I have purposely waited to post on the Virginia Tech tragedy.  I figured that by waiting a couple of days, things might become a little clearer.  Unfortunately, now that it is Thursday, confusion still reigns for me.  I don't know who to be mad at...the alleged shooter Cho, the university and officials, those trying to once again make hay over a tragedy, or the media.  I was also thinking, this could happen here at UAlbany.  But, then I remembered that UAlbany has already had to deal with terrible insanity.  You can read about it here.  I also found out that a friend knew somebody who was killed at VA Tech, and not only that, but had to endure an insensitive classmate who thought this shouldn't be on the news 24/7.    What was I supposed to say to her?  All I could say, was that I was sorry for her loss and that she shouldn't worry about the remarks of this insensitive jerk.  How profound on my part.  This incident has had ripple effects throughout probably, every university in the country.  I've heard professors talk about it at UAlbany.  I've heard students talking about it.  What should we think about this?  I don't know.  Here's what I do know.  First, the alleged shooter deserves no sympathy.  The university and it's officials deserve no credit.  Those who are trying to turn this into an anti-gun campaign (the Rosie O'Donnells of the world....she loves quoting the Constitution when it fits her agenda, now, not so much) have no shame.  The media, including Foxnews, whom I watch ALL OF THE TIME, are exploiting the community of Virginia Tech until the next big story comes along.  So what to do?  Well, I've thought about this for several days now, and here's what I've come up with.  There IS a lasting image from this senseless tragedy.  I was watching the ceremony the other day (where the President and First Lady showed up) and was a witness to inspiration.  Poet Nikki Giovanni had just given a sturring speech, or pep talk.  Afterwards, the thousands in attendence started to chant "Lets Go Hokies!" ...."Lets Go Hokies!"  I had goosebumps!  There will be plenty of opportunities to answer questions or second guess.  But, for right now, this country and its people have only one responsibility.  And it's simply this.  It's up to us, the average American, to lift the community of Virginia Tech up onto our shoulders and carry them.  It is up to us, to support them.  It is up to us, to show them the compassion and love that makes this country what it is.  Special.  To the members of the Virginia Tech community, this UAlbany student is with you.