Couric & Co.
October 3, 2006 2:05 PM

Katie on "freeSpeech"

We’ve gotten a lot of comments and feedback about last night’s “freeSpeech,” which featured a father whose son was killed at Columbine.

A lot of the comments were negative, like these:
Your free speech segment today was the biggest load of hogwash I have ever witnessed. How could you use an unspeakable tragedy to give a rightwing flat earth nut job a podium?

Tonite, you have some idiot who tragically lost his son at Columbine…he has my sympathy, but he does not deserve a spot on the Evening News to spout his political views.

This ultra right wing religious right drivel is a disgrace.
But we also received some positive feedback:
The Free Speech segment from the father of the Columbine student was one of the finest pieces I have ever heard on network news. My sincere appreciation goes to CBS for the courage to air it.

Thank you! As the mother of three children, I applaud your episode of Free Speech tonight. I’m sure that you will receive many e-mails denouncing your segment, but I appreciate hearing a “conservative” view in what can be a very liberal media…I live in the heartland of America (Kansas) and believe we all need a strong faith to get through difficult times.

I never thought I would hear such words on any network television station. He said all the things I have been thinking since the ‘60s.
Clearly, this struck a nerve.

We knew when we decided to put on this segment that a lot of people would disagree with it. We also knew some might even find it repugnant. (Some of you made that point loud and clear!)

But that is the very essence of what we try to do with the “freeSpeech” segment. This is a platform for our viewers to hear from a wide range of people – those who may share your views, and those who don’t.

When we approached Brian Rohrbough and asked him his thoughts about this latest school shooting, this essay was the result. We understood that people may disagree with what he said, and with what he believes. But censoring or attempting to re-shape his opinion would be antithetical to the very idea of free speech.

This is a nation built on dialogue and debate. And, most importantly, on freedom of speech. As George Washington once said, “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”

We hope “freeSpeech” can add more voices to the national discussion. At the very least, last night, we got people talking.

And we hope the conversation is just beginning.

UPDATE: You can find more on this issue, including a statement from Executive Producer Rome Hartman, over at our sibling blog, Public Eye . -- Ed.

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by phoenixandy October 3, 2006 2:27 PM PDT
Here's what you wrote Katie:

" ... censoring or attempting to re-shape his opinion would be antithetical to the very idea of free speech."

Katie, you miss the point.

Nobody is interested in censoring any of your speakers. The problem is you only put conservative wingnuts (like Rush Limbaugh and Brian Rourbough) on your "freeSpeech" segment, but you NEVER put liberals or Democrats on.

The one time you did put a liberal on was when you had a columnist from the Washington Post express his opinions on Secretary of State Condoleza Rice. However, he didn't express any criticisms of her. Instead, he brought up criticisms that many conservatives have brought up that liberals felt she doesn't represent the African-American community.

Plus, you haven't allowed Bill Maher any air time to talk about religion.

As far as I'm concerned, your claim your open to all sorts of dialogue is hogwash. You're only open to conservative dialogue and nothing else.
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by irvmlk October 3, 2006 2:41 PM PDT
I am all for free speach but I do not believe that the father of the Columbine student deserved a public forum on your program. His views represent the extreme right. Will you be giving a forum to "White Power" or the Arian Nation next.
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by alltogether3 October 3, 2006 3:07 PM PDT
Call me old fashioned Ms.Couric but I watch the "News", to get the news. WE KNOW that Free Speech is our constitutional right. As it is my right to be disgusted and say so here, and to change the channel. Would you place a Klan member on air to comment after a story about racial violence? It was insensitve to air such a right wing point of view, after what was just reported.
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by towd2 October 3, 2006 3:10 PM PDT
I always enjoy the free speech segment although I couldn't follow the connection between the shooting of children in Pennsylvania and being against abortion. 'Course most people who are against abortion seem to be pro war in Irag, which I really don't understand. In both cases it appears we're in the world of emotion and not rationality. But although I disagree with this speaker, I still defend his right to state his beliefs. It's what makes us Americans.
towd2
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by shingles1 October 3, 2006 3:31 PM PDT
Phoenixandy is right.

The controversy over the "Free Speech" segment has nothing to do with Rourbough's right to speak freely. Rather, the real issue is that the type of "free speech" that has been allowed onto the air has been limited (with the obvious exception of Eugene Robinson) to the goofy political space between the "far right" and "the not so far right".

