[bigbob]

The oldest argument in social science is “nature vs. nurture” i.e. how much we are what we are because of genetics vs. what we learn. I understand that a baby can be born with birth defects that cause all kinds of physical and mental issues, including those caused by drug and alcohol use by the mother while pregnant, but it is really hard to imagine an innocent newborn being genetically programmed from birth to be a mass killer. No doubt in my mind this is learned behavior, a result of failed parenting and a lack of teaching values and enforcing discipline that results in what we normally just call the “conscience”.

Look at the family background of these kids especially, and mass killers in general and the common thread is very clear.

[bagster]

I concur on the nature vs nurture argument you make. You are aware that my post was HEAVILY sarcastic?

Male youths in the caveman days emulated war with sticks and rocks in their play. I myself have been known to play 'cowboys and Indians' as a child.

Is that nature or nurture? It's an interesting debate.

I believe in 'Hobbsian' man. That man is born uncivilized and has to learn civilized (non-violent) behavior. Absent that learning, by whatever means, man remains an animal.

Some of the modes of 'civilizing' are religion (Islam excepted), parental discipline with proper values, and other environmental means.

If one is properly civilized, violent video games will have no effect on behavior. Many these days lack the civilizing influences of religion or parental discipline.

Anyway, that's my ramble and opinion.

[gaijin]

You might have posted to the wrong thread, accidentally.

[gaijin]

Whoops, sorry, I see the vid clip did include a big part about that guy shooting those people.

Sorry.

[jonrick46]

The red flags raised by Parkland Shooter, Nikolas Cruz, fell into a black hole. This type of negligent incompetence cannot continue.

The red flags:

https://www.npr.org/2018/02/28/589502906/a-clearer-picture-of-parkland-shooting-suspect-comes-into-focus

[Ohioan]

You touch upon something related to the tragic omission from the traditional argument for the Second Amendment protection of American Liberty.

As I posted on another thread:

George Washington urged the Swiss system; i.e. arming and training our youth as part of their preparation for responsible citizenship. He specifically recognized the moral character building aspects of the Swiss system. As you may know, Switzerland has, traditionally, had an extremely low crime rate.

Right & Duty To Keep & