[Wolf_Rider]

Originally Posted by nearmiss

I wasnt' thinking about video games.

I can you see now you weren't but that common misconception was given as an illustration of how a situation could play out incorrectly (OT but in line... a bit like the old 70's misconception of watching gladiator movies meant the viewer was gay)

Originally Posted by nearmiss

The word out on the recent mass murderers was they were sharing their thoughts on social networks. THey also shared with close confidants about their thoughts and plans for murder and mayhem. Evidently, they weren't believed. I sure would hate to be a party to such beforehand knowledge and later come to realize my lack of response helped destroy so many lives.

I'd sure hate to be in that experience as well, but the "evidently the ramblings weren't believed" scenario says what? That is also part of my mentioning the misconception of video games... at what point should something be believed?
Should anyone who makes even a simple threat be put in? (there was an occasion of that here not long ago)
Does it get used to do someone over? (like meaning the cranky old man up the street gets carted off?? or someone moved out of the way of a person's ambition in promotion?)

Originally Posted by nearmiss

I've not heard about this Aurora colorado murderer, but for some reason these cowards always have to project their thoughts and plans to some degree beforehand.

You (as in generally, not you personally) can't judge them as cowards though, not when it comes to being bullied, shunned and tormented... cowards usually work in packs, that's how they get their strength.

I'm really not sure about the batman killer though - the guy was apparently brilliant and into studies of the mind.
I saw a news report which featured his facial expressions during his first court hearing (and I'm not sure as to exactly what bender he went on, whether that be a genuine experiment gone wrong (without or involving some kind of substance) or something of a breakdown, but he was genuinely looking to be of "what the hell just happened?" Another report involved a notebook and supposed visits with the uni psychiatrist... did he have an issue of some kind, or just furthering his personal studies?

[EDIT] A report just in indicates the psychiatrist did attempt to warn others of concerns she had regarding Holmes... they were ignored

Originally Posted by nearmiss

Solutions for prevention are a complicated subject, but in order to save lives at least conscious efforts need to be made to try to find some way of getting to the problems and dealing with them before the shootings.

I totally agree.... perhaps school teachers need training in psychology ?

Originally Posted by nearmiss

I have a high powered hunting rifle in my gun safe. It has NOT moved without me, nor has it been touched by anyone but me. I only have the combination to that safe. That gun hasn't gotten out of that safe and killed anyone, and hopefully I can say that until my dying day.

There are never any problems with a responsible approach