This does not count as a true diversity of opinion.
And that's the problem.
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by rscky October 3, 2006 3:33 PM PDT
While we all remember the Columbine tragedy please do not forget all of the other schools that have had mass murders.
Feb. 2, 1996 Moses Lake, Wash.
Feb. 19, 1997 Bethel, Alaska
Oct. 1, 1997 Pearl, Miss.
Dec. 1, 1997 West Paducah, Ky.
Dec. 15, 1997 Stamps, Ark.
March 24, 1998 Jonesboro, Ark.
April 24, 1998 Edinboro, Pa.
May 19, 1998 Fayetteville, Tenn.
May 21, 1998 Springfield, Ore.
June 15, 1998 Richmond, Va.
May 20, 1999 Conyers, Ga.
Dec. 6, 1999 Fort Gibson, Okla.
Feb. 29, 2000 Mount Morris Township, Mich.
March 10, 2000 Savannah, Ga.
May 26, 2000 Lake Worth, Fla.
Sept. 26, 2000 New Orleans, La.
Jan. 17, 2001 Baltimore, Md.
March 5, 2001 Santee, Calif.
March 7, 2001 Williamsport, Pa.
March 22, 2001 Granite Hills, Calif.
March 30, 2001 Gary, Ind.
Nov. 12, 2001 Caro, Mich.
Jan. 15, 2002 New York, N.Y.
April 14, 2003 New Orleans, La.
April 24, 2003 Red Lion, Pa.
Sept. 24, 2003 Cold Spring, Minn.
March 21, 2005 Red Lake, Minn.
Nov. 8, 2005 Jacksboro, Tenn.
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by smd1957-2009 October 3, 2006 3:50 PM PDT
WOW! I am absolutely floored that so many do not get or understand the comments of the Columbine father...He is dead on right! We live in a bizarre world thats going downhill fast. We allow a tiny minority few to continue believe and then feed the rest of us this 'no religon and no rule' world is better? Thankfully as in the past, the huge majority of silent and decent people and decent families will again rise up and say, enough with this 'Gray area garbage'! We may all agree OR disagree with this father, but his words are the searing truth and none of us will ever know until our OWN flesh and blood is shot dead in the same manner. Some facts are out today and this killer, who kissed his own kids goodbye before slaughtering other peoples children, had issues going way, way back. Our screwed up world of Gray (where no right exists and no wrong exist) is PRECISELY what allowed this jerk to kill others the way he did (publically) rather than simply remove his own worthless life (They way these lunatics used to check out). May everyones own God bless this guys children for in his hurry to be someone and something for only a moment, he has destroyed his own childrens chances of a normal life; they too now, will be part of the problem. That folks, is a sad simple FACT and until we invite and resolve to demand what is right, and denounce what is wrong, these things will continue.
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by phoenixandy October 3, 2006 4:03 PM PDT
smd1957 wrote:

" ... God bless this guys children for in his hurry to be someone and something for only a moment, he has destroyed his own childrens chances of a normal life; they too now, will be part of the problem."

