Mon
Jul 28 2008
09:14 am
A message from KnoxViews about yesterday's events
By: R. Neal

We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville yesterday. We know that several readers attend or, like us, have family or friends who do. Our hearts go out to you and yours.

We cannot comprehend what you are experiencing, or how those affected will cope over the coming days, weeks, months, or a lifetime. What we have seen, though, is a community of loving, caring people pull together to support each other, and that's what counts at a time like this. It's also a testament to the decent and kind nature of the people in this church's extended community.

There's not much else to say at this point. In the coming weeks we will learn more about the perpetrator, his background, and his motives. It won't change what happened, though, and there's no explaining such cowardly acts of violence. And it won't bring back the victims or take away the emotional scars.

But what will long be remembered after the perpetrator's name is forgotten is the heroism of the church congregation, and particularly that of Greg McKendry, who by all accounts lived his life as a caring, helping hero right up until his final moments.

Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy, and especially the children.
mbradley's picture

Amen.

Submitted by mbradley on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 9:22am.

Amen.

rocketsquirrel's picture

we returned from vacation

Submitted by rocketsquirrel on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 9:36am.

we returned from vacation this weekend and were shocked to learn of this tragedy. We know a bunch of folks at TVUUC.

KNS is reporting that they found a manifesto in the shooters car. It is my sincere hope that his words never receive attention or media coverage.

Let us keep our focus on the families, the church, and healing. Not some evil misanthrope's grudge against humanity. Let's not give evil the satisfaction.

Janus's picture

I’m torn – how can we

Submitted by Janus on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 10:06am.

I’m torn – how can we begin to understand and address our social problems if we hide them from public view? On the other hand why contribute to the circulation of hate or lunatic ravings?

bill young's picture

Matthew 6:9-13

Submitted by bill young on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 9:44am.

Our Father which art in in heaven,Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.Thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the the kingdom,and the power and the glory,
for ever.

A'-men

Opinari's picture

Well said.

Submitted by Opinari on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 9:44am.

I've been reading as much as I can about this incident from my home in Texas, and I am saddened that such a tragedy has happened in my hometown. Growing up, I always thought such things happened "somewhere else". I guess Knoxville is "somewhere else" now.

I am also disgusted by some of the comments finding their way into the KNS coverage. People may have ideological differences, but this is not the time to air them out.

To the families of Linda Kraeger and Greg McKendry, may you find peace and some sort of meaning of all this.

Victor Agreda Jr's picture

pray for tolerance

Submitted by Victor Agreda Jr (not verified) on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 10:12am.

As described on the news briefing today, looks like this was a hate crime. This man went nuts and chose to vent his frustration and anger on "the liberal movement" as embodied by the open and understanding church that TVUUC represents. It was not random.

I also think of the little children who have been forever scarred by this event. Many of those kids have played with my kids. We were supposed to be there, but for a last-moment issue that came up.

lovable liberal's picture

I don't plan to cross-post

Submitted by lovable liberal on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 12:39pm.

I don't plan to cross-post here, but my comments are under "Killing liberals". I think I managed to keep my temper in check.

Liberty and justice for all.

My home

Jordi's picture

Now is the time

Submitted by Jordi (not verified) on Mon, 2008/07/28 - 2:27pm.

I grew up going to TVUUC. My Mom is active there.

Now is the time for people who speak their values to the world to stand together and use this tragedy to advance tolerance and respect for all humans.

More commentary: (link...)

sugarfatpie's picture

mapping hate crimes

Submitted by sugarfatpie on Tue, 2008/07/29 - 11:24am.

Great map Jordi!
Having a hard time finding a link that works though.

I think this is the same map
(link...)

Here's another take on hate mapping
(link...)

-Sugarfatpie (AKA Alex Pulsipher)

"X-Rays are a hoax."-Lord Kelvin

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