I'm so desensitized. I mean, I was shocked when I heard about it, but not like I was with Columbine. I'm sure it would be different if I end up having any connection to one of the killed or wounded, but when my co-worker told me about it, I'm not sure to what degree I feigned being shocked because it seemed like the appropriate response. This shit doesn't surprise me any longer. Yeah, It's tragic, but it's no longer unbelievable or unexpected.
I'm pretty desensitized too. The first thing I did when I heard at work was make a breaking-the-record "joke," then promise co-workers I'd bring in my serial-killer and mass-murderer trading cards tomorrow (yep).
Nor am I surprised. At times I think only sick people -- people pushed to some sort of psychological/emotional brink -- could kill, but then I think humans in general are sick in so many ways (as is our culture), that it is more shocking that this doesn't happen more often. After all, what
is totally predictable is our capacity to hurt each other in unpredictable ways.
What is most disturbing is the amount of time the "authorities" took to figure this out and try to "secure" the scene and "prevent" further damage. If I lived there, I'd be furious mostly with the cops.
Ok, I've had wine followed by Calvados, so I know I'm just rambling at this point. I'll stop now...