Boy, you sure have a heavy heart for victims. (sarcasm)
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by smd1957-2009 October 3, 2006 4:21 PM PDT
To Pheonixandy.... I cry for these kids. But I understand what so many seem to wish to ignore... the road ahead for them STINKS and their dad caused it all. Facts and truth have to hurt in order to get us all back on track!
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by rps1950 October 3, 2006 4:36 PM PDT
The %u201Cfree speech%u201D segment on the evening news has been an unmitigated disaster. With one or two minor exceptions, it has been a soapbox for the religious right. The worst so far was the Father who lost a son in the Columbine shooting. He blames abortion and the disappearance of religion as the causes.
America has forgotten how to take responsibility for its actions. We have become a nation of passive-aggressive knuckleheads, crybabies and enablers. He overlooks the root cause of the problem, which are the parents of the shooters. How do two boys hide an arsenal in their garage and Mom & Dan don%u2019t realize that maybe there is something going on and they should do something.
When teenagers drive drunk, steal, or commit savage crimes, the parents must be held responsible. When the parents realize that they are going to be held accountable for little Johnny%u2019s screw-ups, we will see how fast this behavior disappears.
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by omicronthree October 3, 2006 4:45 PM PDT
umm... is it just me or did no one notice the title "Free Speech"? That means the voices of many. While many of you rail against what this man has said you have to respect the fact that it is "his opinion". To try to censure the man in any way, shape, form, or fashion, is to ultimately give George Bush what he wants which is limitations on freedom of speech. I for one, would like to keep Nazi Germany in the history books.
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by nursep11 October 3, 2006 5:02 PM PDT
Your defense of your choice of "free speech" speaker is lame at best, and most likely just more whitewash of your efforts to advance your right-wing agenda. You have hand-picked the most reasonable-sounding supporters of your speaker, neatly balancing them with 3 rabid dissenters, when we all know there were far more well thought-out arguments against giving this right wing religious zealot the chance to air his views than supportve ones. It's not free speech when you hand pick the free speaker to echo your own right-wing agenda, and offer no disclaimer relative to his views. How about someone in favor of real gun control coming on to say that the tragedy of the Amish school was caused by a mentally deranged person with easy access to semi-automatic weapons, to balance out your unbalanced (with good cause) father blaming all the ills of society on abortion, lack of prayer in the schools, and godlessness. Of course this would anger the NRA, whom I'm sure you have to answer to.
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by pmseidel October 3, 2006 5:25 PM PDT
To me, the free speech segment was not a political statement by CBSnews or Mr. Rourbouh. It was just a bad choice. Mr. Rourbouh is a father grieving the loss of his son. He simply answered the question, we all ask when a tragedy occurs,"Why did this happen?" Sadly, the "morale free-fall" he described cannot fully explain why his son died. But he is entitled to answer the question in his own way and time. Unfortunately his current position aired on national TV taps into the politics, religion, values and beliefs of so many people. Let's not debate a grieving father, particularly on a day like Monday. We need intelligent discussions with professionals who can help piece together the sociological (& other) factors contributing to these massacres.
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by roxypat October 3, 2006 5:44 PM PDT
In a world so taken with consumerism and self,
I find your 30 min. of news to be the most thought provoking newscast available.
I beleive the idea of right and wrong have found roots in our emotions. Does it feel right? Then it must be right? This is ok when you are observing artwork, because it is subjective.
Our society must have a clear definition of right and wrong and by the looks of what is going on around us, we don't. I believe in God and I believe that we are all brothers and sisters, together is what is called for, not against. Your freespeech segment bring to light the one thing as Americans we ALL agree on and this is Free Speech. When people have free speech they don't live in fear. There is only fear and love. It's good to share because we are not living in fear and this segment helps remind us how great it is to live in America.
Thank you Katie Couric for this.
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by washwoman October 3, 2006 5:56 PM PDT
The first thing I thought of when hearing last night's free speech speaker Brian Rohrbough was that he had been hired by the right wingers to try tying some sick message onto the day's tragedy -- a new way of garnering support. Mr. Rohrbough could use some counseling and education. Does he not see that the two latest older male abusers were educated in schools during an era when "Under God" in schools was still in use, and abortion was still frowned upon? Prayer in school certainly did nothing to help the victims of Catholic abuse. Fanatisism in anything can lead to violence; we see it everyday and everyday someone is excusing and ignoring the abuse. Institutions of religion and govenment won't end it. Solid, caring, loving parents, good education, and freedom can.
I'm sad that Mr. Rohrbaugh's comments were not ones of condolence and support for other parent who are sharing his grief.
Ali Bram
Richland, Washington
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by bethwatson-2009 October 3, 2006 5:59 PM PDT
I'm stunned that the anchor and architects of the broadcast are being accused of having a right-wing agenda. On any other night, they are accused of being members of the liberal media. The comments of last night's speaker made me uncomfortable ... to say the least. But I defend to anyone his right to say them. And I defend CBS News for providing the forum. By the way, this man has buried a child, and relives the horror every time there is school-based violence. I'll pray for him tonight.
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by ruthalice2 October 3, 2006 6:12 PM PDT
Rohrbaugh's comments were offensive, but that is the least of the problem with your Free Speech concept.

First, there is no lack of opinion-mongering in the newsmedia. In fact, we are drowning in opinion and suffer from a lack of facts and real reporting. This just ads to the imbalance and continues the opinion-mongering land grab of media real estate.

