KEY POINTS:
Here is the next selection of your views:
Nick
You New Zealanders are an ignorant bunch, quick to point fingers at the US. New Zealanders are stuck between trying to find their own identity and role in the world and in particular the South Pacific, while at the same time trying to keep up with the Aussies. You're quick to judge but lack the true experience of a free modern day society. You remain neutral and have faced neither glory nor downfall throughout the history of your existence, so your negative views are pointless and baseless anyways. This massacre could easily have happened in your own backyard, make no mistake about it.
Anthony Mazolla
How long before something like this happens in NZ? Maybe not long based on the attitudes coming from this thread. The insensitive and repugnant comments prove what people suspected of NZ citizens all along. When someone in NZ pulls out a gun and starts shooting, I hope there isn't a bullet with your name on it.
Cathy in US
Where on earth do some of these "armed" kiwis living in the US reside? We have lived here in NY for over 10 years now and during that entire time have never felt safer. Our kids play outside leave bikes on the grass without being stolen. Even our patio plants in tubs remain ours. In Auckland we would awake to find anything let outside had vanished. In Cockle Bay Auckland we were burgled three times threatened on several occasions and I was mugged twice. Come on guys pull your head out of the sand NZ is no longer the Paradise it once may have been and has its major issues just like anywhere. My husband is an ex Marine..there are no guns in our house. So the rather ignorant perception of some in here that most Americans are gun toting population is totally misguided.
JimB
If America is hated so much, then why don't you squids just stay in your own cesspool you call New Squealand. We don't invite your squiddy asses to come over here. So stay home and drown in your gun laws. As for the constitution, you're just jealous because your government drags you around like the pathetic wimps you are.
L Brackney
I read the "American response" to your editorial with some interest. I'm disinclined to agree with my fellow Americans who staunchly point to the importance of upholding the Constitution as justification for rampant and largely uncontrolled gun ownership. Where is their outrage at an administration that has consistently and willfully ignored freedom of speech, civil liberties, rights to privacy, and the co-equal branches of government? I am tired of the violence and hypocrisy. We're moving to New Zealand.
Rick
First of all I want to say,look to Jesus for your strength and how sorry I am for you all.I have not read what was said about America from someone from New Zealand but I will say this if it was not for the US you all would be speaking German or Japanese. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada and I am very very proud to have the US as my friend. People seem to forget what the US has done to help this world,they give more than any other nation and when they get attacked by spineless cowards they act and if they didn't act people should know that the extremests want to set up a Global Islamic State and my friends the US have the guts to stand up and say NO.I Love You America and I will stand with you America through this terrible time. Your true friend and Canadian....
Draken
Ya know whats the most funny part of this, after reading the first page, I found out why I love being an American so much. The simple fact is that this is the best country in the world to live in...Idiots like you NZ'ers are what truly frighten me, you have let your government brain wash you into thinking you're safe, when now when they enact a law, what are you going to do to stop it, they have nothing to fear, but hey, I'm quite sure you're a fan of Hitler also, since he disarmed his people before killing them...yeah, such a great guy. Oh yeah, stat for 2000, last I could quickly find for violent crime rates, NZ, 551.1 per 100,000 people, US 506.5 per 100,000 people...yeah, I'll stay here where its safe thank you very much, and you can just keep bitching because you are more likely to be a victim then I am.
Mark Smith
As an American, I am embarrassed and ashamed at my country's utter disregard for the safety of its citizens. The Virginia Tech tragedy is the latest consequence of unfettered access to firearms. I find it interesting (and appalling) that a law abiding American must be treated like a convicted felon to board an aeroplane, yet a handgun can easily be purchased at a bazaar or flea market.
Bill
Bula, after reading what kiwis have said I dont find it very surprising. To my American brothers and sisters my prayers are with you and as for your gun control laws that is your business and only Americans will be able to solve them, as for the kiwis well they are only your friend in peace time but when you need them for war they resort to dialogue as an excuse for not joining the fight against terrorism. The Australians know what it means to stand by your mates. God Bless America and thank you for fighting for countries that cannot fight for themselves.
Athena
I seem to remember some complications with New Zealanders and the way they assimilated native people not so long ago. Oh wait, there still is tension? Racism outside of the US? Funny. Well, despite your problems with accepting other people, I sincerely hope that none of you ever face a shooting spree, from a foreign born citizen or otherwise.
Steven P. Jones
OK, bash if you like the country of my origin. It is your opinion. Lets ban guns, knives, bottles, swat teams, all weapons etc. Lets ban everything. I have many guns. It is legal to own guns here you know why?
Who would dare to attack the usa. We have more guns then our own army as well as yours. Our laws are our laws not yours. I respect any laws when I travel to other countries. You most respect ours. If other people from other countries do not like our laws on guns move here and become a citizen and vote. By the way we have 300 million people. divide 300 million by 32 and you get something like .000000001 per cent.
look at the recent hit on the mayor in japan by their mafia. And guns are outlawed there. Lets get serious. If the guy used a car to mow down those same 32 people would we outlaw cars? I think not. If you look at the real statistics of the USA and take out the drug murders and killings we have a good system even with guns. And how about drunk drivers killing innocent people. More are killed everywhere then guns but do we outlaw booze. Of course not most people drink. Gun debate is a real easy issue to get people mad and crazy about. Look at the numbers people before you bash us about guns. How many people died on the highway in NZ from drunk drivers. Let me know maybe I can move there and become a citizen and help get rid of booze.
Yws
Nobody needs automatic assault weapons...rights or no rights. Rifles for shooting/hunting as sport, but not automatics. Too many guns out there and too many nut-jobs too. Horrible tragedy at VT, but that many innocents, and more, are dying daily in George Bush's Iraq 'tragedy'. Where is the outrage?
Grant H
Yes I totally agree with what Andrew has said. While we do all very sorry for those that lost their loved ones, it the way that the media (esp CNN) keep on showing over the same pictures over and over again.
They have dragged this story out for over 3 days now.
I also wanted to find out more about the 200 people that died in Iraq, but we are subject to sit through more of this tragedy that happened 3 days ago.I think that's why people over in NZ are upset, it's not that we are anti-American; we just feel that the world hasn't stopped and we would now like to see other news through the media.
Jo
Yet again Americans attack and belittle "insignificant" New Zealanders daring to question their gun control laws and insistent that the world owes them and therefore we have no right to question them. Stop acting like we owe you anything.And your pathetic mantra that if it wasn't for the US we'd all be speaking German is getting tired (in the South Pacific we'd actually be speaking Japanese).America was dragged into WWII only once they were attacked by Japan, otherwise they would've maintained their isolation policy. The USA only participates in world events if it's in their best interests, otherwise they would intervene in Sudan and Zimbabwe - but they don't have oil. Yes, thank you to the USA for invading Iraq, the world is a better place.
Richard
Dear American readers that don't like the comments in Your Views, get over it. Honestly I am sick and tired of hearing Americans bitch and moan about other countries, then the moment anyone makes a comment on America you don't like it is American bashing. Please build a bridge and get over it. And now if you don't mind, I am going back to my life in NZ, where we have strong views on guns and violence and freedom, and where we don't have to worry about kids being shot in schools, or the daily gun shootings that occur in your country. Perhaps if you got over your own prejudice to decide everything is anti American you could look at how other countries don't have to go through the constant violence that exists within your society.
Jack
Following the arrogant argument that only "People kill people not guns", why we ban drugs? Drugs don't kill only people that take it kill themselves. Why American ridiculously ban harmless tools and liquid from airlines? Why Americans keep looking for a nuclear bomb in Iraq or Iran? They should give every country one instead as "Nuclear bombs don't kill people". I don't think there's any appropriate term to describe the intelligence of those self-serving pro-gun Americans.
Ab
Americans are telling us to keep out of their affairs? What a joke that is....
Tim
I am a New Zealander and can not believe some of the things that have been said here. I have nothing but sympathy for all those involved. There are always going to be crazy people and they will acquire guns whatever the law is.
Andrew Atkin
These Yankee Doodles don't seem to get it. The reason why you need a gun to defend yourself in America is because everyone else has one. I don't know of any Kiwi that would want to trade NZ gun laws for America's.
