It is odd for an outsider like myself that the “gun culture” never enters this debate. And how ironic that a car was used in one of these now widely publicized unfortunate incidents. The argument goes, ‘why ban guns when cars kill more people?’

The question arises as to whether these events are on the rise, or are just getting publicized more. Is there some faintly fascist element lurking in the dark recesses of these apparently demented individuals? Or does media portrayal manipulate us into inventing such notions? Or do we need—in a warped kind of way— these kinds of apparently mal-adjusted individuals as an antidote to criminal sociopaths? A civilized society should tackle the immediate cause. It should remove the guns. It can then start to seek alternative solutions in social causes without the fear or armed confrontation and consequent unnecessary loss of life. If the net benefit saves only one life, then it is worth it. You would say that if it was your child.

If you don’t care and find it entertaining TV, then society should make you question your place in it.