, that no matter how far out you extend a school security perimeter, there will always be a back-up at the perimeter’s edge. Do you put an armed guard on every bus, at every bus stop, at every athletic event, place snipers on the roofs of schools to look for other snipers? Remember that a bad guy planning on murdering many children will not hesitate to kill a security guard first.
Even with ideal school security, what kind of security should we have at AYSO soccer games, little league baseball games, YMCA’s, churches, summer camps, or neighborhood playgrounds. How much or our personal liberties are we willing to give up in the name of perceived greater security?
As for mental health, we should remeber the era of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” before we start locking up people who “act differently”.
I do not believe that throwing billions of dollars of tax money will solve these issues, but I do think that there are reasonable common options such as: sturdy bullet-proof doors to classrooms that can be used to keep the bad guys out long enough for LE to arrive. Extend the “Neighborhood Watch” programs to a “School Watch” where well-screening parents and community volunteers armed with cell phones patrol around school campi looking for suspicious activity.
GeorigaDad
This is exactly the type of thinking that should take place regarding school and other public places security. Every location has its own unique problems relating to security.
The public conversations should not be just about guns or medications. It should be about all facets of activities in society that affect ones safety at public places. Something that may be very effective at one location or activity could be less so at another where a different solution could solve the problem.
All crime is local and all solutions should be local. A billion dollar effort from an overreaching federal government IMO is tatamount to throwing the money away.
You all are making some real important points thanks for sharing.
GeorgiaDad-
IMO Adding armed teachers or staff to the schools is not the best way.
Honestly- that worries me… when we had the rash of workers going “postal” was the answer to give all workers guns? Or to give only certain workers guns- no
When that Mcdonalds shooting happened was the answer to give all employees of fast food guns? no
How is a school different?
The Columbine “security guard” and first responding cops exchanged fire with the perps- and was no match for them- but questions arose about “friendly fire”
Many of these fears were later put to rest- but not before several families had to sue to find out exactly what bullets and what gun and what shooter was to blame – This also put the cops families in turmoil too- and still some fears remain as at least one of the cases, that of the teacher, settled out of court…and IIRC in one instance some police lost their jobs because they lied or changed evidence.
My point is, if we were to arm teachers and staff then we are opening a whole big can of potential problems lawsuits etc- and we would thereby be making our teachers be held accountable for so much more than ensuring our children are educated. Lawsuits cost money how much $ will be diverted to deal with potential defenses
Many schools right now do have a roaming LEO that patrols- which I think is good but again this will never be a solution as others have mentioned unless we convert our schools into mini prisons there is always going to be a way to break thru that perimeter, just like GD opined
TGF- you are right when you lament about the “lock down” measures-
We really do need a better way–
These measures never really changed from the time of Columbine- many students were “locked down” then too- “sitting ducks” many just lucky enough not to be harmed by the perps… and those closets, for the most part do have bullet proof doors- but yet it offers no protection when the teacher and students ccant make it there in time- or if a bomb etc is used….these measures just dont work- and even if we were to put bullet proof doors to each classroom (some schools have them) theyd shoot through the walls or at those in the hallways- bathrooms or through the windows or ceilings or just use bombs etc.
Parents many of us have encountered these “lockdowns” when a situation arises such as a suspected gunmen in the area or bank robbery or domestic issue in the neighborhood- thankfully our children were safe as it wasnt an issue with the school…
BUT those kids those teachers NO ONE in NO ONE out- essentially all held hostage…. till the all clea word and sweeps happen… and what if those stressed out teachers are armed and scared inside that school- inside that closet what if a scared kid accidentally gets that gun….
sometimes lock downs occur for many hours… potential sitting ducks if the worst is in play..- what if kids are injured- teachers parents- doesnt matter LOCK DOWN NO ONE IN NO ONE OUT- if we put a “watch” of concerned citizens alerting to potential “suspicious behavior”- how many “lock downs” will be initiated how much learning can get done? What if the helpful watcher is taken hostage or the cell is stolen?