A Jones
As a kiwi living in the US I feel much safer here than in Auckland. I can walk around local streets at any time of day or night. New Zealanders should clean up their own back yard before throwing mud.Unlike Auckland , when the police are called here they actually come.
AK
Well Well! All sympathy to the family and friends of the victims. I personally feel that now is the right time for US govt. to look into their own homes and issues rather than trying to be a Global Cop. Such incidents do prove that US needs to do radical changes within its own society rather than marching out to change the whole world. Hope lessons are learnt now and hope this incident dont just end up being a chapter in US history.
Jay
Mine is a very simple viewpoint... No anti-American invective, no "shitty little islands" that "no one cares about"... Thanks for that by the way. How relevant. Before those of you waving the red white and blue get all up in arms regarding criticism levelled at America's gun laws, perhaps you would do well to focus on the big picture. Nowhere else in the world are children shooting each other (isolated incidents aside). Something is seriously and disturbingly wrong at the very root of American culture when young people are committing these seemingly quite regular acts of such breathtaking brutality. I don't think that any balanced person in New Zealand, or here in Australia, truly believes that the US "had it coming".. I am truly sorry for America's loss, but somewhere in the fabric of the American dream, theres is a very dark loop-hole.
Dennis
I agree with the Americans, they have every right to be angry at some comments made here. As a NZ resident I find it embarrassing to read some of these sick "who cares" and "stupid Americans" posts by other NZ'ers. Come on people! Can't you think of something a little more intelligent to comment about?! There are stupid people in every corner of the globe, even (dare I say it) in New Zealand! And judging by some of the comments posted here, I'd say we've found a few of them! In answer to the question: I find it ridiculous that whenever tragedies like this happen, we start "finger pointing". We blame TV, or violent video games, or the music industry. When did we stop being responsible for our own actions?! Sure, I agree the America needs some stronger gun control laws, that possibly could have stopped him from killing 30+ people. But he was going to kill regardless, gun or no gun. In the end the only person to blame is the man who pulled the trigger. If any other Americans read this post, I just want to apologise. Not all of us New Zealanders are as ignorant.
Richard Clark
When will America join the civilized world and realize the absolute stupidity of its gun laws? Your leaders are not brave enough to stand up to the gun lobby; therefore, shootings like Monday's will continue to occur. Years ago, we in Australia banned unregistered users and guns after a similar occurrence, despite the gun lobby; it has made for less gun crime and a safer existence for our citizens. I feel very sorry for the parents of the kids who lost their lives in this incident; they will suffer forever.
Wayne Ellis
Comments like this, while well intentioned, simply do not reflect the reality. New Zealand and Australia are no more or less safe than America. Evil happens. In a population of 300 Million more evil happens. I lived in New York and Venice Ca for the past 20 years and never experienced violence, in my first year back in NZ my car was broken into twice, I was abused by school children on the main street of Masterton and my Vineyard was robbed by young local pickers. Finger pointing is not going to change anything, we live in violent times that are reported at levels unheard of in years gone by. School students in Hastings beat up a kid and the resulting video appears on YouTube and gets downloaded by other students. Folks we have a problem. We need solutions, we need a dialogue and we need hard options. We are going nowhere very fast. Climate change, ie, Evolution, is not the problem, we are.
Arron
As a kiwi I am very disappointed that so many kiwis seem to hate Americans with a passion that rivals Osama bin Laden. Yes the latest tragedy will dominate the headlines more than the countless killings going on in Iraq. So what? The reason it gets so much coverage is that America is a first world civilised society much the same as NZ, so we relate to the individuals affected much more. While it is sad that so many Iraqis are killed every day in suicide bombings, we must realise that these people live in a war-zone, with ethnic hate and twisted religious motives behind the killings. While it is maybe misguided that the Yanks are there in the first place, at least they are attempting to bring a better future in for the people of Iraq. I think it is very generous of the US to sacrifice its own sons and daughters for this lost cause, rather just leave the Iraqis to it, at least they are suicide bombing each other and not the west. All my sympathy to the families affected by this pointless tragedy in Virginia. All the America haters in NZ piss off back to the Labour and Green parties, you are a disgrace.