Second, If you are going to cut the news for opinion, you have to show more balance. You have limited opinions to those that make evangelicals happy, but they are only 1/3 of the country. Your indulgence of evangelical opinion and censorship of areligious opinion (Bill Maher) demonstrates that your free speech segment is anything but free.

Third, you cannot pretend this is about civility and bringing people together when you invite Limbaugh and folks like this poor father whose sorrow has turned him bitter. There was nothing civil in what he said which in essense was making the case that he's moral and the rest of us will burn in hell. You should know that his "message" made me curse at your show and change the channel. Very effective programming, wouldn't you say. Incidentally, I won't be tuning in again.

You had more than a fair turn to attract me. CBS has always been my favorite news program. I used to like you. But your consistent indulgence of rightwing editorializing and the absence of any liberal balance has convinced me that you are a menace. We're done.
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by stacylharp October 3, 2006 6:13 PM PDT
As a conservative Christian and President of Active Christian Media, I applaud your decision to air a conservative viewpoint. I normally would never watch CBS or any other local news, however, because I enjoyed you on the Today Show, despite your liberal view points, I have decided to TIVO your program to see if indeed you can take CBS to a different place in programming.

I believe that if you continue to provide both sides of the issues you may increase your audience and get the ratings that CBS hired you for.

Thanks again for viewing my side of the story. The majority of us who feel this way, appreciate it. (And I've even blogged about you today :)
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by swctexas October 3, 2006 6:55 PM PDT
So to those who attack CBS or that heart broken father I ask one question:

IS FREE SPEECH OKAY ONLY WHEN YOU AGREE WITH IT?

What right do any of you have to attack the network or the speaker for voicing an opinion?

WAY TO GO CBS
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by jiminyj October 3, 2006 7:00 PM PDT
Good bye, CBS news. Another media outlet taken over.
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by scorpion11x October 3, 2006 7:02 PM PDT
Some of the commentators dont seem to be awnsering the questions, instead they seem to be just summarizing the question.
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by student58 October 3, 2006 7:02 PM PDT
This Free Speech was just that--free speech. This man has lost a child in an unspeakable tragedy and has a right to believe what he wishes. However, I don't agree with him that the decline of values or the abortion issue are necessarily to blame. I think, more to the point, the decline of civility, respect for others, a belief that we are responsible for our actions, a decline in a desire to be knowledgeable, and a decline in curiosity about our own world are responsible. Parents need to create self-reliance, self-confidence, and a desire to learn in their children. All of us need to foster good will in all people and support for each other. God and abortion have little to do with basic human decency.
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by robersonbill October 3, 2006 7:03 PM PDT
I want to applaude the "Free Speech" of Oct 2, 2006.
The minute we took prayer and God out of the classroom what can we expect. We call upon God to help us and insist HE not be allowed in the classroom. I think the speaker hit the nail on the head when he commented on the removal of such from the classroom.
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by sossrs October 3, 2006 7:08 PM PDT
It is disgusting that a small minority would be against free speech just for the fact that their narrow minded ideas are not agreed upon. In this country the majority usually rules, but it seems the minority has control on free speech as they want everything restricted except what they believe in.
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by glenxc October 3, 2006 7:09 PM PDT
This was one man's opinion that, (GASP!) is shared by millions of Americans. Get used to it...

I really am sick of hearing derogatory and cliched (flat earth?) attacks on Christians and conservatives when they speak their mind. Why do liberals think that free speech only applies to them?
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by dudleydnl October 3, 2006 7:09 PM PDT
About Mr. Rohrbaugh's comments, Hip Hip Hooray! and thank you CBS for Free Speech. Our country was founded on exactly what he talked about. If we take God out of everything then His protection will disappear. God Bless America! and thanks again Mr. Rohrbaugh
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by robersonbill October 3, 2006 7:10 PM PDT
I want to applaud Katie for her approach to the Evening news. the mix of her segments are a new shot in the arm of having the same old thing. I am tired of only what is wrong with our being in Iraq. I do not think everything our president and his team have done are great but i think it is time we get behind him and applaud him for what is being done. It takes no brains to be a critic. We can find faults in everything that is done bu t it takes much do change and do so in the right way.
Thanks Katie for changing the way we view thge news and thanks for your positive attitude. I have never before watch CBS evening news but now I do it with a renewed enjoyment.