Lyndsay says:
December 25, 2012 at 12:07 am
Lyndsay – great post agreed –
IMO LEO did not think they were dealing with a hostage situation- they knew the two were dead- calls to 911 had the shooters in the library -however they may not have known if there were more shooters- and Bombs were a factor… again even then a “lockdown” was in place-
As for Columbine being a first and a learning experience- well to me it seems not much was learned- Lockdowns are still occurring and do Nothing IMO to secure or protect- What if there is more than one bas guy He/She they are locked IN THAT SCHOOL with the kids and the teachers- and still no matter the # first responders EMT fire fighters life savers are not allowed in and kids arent allowed out until the all clear is sounded-
All that takes time and IIRC it took AL only 6minutes to fire off round after round…
I do not think banning guns will work- if there is a will there is a way- I do not think arming staff is the best way either-
Maybe these in conjunction with other measures would help…
I dont know what the answer is but I think We need to look at the already existing safe guarding measures- and fix them
As for the meds I agree these meds can be dangerous especially in children or young adults —
The list of the side effects even for adults using SSRIs can be dangerous in fact some warn of aggressive behavior- homicidal -suicidal thoughts hallucinations all as a side effect
Other SEffecys can be
* Hypomania/mania
* Insomnia
* Nervousness
* Anxiety
* Agitation
* Central nervous system stimulation
* Frequent emotional changes
* Tremor
* Sweating
* Palpitation
* Paranoia
* Psychosis
* Hostility
* Euphoria
*nightmares
Symptoms that may be early indicators of suicide:
* Extreme personality change
* Loss of interest in activities
* Significant change in appetite
* Difficulty falling asleep
* Sleeping all day
* Loss of energy
* Withdrawal from family and friends
* Sadness, irritability and indifference
* Extreme panic or anxiety
* Drug or alcohol abuse
* Hallucinations or unusual beliefs
* Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
* Difficulty concentrating
* Poor school performance
These meds can help people -and we cant deny those that are being helped and do live law abiding lives the right to their meds nor should we institutionalize them or others with the same conditions that would not be right IMO
A pill isnt the problem nor the solution –
nor is institutionalizing the answer- just like guns isnt the problem nor is banning them the solution – Just like bullying wasnt the problem nor solution- just like armed guards isnt the answer- nor is lock downs
together each, possibly holds a part of the solution
Better parenting- better safety measures- better hcare- better schools and police response etc is all part of the solution IMO
We have to find the right balance-and that balance will be different just as each person and school is different
Finding the balance
That will take money and time-
There are no easy fixes
Peace
AJMO
ATG, what is the URL of the website you referred to in your last post (with the info on mass shootings)? It sounds very interesting.
GeorgiaDad says:
December 26, 2012 at 9:14 am
I meant to say I agree with you, and then to add my thoughts.
Sorry about that
It is difficult to have a discussion regarding the specifics of Sandy Hook- the whys of Adam… there is still so much that is unknown.
Was Adam on meds was he seeing a doctor or a therapist?
Was he free to come and go as he pleased? Did he smash his computer or could his mom have smashed it? Were the guns locked up?
He was said to have played call of Duty and other games what about his game systems were they smashed too? Many of those would have info such as his gaming name ect-
It seems unlikely that a kid that was so into computers only had one hard drive-…
The media was all over the place when will we learn the facts?
Still So many unanswered questions.
My cont prayers to all
AJMO
peace
Mom3.0
Your description of the school lockdown procedures is exactly what is wrong with them. Holding children in a building that is under attack by a shooter or shooters is a very poor solution. This is something that is derived from the SWAT tactics that are based on controlling the situation. This works for a hostage situation, but in the case of active shooter(s) just gets more people killed.
While you make reference to work place shootings as “going postal”, these mass shootings are not about getting even with a particular person. These are about other issues. A workplace shooting may have some additional victims,but usually there is a specific target.
There is a recent Wall Street Journal article written by a father of teen boys releated to playing games. This has become an addiction for many and in the article he describes the changes in behavior. Parents are faced with some hard decisions regarding this addiction. I believe the constant need to destroy things and people in the games produces a lack of respect for others and desenatizes them to death.
Your suposition about the hard drive of AL that was destroyed is more than likely correct. This was probably a portable drive that he could keep all his games and other information on. Few laptops have the speed that gamers like to have. These game machnes are often custom built with superfast processors (often over clocked) and with high resoultion and very fast video processor boards.
The recent Oregon mall shooting was stopped by a person with a concealed carry permit. The mall had security, but the shooter chose an area where they were not present. When the person with the concealed carry permit pulled his weapon and aimed it at the shooter the shooter used his own weapon to kill himself. The citizen with the concealed carry permit did not fire.
Since there were less than three people killed, this will not be entered into the FBI mass shooting data base.
People with concealed carry permits are trained to keep their weapons hidden until the time comes for them to use them for self protection or protection of others. Brandishing a gun could cause them to loose their permit. Those with CC do not leave their weapon in places where they can be picked up by another person.
Taking care of those with mental problems is costly. Prior to the 1960′s most states operated facilities to keep these people out of the general population. Following some lawsuites by the ACLU, most states defunded those facilities and let those there back into the population. That is one reason that we have so many people who live on the streets.