Cilla
I don't think, allowing students to carry guns to campus will alleviate the problem at hand. If anything, it will increase these violent, unacceptable shootings. I think stricter gun controls should be put in place. Calmer solutions to conflicts should be encouraged. By allowing guns to be carried to university, they are encouraging violence to settle violence. Two wrongs do not make a right. This is not the solution at all. People need a wake up call on relationships.
Imm Irvine
This is an act of a very sick young man. Could there have been more intervention for his health and well being prior to this carnage? OK, America has an easy amendment for citizens to buy and carry a gun. If there was a ban on guns in the US, this young man would have found another way for this massacre - a home made bomb? A machete? Lethal chemicals and acids? What support could Virginia Tech have given more to this man prior to all this, other than his English tutor alerting police about his disturbing scribblings??
Julianne
I am an American citizen who lived in NZ for a while while attending university. I think critics outside the US need to realize that they are not the only ones who believe the American "gun culture" is problematic. The entire population of the United States is not some mob of gun-wielding, hawkish, arrogant "idiots." It is not fair to judge the entire civilian population of the US based on the actions of our current corrupt government and one crazy individual. There are plenty of people here in the US who feel there should be stricter gun control regulations and are working to make that happen. Perhaps this horrible event will galvanize more people in their support. But in the mean time, this should not devolve into an opportunity to point out the flaws in American society. This is a grievous tragedy, and our hearts and minds should be with the victims.
Justin H
If what I read is true - I think it is too easy to buy a gun that could be used to shoot people with in the US. My advice to US would be to make it much harder - with the simple long term aim of lowering the overal number of guns in the US. Guns are one of the few item you can get hold of and kill a number of poeple with by moving one of you fingers just 4cm each time. Also death can occur in seconds and cannot be undone (you can at least change your mind as you are beating someone, as I am sure has been done many times), at least with hand to hand or non firearm weapons more people will end up living, which I think would be a good thing because I understand people wanting to defend themselves. Anyway it is up to the US to decide for themselves good luck and thanks for inventing skateboarding! It is a better life making friends than enemies.
Neroni Mack
You have Americans with their freedom and need to have guns, which is pretty foolish but what about NZ? NZ Government has done nothing to prevent avoidable deaths or injuries, increasing the drinking age back to 20 would instantly lower alcohol related violence, drink driving and would make it harder for the under age to get access to alcohol. Banning texting/talking on cellphones would instantly cut down on needless crashes. But no the government votes and none of these bills are passed, both would be easy to implement and you would see results immediately. Instead the government wants us to stop smacking our kids. Why complain about the Americans when we have our problems here. We should be very sympathetic to the families and friends of those that lost their lives.
John
Ben you sound as if you're just waiting for the perps to burst through the door, just be aware shooting a person, even an enemy, is not nearly as easy as a target. You'll also have to be the most accurate as well as the fastest gun in the West. Be careful what you wish for.
Mark
I found the following bit of info interesting. Thought you might too. Note that the original article is from Jan 2006. A bill that would have given college students and employees the right to carry handguns on campus died with nary a shot being fired in the General Assembly. House Bill 1572 didn't get through the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety. It died Monday in the subcommittee stage, the first of several hurdles bills must overcome before becoming laws. The bill was proposed by Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah County, on behalf of the Virginia Citizens Defence League. Gilbert was unavailable Monday and spokesman Gary Frink would not comment on the bill's defeat other than to say the issue was dead for this General Assembly session. Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker was happy to hear the bill was defeated. "I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the General Assembly's actions because this will help parents, students, faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus." [my emphasis] So, fifty-odd dead and wounded students later, it appears as though the current law does not, in fact, do anything to protect students from someone who wishes to do them harm. They might have felt safe on campus… but they weren't. This horrible incident is not a rationale for more gun control; it is a case study of the effects of gun control: providing a murderer with unarmed, helpless victims.
Here's the link to the full article.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/wb/xp-50658
When the government disarms citizens - be very afraid. When people are unarmed and defenceless - evil prevails.