Keep up the good work Katie.
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by spunky882 October 3, 2006 7:12 PM PDT
Katie, The comments that were made by the father of the young man killed at Columbine were right on the mark! We have removed God from the equation and thrown away the lives of innocent children with abortion and then have the audacity to question why people needlessly kill. Why not we have made life meaningless. Every great society in history destroyed itself with the killing of innocent children, the weak, and the elderly. We have become just like the rest and if we do not turn back toward God we will destroy ourselves. Only proving to be as corrupt and evil as those of the past. God must be so sad and disappointed.
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by joysweet October 3, 2006 7:15 PM PDT
I'm really disturbed by the comments of the guy that lost his son in a school shooting. To equate god in schools & abortion is ridiculous. I don't want anyone telling me how to worship and which god i'm suppose to worship. More people have been murdered in the name of god then any other reason. What does abortion have to do with a child molester killing kids in pennsylvania?
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by jfritts3 October 3, 2006 7:18 PM PDT
I stood up and cheered the comments made by the father of the Columbine victim. Why do some people think that free speech is only for those with liberal and non-Christian values?
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by dmdiamond1 October 3, 2006 7:18 PM PDT
the free speech segment on monday was long overdue, the truth sometimes is blunt. we should go back to posting the 10 commandments on the walls of are learning institutions and maybe someone might obey them, like thou shalt not murder. the people who are offended by the comments on monday are people who do not respect God are his word. People who are offended with children praying to the God which blesses, feeds, and respects people should think about moving to a country where they teach their children to strap bombs to themselves and kill innocent children. Who disrespect women. Their God keeps their country in shambles, poverty, sickness, disease, and violence. When we take the giver of life out of our learning centers no wonder we have these killings taking place. We should return to teaching god's principles about life has value. thank you cbs for having the truth spoken
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by streaky3 October 3, 2006 7:19 PM PDT
I wasn't thrilled by the comments last night concerning abortion by the father who lost his son at Columbine. I didn't think it was appropriate for the discussion. However, I think that if the segment "free speech" is to continue, it has to be exactly that. This gentleman lost a child in school violence and I personally don't believe he deserved to be called an idiot. Regardless of whether we agree or disagree with a person's words, we all need to start being kind to each other. A little compassion goes a long way.
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by darschne October 3, 2006 7:20 PM PDT
Katie,

Bravo for the Monday eve "Free Speach" by the father of the son killed at Columbine. He spoke from the heart and from the heart of all of us in the midwest. if we were to put God back into our communities and learn what is right or wrong instead of each individual doing what he pleases because he wants to--not because it may hurt or injure another human. Lets hear more comments of the common American.
Thanks again, Katie.
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by stefanie1113 October 3, 2006 7:32 PM PDT
I guess if Mr. Rourbough's comments offended some people, then he said all the right words. I don't even have to tell anyone that abortion is murder, just look at the new GE sonagram. Oh my Gosh, doesn't that look like a "baby?" And that's at 3 months. And we allow abortion up to the 9th month. If God doesn't judge the US, He owes an apology to Sodom & Gomorrah.
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by kynurse1 October 3, 2006 7:33 PM PDT
As a conservative Christian, I also appreciate the freedom of speech that allows segments such as the October 2 segment on CBS News. This man spoke for the silent majority of American people on views of morality. He ended with the framework of respect for and sanctity of life. If this basic respect is missing in society, violence can only increase in occurance. Thanks for not forgetting to let this segment of society speak out. Most news journalism seems to focus only on the most outlandish, or grusome, thus creating a sensationalism, and not reporting what actually happened in our world today. By the way, free speech allows for the respect of opposing views and responsibility in its expression. Name-calling is merely immaturity. Discrediting yesterday's speaker is cowardly and disrespectful.
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by gunderode1 October 3, 2006 7:34 PM PDT
While I understand that the father of the Columbine student would grieve, I think his comments were very insipid.To blame school shootings on the supposed removal of god from schools is silly. Over 90% of Americans believe in god and attend church regularly.Are be to believe that all the crimes, murder and mayhem in the US are committed by the 10% unbelievers? The jails are full of so called Christians. Europe is largely secular and yet has only a fraction of the crime we have in this country. Presumably, if there is a god, then he is everywhere and could not be taken out of schools. Or perhaps he was just watching idly while crimes were committed? And to connect the shootings to abortion is equally dumb. It is obvious that Mr. Rohrbach grief has overtaken his ability to think rationally and logically.If he want to balme someone, blame the easy access to guns, violence, and generally sick American culture.
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by joneskev1 October 3, 2006 7:34 PM PDT
I applaud CBS for attempting to give all views a forum and for the effort to be as inclusive and non partial as possible. I think the job of journalists are to strive as much as possible to do that with great professionalism, even if it may be impossible not to lean toward a certain partiality of the people who own and make up the network. So again I applaud the attempt. For the father, sympathies are with him. I am a religious person, but I think religion should also be grounded in the strength of reason and knowledge as well as tradition. The view that "if only prayer were in school", then all violence and problems would vanish borders on serious delusion and fantasy. Does God allow harm to people because there is not prayer in school? If so then God has a lot to answer for. The trend in religion toward denial of facts, history, science, anti-thought, and anti-knowledge is a step back toward the dark ages; a movement among human beings in this day and age that I find astonishing and potentially terrifying. I would recommend reading the great religious literature of theologians, philosophers and saints. They were not anti-knowledge and they were not simplistic. They grappled with the ultimate questions, and religion gained more depth and profundity. Unfortunately, religion is a double edged sword, where it can also nose-dive into superstition, rigidity, sanctimony, suppression and fear. I fear the growth of fundamentalism will plunge us into a futuristic Inquisition.
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by radiochik104 October 3, 2006 7:38 PM PDT
I would like to challenge those are questioning his views and opinions. What kind of evidence do you need? Of course, since I agree with him, it only makes sense to me...it's clear as day, but I'm curious what makes it so hard to believe? What proof do you have that what he says isn't true? None.

