On Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:34:15 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:38:02 -0800, jps wrote:

I wonder what the psychological implications of having an "assault"
style weapon in your hands. Does it's style support these lunatic's
assumption that they're at war with the world?

===

I seriously doubt that the appearance of the weapon provides any
inspiration or motivation. I think the primary motivation for most
of these senseless killings is a suicidal death wish coupled with a
desire for 15 minutes of media fame/noteriety. That desire for
notoriety may also be coupled with a revenge motive for real or
imagined misdeeds against them, an alienation from society in general.

The kid was obviously mentally disturbed and, like the kid in Aurora,
was blaming society for his situation. So much so that he couldn't
differentiate a elementary age kid from the rest of society.

In the absence of personal success, they choose to go out with a big
bang. Although why kill themselves when they won't be around to
witness the 15 minutes.

I still think the optics of the assault style rifle might give
lunatics a charge and fuel the permission they need to go off.