Engage thinking, Belly. Something has to be done now to reduce the likelihood of copy-cats.

You don't need armed security in every school.

Simply remove the 'gun free zone' signage and a small number of plain clothes police or security guards with concealed carry (example being plain clothes detectives) at random schools at random times would deter these media attention-seeking criminals.

As well, encourage the feckless media to report responsibly on multiple killings so as not to give the perpetrators their much sought personal celebrity.

BTW, the airlines use the same tactic of having armed plain clothes security randomly on flights to deter publicity seeking hijackers and terrorists.

Poirot,

Have just got around to reading the colouful Joe Bageant link which you posted.

While living in the States I met many different people from all walks of life. If I had to guess, I would say Joe is a dyed in the wool southerner.
It was almost like being in a foreign country to travel there, particularly on the east coast. Their thoughts and attitudes on the whole are very different from the northerners. Don't think the civil war ever ended for them. After California and New York, I found them refreshing, outspoken and down to earth - more like we are. And oh boy, their food was so good! Makes my mouth water just remembering some of the meals I ate 'down south'.

OTB,

I think that for people ready to take their own lives at the end of a shooting spree that the deterrent factor of an armed security guard is pretty feeble.

Most of these outrages are committed by head cases wanting to make a statement. Guns make these statements lethal.

Anyone got any ideas on how the shooter could have been stopped after he entered the school?
A sort of a First Response that someone could have used?

the difference between an Australian Police Officer, a UK Police Officer and an American Police Officer

You're on duty by yourself walking on a deserted street late at night.
Suddenly, an armed man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knifeand lunges at you.You are carrying a Glock .40, and you are an expert shot, however you have only a split second to react before he reaches you. What do you do?

AUSTRALIAN POLICE OFFICER:
Firstly the officer must consider the man's Human Rights.
1) Does the man look poor or oppressed?
2) Is he newly arrived in this country and does not yet understand the law?
3) Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?
4) Am I dressed provocatively?
5) Could I run away?
6) Could I possibly swing my gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?
7) Should I try and negotiate with him to discuss his wrong doings?
8) Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it?
9) Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society?
10) Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?
11) If I were to grab his knees and hold on, would he still want to stab and kill me?
12) If I raise my gun and he turns and runs away, do I get blamed if he falls over, knocks his head and kills himself? .
13) If I shoot and wound him, and lose the subsequent court case, does he have the opportunity to sue me, cost me my job, my credibility and the loss of my family home?


UK POLICE OFFICER:
BANG!


AMERICAN POLICE OFFICER:
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! 'click'...
(Sergeant arrives at scene later and remarks: 'Nice grouping