Parents of children with mental problems imo do not get the help they need in caring for them. It is very difficult to get the courts and other organizations to provide relief. Eric Erickson over at Red
State has a very good article about his personal experiences with cases of mentally ill people.
Throughout the stories I have heard from Sandy Hook, I have been very impressed with how the teachers responded with their classes. It was clear that at least THEY had training in what to do with a shooter on campus. This prompted a discussion with my children who are in middle and high school. Both levels practice a variety of drills from weather to outside events (recently a high speed chase near the school) to school lockdown. In middle school, it is called Lockdown. In high school, it is Shelter In Place. For both, the teachers lock their doors, cover the windows and doors and the students take a position that cannot be seen from a door or window. It’s scary to me that they go through this but I am glad to know that our school district is taking measures to keep the kids aware and teachers somewhat prepared. I am a fan of CCW in our schools and some of that – like ATG – possibly comes from my upbringing. I was raised in a hunting family and now have one of my own. Guns are not a foreign concept to me or my home. Guns and ammo are stored separately. Guns have trigger locks. The guns are locked down until needed. Gun safety is also a common discussion in our home since we are out in the middle of nowhere amid poisonous snakes, nuisance animals, target practice and hunts.
On another note, my high schooler bought and purchased his own copy of COD. Again, more conversation with him about his draw to that game. They kill zombies is his answer and he’s got a little obsession with zombies. He’s almost 15. He has taken the TPWD Hunter’s Safety Education Course. He is a licensed hunter, hunting only animals that he will actually eat. He’s also the most responsible child for his age that I have ever known. He has been brought up strictly with good manners, personal responsibility and a solid commitment to his faith which I believe leads him more than anything. I trust him. If there was ever a moment that I felt the games or guns were out of control, he would no longer have access to either of them.
I blame a lot of our current problems with violent crime on bad parenting. It is not always the answer but it is a giant part of it. Kids who do not respect their elders have no reason to respect those around them. Absent parents, parents who prefer to be the best friend, parents who do not take the time to talk to / teach their kids to show them how important they are in this world are creating (and have created) a generation of selfish, irresponsible and indulgent young adults. The extremes of mental illness may or may not be included in that. NL gave her life teaching her son. Did she put off seeking outside help too long simply because of the blinders of being mom? She could have taken a stronger and more pro-active approach before he turned 18. Maybe she just realized it too late? There are many questions but parents have their children their whole lives. We are the first line of defense and offense when it comes to who our children become and how they impact the world around them.
AJMO – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
Lyndsay
I have not been ignoring your question. I keeping with my rule of checking the sources, I found that both sites had taken information from other sites and reorganized the information. I have been looking for the original data.
The following site has 4,800 cases dealing with SSRI type drugs and crimes committed by people using them. These are catagorized into the type of crime in the first column of the table. It does not have an update to the 2012 data. The columns can be selected to reduce the number of cases and they can be placed in date order. The opening page is written by a doctor and is quite thought provoking. The left-most column can be clicked using your mouse and expanded for the entire story.
The site is ssristories.com/
The New York city Crime Commission site has a listing of information about guns only. Their sources seem to be news accounts, and I have already found mistakes in their description of weapons and magazines. One must remember that New York City is an anti-gun city. Therefore, any writeups are likely to be biased.
I will continue to search for another site that has more information on school shootings that will have researched information. Professor John Lott has done extensive research regarding mass shootings in the USA. He has written several books based on his research. Amazon has most of them.
Blink, Are there any major developments brewing in any of the cases that you are following?
Possibly, but that is a broad question.
B
Survior
Your beginning statement about the teacher training is a suprise to me. I did not get the feeling that they had a particular type of training, but were simply using their own survival skills to save themselves and the children. Some succeeded and others did not.
I have never witnessed the type of preparations you describe for your school district and I spent eight years teaching in three different school districts in our area. They are way ahead of our schools.
Your second paragraph imo is the key to teaching children to make them good upstanding citizens in their community. Children at a young age need to be both trained and taught proper behavior. Training is repetition and teaching is approaching a subject from some point of view.
Good luck with the zombie thing. He may be attracted to them via his association with others his age. Remember, beginning about twelve, young people begin to try to pull away from mom and dad and they try various things in the process. If you have done the best job you know how to do, and he has listened he will stay true to the values you have taught him. Sometime around the age of twenty-five he will come to you and express his appreciation for all you gave him while growing up.
I just wanted to say that I agree with so many of the excellent ideas I’ve read here, especially about prevention. And Mom3.0 I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for the reminder that thankfully, these shootings are rare, and there will be a lot of solutions that all together will help.