The killings won't stop if we stop teaching Evolution or ban abortion. That's absurd to even imply that's what he meant. I don't believe that's what he meant anyway. It is about right and wrong and he is correct. We can't even teach kids what is right and wrong anymore. As long as it feels good, it's OK...that's what they learn. That's a hard way to live your life and I feel sorry for your children if that's what you have led them to believe.

It's truly unfortunate how liberal television news has become when one man's conservative opinion becomes such a controversy.

I suppose many of you who are so upset would like it better if he were to be mad at God for taking his son. Maybe you would prefer that the answer not be God because maybe that scares you that YOU'RE answer is not God.

You SHOULD be scared.....very scared.
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by joycee9 October 3, 2006 7:41 PM PDT
Thank you CBS/Katie for giving Mr. Rourbough the opportunity to say what many Americans are thinking and would like to express on national tv.
That Was GREAT! Again, Thank You.
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by jmgrassley October 3, 2006 7:42 PM PDT
We have to address the violence our children our exposed to in the form of video games and tv. We must stop sending such hypocritical messages to them like engaging in unjust wars. How many inocent children have died in Iraq? How long can America survive with such hypocrisy?
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by zipperc1 October 3, 2006 7:43 PM PDT
One point that Brian Rohrbough made clearly stands out as a reason there is so much trouble in our schools today - "...taking prayer out of the schools." This has left our children and the school system open to all the ills the world and satan can inflict upon them. Not only are our children devalued by those adults, who came from a system where there was no basic ethical foundation layed, but adults like Charles Roberts does things just like this to our children.

This country was built on "freeom of religion," and "freedom of speech." Howwever, to express yourself, you do not have to result to the same tactics that the people of Iraq in order to prove your point. We are civilization of ideas and ideals. We have prospered, because we always honored God and put Him first. Scripture is inscribed on the doors of our highest court, we take oath before testifying before any court - although that seems to be of little consequence these day.

If we move further and further away from the very Higher Power, who has sustained us, this is what we can continue to expect to see and witness.
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by sallycoffee October 3, 2006 7:43 PM PDT
I was appalled and deeply saddened that the speaker should use the occurrence of an unthinkable tragedy as an opportunity to voice his political views.
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by radiochik104 October 3, 2006 7:52 PM PDT
I think it's great he used this to say what he thought. That's what they asked him to do. That's his right.

You have the right also to question him for that but it is very hypocritical considering the free speech nature of the segment.

If only free speech applied to YOU!!!