Catherine
This young man was obviously experiencing some psychological problems. I think blame lies with all the exclusionary ways in which people in society behave. If this boy felt accepted, loved, a valued part of the circles in which he mixed, then perhaps he would have found support and healing in his isolation and mental illness. Such people are not easy to be friends with - so it takes the efforts of everyone in the community to be friendly, caring and inclusive - then it's not too big a load for any one person to carry. Obviously, this was not his experience. No-one person is to blame - but we all need to think about the care we show to 'loners'.....which makes them less of a loner, and more connected to the common good.
Bill Gray
You all need to stop with the ignorant racist and nationalist remarks. As a matter of fact, Anglo/European males engage in this sort of behaviour far more than any other ethnic group in the U.S.. And, the worst serial killers in the US history have all been Anglo/European males, with the rare exceptions here and there. Therefore, the shooter being of South Korean descent had absolutely nothing to do with his actions. Cho, the shooter, was, obviously, very disturbed. It's unfortunate that he had to go to such lengths to relieve his suffering though and had to take 30+ lives with him in the process. I can't even begin to imagine what would drive someone to do that. US gun control law does need to be revised so that someone so obviously disturbed can't get handguns easily. Perhaps, mandatory psychological profiling of all potential gun owners would help. I'm American - although I've been a permanent N.Z. resident for 8+ years - and, I can say from my upbringing there, that nearly everyone I knew had a gun. And, they all thought it was quite normal to have one. Some of them would even proudly display their guns as if they were objects of art. "Oh, look at this beautiful Colt 45, Glock 9, or whatever, I picked up over the weekend." WTF!?!?! In all honesty, I always thought it was very weird, and very, very disturbing, that most Americans I knew felt that way. That's the sort of gun culture the US has.
Robert MacDonald
As is usual with the press, editorial or just news reporting, the real truth seldom is talked about. What is front page 'news' is really what is most dramatic. What well sell the product. Certainly the loss of life at Virginia Tech is a tragedy, but it is a knee-jerk reaction to talk about how dangerous America is because of guns. As Lou Dobbs (CNN)reported: "But we will be also unlikely to report that mass shootings in this nation's elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges, as horrific as they are, number just over 200 over the past 80 years. Unfortunately, we'll also not be likely to report that on our college campuses, 1,100 students each and every year will commit suicide. The rate of drug overdoses among teens and young adults is now more than doubled over a recent five-year period. And each year, on average, there are 1,400 binge drinking related deaths among our college students nationwide." This is always the problem with the Press. Run your mouth without knowing all the facts, or worse yet, knowing the facts but not reporting them accurately. This nzherald editorial is a prime example...all noise and few real facts. Shame on you.
Priya Pai
Well after hearing about the rampage, and seeing some of the videos of the Virginia Tech shootings, it is time that the people in United States have to really think of having strict regulations on owning the license for guns. We are always talking of terrorist attacks, sending our soldiers to wars, with an intention to keep the nation safe. But it is the internal system which allows such easy access to a gun, that has to be regulated. This is not the first time such an incident has happened. There has been similar events even before, this one being the deadliest among them all. This is not due to any external people, but by a student from the same school itself. How secure are we today? Does owning a gun for ones safety answer that question? No. In my opinion, the congress has to make its rules/ regulations on access to guns more stringent. Today, any person above the age of 21 can get a gun from a local sports store. How ridiculous can it get. The congress has been enforcing strict regulations in airports, they dont allow even a tiny nail cutter. And on the other hand, any person can buy a gun this easily. Now, where is the US safety?
Tom Snyder
Some part of me has to agree with your views. I do think that fear is what is driving me to learn more about firearms and is leading me to purchase one of my own. However I don't believe it is the fear of death that is Some part of me has to agree with your views. I do think that fear is what is driving me to learn more about firearms and is leading me to purchase one of my own. However I don't believe it is the fear of death that is my concern. I am afraid of my government. I am scared that they are becoming too powerful and that within my lifetime they are going to try no only take our weapons away but other freedoms as well. Ultimately I blame us; the American people, for allowing the government that we have elected to do this. This most recent massacre is horrible and unforgivable but I have seen this country scared into giving up its rights for the illusion of safety before and I do not want to lose more rights because of fear. If there were some way to keep people like this from getting hold of guns while allowing people who wanted to use them responsibly to have them then I would do it immediately but I can not see a way. Personally I feel that this sort of thing would happen less if responsible people were armed. The trick is only arming the responsible people. I know that this is not a perfect solution; far from it in fact, but I think it is a better solution than other alternatives.