I think what Blink said is great. Observation and intervention. These things could have prevented so many of the crimes we saw this year.
I live near Newtown, and I can’t get over that this was a kid here that did this. I feel surprised and a little ashamed that none of us pulled this small family out of their isolation a bit. Locally, people are asking what place of worship they might have attended, and no one seems to know. I’m guessing that even if they were members on the books somewhere, on the mailing list, they never attended. That’s really too bad. I think if they had joined especially a church, but ANYTHING really, any kind of club, people could have pulled Adam out of his isolation a bit, and it might have helped. There are great clubs that I can think of that would suit someone like Adam. Computer clubs and game clubs. Did you know that the game Scrabble came from Newtown? There are Scrabble clubs all over the world where people practice for an annual championship game (not held here). Can you imagine if Adam Lanza and James Holmes and the Norway shooter had been home playing Scrabble instead of shooter games? I don’t mean to make light of it. It bothers me that all three spent months before their rampages isolated in their homes playing those violent shooting games. It can’t be a coincidence. If they had formed some friendships before going down that dark hole they went down, it might have made a difference.
Also, Adam Lanza had social problems, but he did have a few years at the high school when he belonged to a computer game club and he did become comfortable with those kids. It’s easy to say after the fact, but I think it would have been very good for him to have stayed at the school and graduate with the kids his age instead of graduating two years early. Just for the bonds he was forming in that club.
Blink, I listened to your show and I really enjoyed it.
I have questions about one thing you said. You said you think Austin Sigg had a mentor. You’ve said it before. I know you have, and I think I must just push it way to the back of my mind when I hear it. It scares me very much, too.
My questions are:
Would a mentor act on his own?
Potentially, yes.
I want to applaud you for being as unabashedly honest in your advocacy as I have ever seen.
In this profile, without specific evidence confirmation, I simply cannot be certain about this profile and this case. That said, it is my personal opinion and it is a VERY strong one that that Sigg did not act alone in his ultimate act or acts.
This teen did not do this ultimately on his own, without influence in every step. Without collaboration, which I already know does NOT exist- I won’t believe it.
How many other cases does one research with similarities? There’s a reason.
B
What is the likelihood that Austin Sigg will tell investigators who he is?
Would it be someone local or could it be someone he met on the internet?
What would the profile of a mentor be or do you not know yet until you hear more about Austin Sigg?
By the way, the entire show played with no problems.
I just want to add one more thought to my post about the isolation/shooter game time that AL, JH, and the Norway shooter had in common before they went on their rampages. I just wanted to say that Adam Lanza and the Norway shooter had another thing in common and that is that it seems, at least from what we’ve heard so far, that both of them were very much affected by their parents divorcing. Years ago you would see couples staying together just for the sake of the children more than you see now. Every couple is different, every family is different, and I don’t mean to preach at anyone. I know some couples say very definitely that they know it’s better for the children for them to split. I just thought I’d add that to my previous post about the isolation all 3 shooters shared. Maybe it’s something that divorced parents especially could watch for.
I agree with Joan T. about the isolation of children via divorce. Some families will continue to give support to children even if a divorce takes place. However, many adults will use children to try and control the other parent after a divorce. This is petty and usually destructive to all concerned.
We don’t know how much support AL’s father gave to him from 2001 to 2009 when he remarried. There was certainly a large amount of money contributed to maintain a nice home for AL and his mom.
I do not believe in main streaming children with a certain level of mental problems. All need care that few parents are capable of giveing not excluding the benifits of love for the child.
My thoughts on mainstreaming a child is that if it interferes with the needs of the child or the other children, I would be against it. That said, I think it offers a lesson in compassion and tolerance, which all kids benefit from, imo. I have a relative in my extended family who is 4 and was diagnosed with mild autism about 18 months ago. It was detected really because his younger sister was reaching milestones he had not. This little man is such a joy and I beam every time he is around.
B
I am sorry to learn of this childs problem. There are children who simply do not develope at a pace that is generally expected. Boys in particular, often trail girls verbal developement. My girls, for example, were much better students than the boys. Boys attention spans are often much less than girls between three and seven. There is the possibility that he will overcome this in time.
This is not something that would meet my threshold for not placing them in a regular class. I agree that your first sentence is the real criteria. Having experienced this from a teaching perspective, it makes it difficult to maintain order and give the proper attention to the other children when your teaching time is taken up trying to solve the mental problems of one or more that should not be there.