Unbelievable.
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by kms53 October 3, 2006 7:54 PM PDT
Thank you for providing a forum for all people regardless of their perspective to speak. After all isn't that what we should value the most about our nation? Who better to speak to school violence than Mr. Rourbough who's child was killed at Colombine. He has the right to his opinion. I am from the conservative right, who for the first time this election will vote democrate. Around the world, especially by terriorists we are regarded as a Godless nation. We teach the big bang, so we should teach religion...all religions. Parents can then talk to their children and give them their perspective. You cannot blame Mr. Rourbough or the devout Amish for violence. Values come from within through what we are taught. I do not believe in abortion unless the mother is at risk; neither do I believe we should bomb those who chose to provide abortions. Violence is not the answer. Those of you who do not believe in a God expect me to respect you and accept you, your thoughts, your values;I expect you to do the same. Thank you. PS: I like the ending you have now Katie. It sounds just fine.
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by dhporter2 October 3, 2006 7:54 PM PDT
This man stated the problem with our society just right. Our nation was founded on Christian principles and liberal special interest groups have done everything that they can to take God out of America. Taking God out of the classroom and substituting student's rights above common sense has led to a decay in respect for authority and the self-respect that children once had. This man is not speaking as a grieving father, but rather a person who has taken time to look at the way things are heading in our great country and why this change of direction has taken place. Thanks CBS for allowing this FREE SPEECH.---GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
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by paddythemick October 3, 2006 7:57 PM PDT
Give me a break. Ten years before Columbine, Patrick Edward Purdy, a disturbed drifter, used a semi-automatic rifle to open fire on Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton California. He succeeded in killing 5 small children. All were less than 10 years old. He targeted these innocent Cambodian and Vietnamese kids because of his misguided hatred of Asians. On the flak jacket the killer was wearing was written, "Death to the Great Satan".

The fact is that there are too many people with loose bolts in their heads walking around. Any amount of prayer in the classroom or talk about God isn't going to stop the murders. There are nutty people as religious or more than we are and they can be willing to kill for some demented reason.

To answer Mr. Brian Rohrbough, the only thing the Stockton massacre had to do with abortion is that Mr. Purdy should have been long ago aborted when he was a fetus. Those poor children's lives would have been spared and they will be productive adults by now.
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by evelynu October 3, 2006 7:57 PM PDT
The bereaved father has a right to his opinion and a right to express it. But what would be more suitable would be some comments from anti-gun activists. Or even from the NRA. What do they have to say for themselves now?
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by drankland October 3, 2006 7:58 PM PDT
Man, what a sack of Frist you unloaded on the American people last evening!

I'm all in favor of free speech but I really hope you will give a Marxist atheist the chance to speak next time. (Funny, but we don't see many of them on CBS.)

Why didn't this CLOWN attack the NRA, which permits and supports the sale of attack weapons? Or attack the fact that "morals" have really gone out the window in the Bush junta's White House? Why didn't Couric mention anything about the fact that the facts had borne Bob Woodward out -- that our president was indeed lying to us?

Dan Rather must be sick to his stomach. Katie Couric has ruined the Evening News in a little less than two weeks.
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by radiochik104 October 3, 2006 8:00 PM PDT
Yeah, blame it on the gun....and the truck that took him there too.
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by juliathmsn October 3, 2006 8:06 PM PDT
Be fair to the father of the Columbine victim. Being "religious", seemingly, was a part of the reason some were killed in the Columbine incident.

It is easy for any of us when we experience something -- especially tragedy -- to universalize our particulars.

As a teacher, I have seen a downward spiral in respect for authority with the extreme enforcement of separation of church and state(mosque and synagogue). I believe all people of all faiths or (none) need not to be harassed in schools or treated as if they are neanderthals whether they are Orthodox Jews wearing skull caps or Muslim girls wearing headscarves, or Mennonite girls wearing caps.

The tendency to go for the lowest common denominator so as to offend none does play into the insistance by civil libertarians bthat there can be no moral absolutes of any kind. Period.
It is not surprising that many young people feel moral ambiguity about any and everything...shaky boundaries. Anyone could take a gun and shoot someone and say this action is morally relative. I frankly am surpised that there are not more such shootings.
Those who do not teach in public schools do not see it the way teachers do. Also, given the electronic addiction of many teens, the circuitry of the brain may simply be so overwhelmed with morally ambiguous images that any attempt to evaluate and control them with moral reasoning may be overwhelmed and such moral reasoning itself may be filled more with ambiguity than verities.

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