Conservative Radio Host Lars Larson Questions Courage Of Virginia Tech Students
In an age where one can expect to hear just about anything on the airwaves, occasionally, I still am surprised. Last night was one of those times.
I listened to the Lars Larson radio program last evening which turned to the topic of the shootings at Virginia Tech. I expected the conversation to morph into how "liberals are going to try to take away our 2nd Amendment rights," but never in a million years did I imagine that, instead, Mr. Larson would begin to criticism the victims.
It was one of those moments when I wished there was TIVO for radio.
In responding to an e-mail from one of his listeners, Mr. Larson started to question why the students didn't rush Cho in an attempt to subdue him. He disparaged students, including young athletes, who escaped through the window while their elderly professor held back the door. His implication was that lives would have been saved if students had simply, manned up.
While it is possible that rushing the shooter might have worked, the truth is, none of us can know it for sure. Larson's meaning was clear: the students were cowardly for not trying.
My reaction in that moment is frankly, not suitable for print.
After a tragedy has occured a period of examination is often necessary both in order to heal and to learn. There are many aspects of the Virginia Tech that should be examined such as; how someone who was deemed by the courts as a danger to himself and others was legally able to purchase firearms; how campuses can better protect their communities during times of crisis; how campuses can notify their communities about dangers in a timely manner. But the one thing that I am quite certain does not require examination is the courage of the victims. To do so is unproductive, mean-spirited, insensitive and frankly, shameful.
It's easy for Lars Larson to be a Monday morning quarterback while safely tucked away behind his microphone.
But not Lars, you, me, or anyone else knows what they would do in such a situation, unless they were actually faced with that situation.
Lars owes the Virginia Tech community and their families a big apology.
I've already told him and I hope that you will too! Tell Lars.
I listened to the Lars Larson radio program last evening which turned to the topic of the shootings at Virginia Tech. I expected the conversation to morph into how "liberals are going to try to take away our 2nd Amendment rights," but never in a million years did I imagine that, instead, Mr. Larson would begin to criticism the victims.
It was one of those moments when I wished there was TIVO for radio.
In responding to an e-mail from one of his listeners, Mr. Larson started to question why the students didn't rush Cho in an attempt to subdue him. He disparaged students, including young athletes, who escaped through the window while their elderly professor held back the door. His implication was that lives would have been saved if students had simply, manned up.
While it is possible that rushing the shooter might have worked, the truth is, none of us can know it for sure. Larson's meaning was clear: the students were cowardly for not trying.
My reaction in that moment is frankly, not suitable for print.
After a tragedy has occured a period of examination is often necessary both in order to heal and to learn. There are many aspects of the Virginia Tech that should be examined such as; how someone who was deemed by the courts as a danger to himself and others was legally able to purchase firearms; how campuses can better protect their communities during times of crisis; how campuses can notify their communities about dangers in a timely manner. But the one thing that I am quite certain does not require examination is the courage of the victims. To do so is unproductive, mean-spirited, insensitive and frankly, shameful.
It's easy for Lars Larson to be a Monday morning quarterback while safely tucked away behind his microphone.
But not Lars, you, me, or anyone else knows what they would do in such a situation, unless they were actually faced with that situation.
Lars owes the Virginia Tech community and their families a big apology.
I've already told him and I hope that you will too! Tell Lars.
posted by John Fracchia at 10:20 AM
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