I watched this story unfold last night on the television. As more became known, I had think “what is this world coming to?”. Every time we turn on the television, or read the internet, we find that another shooting has happened. I can only be thankful that it continues to shock and disgust me. I understand being frustrated and angry, but never to the point that I’d commit murder.

I can’t believe that his family hasn’t apologized for his actions, but rather continue to blame others for “pushing him too far”. I wonder why getting pushed to far didn’t mean he’d leave the area, or take his own life, instead of taking it out on others who were doing their job. I don’t know what the “personal harrassment” allegations were, but nothing deserved this type of response.

I grieve for the families that lost loved ones last night and continue to hold those injured in my thoughts so that they may recover.

How many posters here will express prayers and sympathy and then step out the door and treat everyone they encounter like dirt?

I wonder how many have noticed the prophetic timing of an offhand remark made by a St. Louis radio personality that occurred prior to the Kirkwood City Council shooting. The radio jock expressed resolving his frustrations with a regional utility in terms of getting on top of a building and shooting at random human targets. At the risk of stating the obvious, it appears U.S. society does frequently entertain the thought of turning to violence in confronting conflict resolution. The plot of several blockbuster movies typically include some level of violence where the story’s protagonist uses violence to resolve whatever issue is at play. This attitude of resolving conflict through violence is not only in popular culture either. The Bush administration’s insistence to enter into a bloody war in Iraq is a prime example that extends to the pinnacle of our society when it comes to how we address conflict resolution. As sad as the Kirkwood tragedy is, what is perhaps even sadder is how our society has become accustomed to news of such events.

First I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the community of Kirkwood, the families and friends of the deceased and injured and also to the police department for another senseless act. I would also like to extend my sympathy to those responding firefighters and medics. Again, you had to respond to treat your friends, something no medical person should have to do. Thank god for you!
Second, I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the extremely disturbed people who not only think but express some kind of justification for this action. You can thank yourselves and others like you for the complete mess that the world has become and continues to become. It amazes me how many people refuse to take responsibility for their actions and the actions of their loved ones. The fact that this man’s family really believes this is justifiable or that someone “pushed” him into this. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I was under the notition that we were accountable for our actions, silly me, I guess I was trying to pretend we are educated civilized people. Perhaps instead of trying to “justify” these actions, we should just admit that a man, whom was very involved and known within this community, whom no one has said a single bad thing about, slipped. He allowed this situation to get the best of him. Then perhaps we can mourn the loss of his life too. Point the finger of blame where it belongs, “Cookie” killed several people yesterday, HE changed the lives of all of the families, friends and co-workers of everyone involved. HE took himself away from his family and friends. COOKIE did this. After that fact is accepted, the entire community, families and friends of EVERYONE involved can try to pull together and begin to heal. Let’s try not to make this into something it clearly is not. And above all, can we please stop making excuses. God bless all the loved ones of everyone involved, including Cookies family, while I hold him accountable, I also recognize he too is loved by family and friends.

My deepest sympathy and heart felt pain go to all the families of the victims, I want to wave a wand and undo this terrible happening but it can’t be fixed. So Sorry.

My sympathy goes expecially to Cathy Yost and her two sons.
Cathy I feel your pain but I know your strength, please feel free to contact me at 314-918-7865, if you need support, Carolyn J. Manning (Lininger) LCSW, a friend from the past. Take care.

I agree with Jack above: It’s expressed that violence is never the answer except when the people you’re killing are in another country and your government or corporations wants those people’s resources.

My deepest sympathy’s go out to the City of Kirkwood and the families of all the slain city officials. I grew up in Kirkwood and and it was a wonder town to live in. I no longer live in that area, but will always think of Kirkwood as my hometown. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. But only with prayer and God’s comforting hand can you get through this most difficult time. You will forever be in my heart!! God Bless!

My prayers and condolences for all people involved in this horrible tragedy. Here are my thought about the safety of the council meetings. They had a police officer present and the doors were probably posted as a gun free zone. I’m not sure much more could have been done. The signs not allowing the carrying of weapons in the building(by legally licensed individuals) takes away any chance that a person could have defended themselves. We all know that the sick people of this world do not follow the rules.

I am a Kirkwood High School alumni. Three fellow alumni lost a parent tonight. It is beyond tragic. My love and thoughts go out to all the families and friends hurting right now.

RIP people
And gun freaks, you better start controlling weapon access better to avoid more issues like this. Enough is enough. Not all gun wielders are criminals like you say. Do you beat your wife, cheat on your taxes, etc, etc. Then you are a criminal too, yet YOU want guns to ease your fears. Let the other guy drop his first. Shear insanity.
Media…I watched channel 5 for several hours last night and the suburbanites could only say how safe their community was. An isolated crazy mind snapping. I am glad you did not fan racial problems, but a stark contrast when I went to channel 4. There they sent a reporter to get Meacham Park residents opinions. There the obvious problems were not swept under the rug, but talked about honestly. All I ask is that you leave ALL AREAS as peaceful as you can. In many other areas that don’t “belong to you”, you fan and leave racial tensions for your stories. Just think and treat every area as you would your own. It is SOMEBODY’S home. And I would ask politicians to set egos aside and treat people right. I jave seen a LOT or arrogance in some meetings towards the taxpayers. Hopefully Cookie is at peace now.