Blink, You are so loved!! Don’t kown which site to say this but we love you so for what you do. Mommy is looking down and saying that it my most beautiful daughter and she is trying to the tske the wrongs in is world and make them right. The pain well be with you this year but memory will out weight them, I know know been there, my husband of 27 years died of cancer. All who have lost someone this year, we as a family cry, ache and cry for you. We will unite and go forward as this is what our lost one expects of us. Love to all Speciaally to you care to many to name. Love all of you all. oregon Gramdma
Thank you kindly.
B
@ A Texas Grandfather says:
December 29, 2012 at 7:53 pm
It could be that I was early on impressed that the teachers did take action, loving action to protect the kids and many of the stories were similar. After talking with my own kids and hearing of their drills, it’s possible I made the assumption that there was training involved. I don’t know if it is true or coincidence.
I don’t know when they implemented these drills in schools in our district but I am glad they have at least some type of formal process. It has been two years since I received the first lockdown notice but I never questioned what they do until I talked with my children following Newtown.
As for the teenager, he’s an old soul. He will play a game of 42 faster than heading for his xbox. I’m not concerned about him but always keep a watching eye because I don’t like the games either and I don’t want to become complacent about the guns. I guess I am a lucky one because he is not shy about asking about my day, telling me he loves me or saying thanks for many things. I could go on and on. I hope he stays the course because he has a brilliant future ahead of him.
My point really was that games and guns are not evil and I don’t know that fascination with either will make a human evil. BUT, I think it is important for parents to take an active (and – yes, sometimes even invasive if needed) role in the day to day lives of our children. We need to know their friends, the families of their friends, their passions in life, where they are, who they’re with, what they’re doing, when they’ll be home, their philosophies and somehow balance all of that by teaching them responsiblity, how to make good choices – and then leaving them to make their own mistakes and learn from them. I think we have a whole generation of parents who do not know the difference between “friending” and “parenting” their kids. I blame many of societies ills on it. Again, JMOO
Thanks for your reply Survivor.
Your last sentence is the key to the problems with some young people. Mom and dad decided to be their friend instead of a parent.
Parents make the hard choices that result in growth and understanding for the child. A friend may say after a choice with a bad result that it was ok. and if a parent consistantly supports poor choices they are training the child through repetition that there are few or no consequences for them.
O/T
Oh Blink. I am SO SO disheartened with the Steubenville rape case.
I did hear the FBI just got called in.
I am worried about the boys on the crew that are now at colleges and universities across the country. WHAT about the girls there? So scared. I led the charge to get MCN ‘noticed’ on the OSU page and called admin & guidance and academic scholarship office. Today, I hear he is no longer matriculating… AND he has a lawyer. Worried about that coach SACK-cotch and his threatening words as well. WTF? Buddies with the sheriff whose brother is the local coke kingpin!? OMGah! Coach knew they were coming for the electronics and had them all erase stuff. 2 students admitted they took video or pics and deleted them when SACK-cotch gathered them together. I just need somewhere to go where I am reading TRUTHS… it’s getting bad.
SORRY O/T, just reaching out… hope all your new year work is going smoothly… luck in the NY, and peace…
Thanks for the update Jane on Steubenville’s hall of shame.
This has been concealed from the public long enough. These teens were in someone’s home when this took place. I want to know the names of the adults that allowed underaged teens to concume alcohol on their premises and who furnished it. I also want to see these people prosecuted as an accessory to this crime.
The public should be demanding that the justice system be open and transparent regarding everyone involved. All of this cover up was for the purpose of not affecting the football teams season. This is not the only school district in the nation that has this problem.
Blink – have you considered writing on the case of missing Colorado boy Dylan Redwine? Have you followed that investigation at all?
I was asked to consult. This sweetie boy is deceased, God rest his soul.
B
Re: Dylan Redwine – do you know for certain he’s deceased and are there any significant leads as to who’s responsible?
I don’t think anyone can substantiate his well being until he is located, but it is my personal opinion this sweetie boy is deceased and this is a domestic case.
B
I will take a wack at Blinks new piece….Lizzy Borden took an Ax….just kidding.
lol, nope.
B
http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/221239821.html
Well I don’t really wonder who that is, heartbraking.
B
@Lyndsey. I kinda wrote what you did about Red’s pov in former Comment 1.
Blink divulged in reply joshingly her fondness for the Romneys in public life.
Then we both got censored.
@first-time re http://www.jrn.com/kgun9/news/221239821.html?lc=Smart
What I get out of this is Sergio hired an investigator. hip hip hooray.
He has no gofundme or Foundation?
He should lecture to MP parent classes that certain other parents in Oregon sit in.
He also cooperated with cps. And his wife stood by him.
Another case where LE should release details to generate leads.
B