Ian
I am an American. Our family first came here from England in the early 1700s and has been in Californian since the mid 1800s. Thus, I guess you would categorize us as part of the "wild west."
We are not gun owners. I am considered a liberal. I am very much in favor of banning guns other than those that are appropriate for hunting. It is very easy for others from elsewhere to place blame using their mistaken idea of what this country is like.
Unfortunately it is the very nature of this country to accept others from different cultures, backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. This open attitude and acceptance is perhaps also our weakness. Those immigrants all too often can become a burden and problem for others. I wonder from the preliminary information about the individual who did the killing if in other countries and societies he would have been institutionalized long ago rather than allowed his freedom? I have traveled around the south island of New Zealand. From Queenstown to Christchurch, everybody I met and talked with was very welcoming, open and friendly. I would feel very comfortable and think I would enjoy living in your wonderful country with a less hectic lifestyle than what I'm used to.Like the US, it appears as though NZ has many whom I consider "kooks" and bitter about anybody who doesn't fit their particular idea of how one should be. Perhaps the isolation of your country creates this attitude and when an incident like the shooting that took place happens, all those individuals come out to spread their vitriolic hate. Remember, it is America's acceptance of people with widely different viewpoints, religions, backgrounds, beliefs and attitudes that can produce a wide divergence of opinion on things like "gun control." Were we a more closed and homogeneous society, it'd be much easier to achieve "gun control" which would be fine with me.
It seems to me that those spouting hatred and the thoughts that Americans are being punished and deserved to be by these types of unfortunate incidents may be reacting so violently because they wish they were able to live in an environment of acceptance and diversity and they actually envy Americans. Yes, when anybody anywhere has need, it seems the first call is for help from the USA. When things are going well those same people who demand assistance seem to be more than willing to tell us how horrible we all are. I guess we have to face the fact that even New Zealand has their share of hateful ungracious people who are jealous of the USA.
Richard
After reading quite a few of the comments here, I would like to interject a brief opinion on my part. Aside from the fact that, statistically speaking, it is impossible not to eventually run into someone with a mental illness in a nation the size of the US I would also like to point out that he didn't need a gun. It is quite easy and inexpensive to carry out much worse acts, in any country, with access to readily available knowledge that everyone with an internet connection is privy to (Molotov cocktails, simple poisons, for example). Actually, I would argue that most people are lucky that acts such as the one perpetrated in this instance are not committed with more imagination (like the gassing of the subways in Japan, a country with staunch gun control). If you think this is far fetched, I assure you, it's ridiculously easy. I hope simple weapons like makeshift explosives are never used by people bent on wanton killing, but I would like to ask, what would all of you suggest if it does happen? Ban free speech in order to control the information on how to make them? Condemn all nations that allow free speech? The reality is that if someone is bent on doing harm, he'll find a way. What we really need to discuss is, what made him want to?
Mark
So long as the NRA and gun lobby lines the pockets of US politicians with money, nothing regarding changing gun laws will change. I don't think the framers of our Constitution, when considering the second amendment, had semi automatic and automatic weapons in mind (and why would you need one of these weapons unless you're in the military or part of the law enforcement sector?). As the late Kurt Vonnegut said many times after commenting on a tragety, often involving guns, "and so it goes". Unfortunately, here in the US, even in light of our recent senseless tragedy, our politicians will shed their alligator tears and will be silent about the "right" to own a handgun: and so it goes... We're in denial.
Jasukira
Blame none, no one. But the disaster could have been prevented by monitoring people possessing arms (govt responsibility). And by counsellings students in deep troubles (college responsibility). Parents or friends once see a kid so very disturbed like this one, should immediately take it to college counseling authorities. It is not that we anticipate crimes, but to help each other grow.
Thomas
What people do not realize is that gun control laws will not work. The people that are committing these crimes are called "criminals" for a reason. They break the laws, duh! All gun control laws do is prevent those people who are honest, law-abiding citizens from having a weapon to defend themselves. I know some people are going to say "Yeah, right like anyone really needs to de