Reply #53: We need stronger anti-stalking laws

[LostinVA]

I have mental illness in my family. I believe we need better mental illness resources and education in this country. I'm gay, but was able to "pass" in high school, but saw some vicious anti-gay bullying there, and believe we need string anti-bullying laws.

However, FROM WHAT WE KNOW, Cho was like "this" way before he was ever bullied in middle school, and I have seen no real evidence that he had a mental illness. I have seen, however, lots of evidence that he had an extreme personality disorder (wikipedia Borderline Personality Disorder -- it fits the guy like a glove). I have also seen that he actively stalked and intimidated fellow students -- specially female students. But, a lack of real stalking laws in VA (and other states), kept him in the same environment as his victims. By "victims," I mean the girls he stalked and harassed.

I DO think the student you referenced was right: we DO need to take care of one another. I'm an ardent Democratic Socialist -- I embrace this philosophy. Lack of compassion and empathy cause most of this country's ills, I believe. However, I doubt that would have helped in this situation, because of this young man's probable disorder.

The young lady mentioned in your OP sounds like a great kid -- I hope she goes into a field where she can help others.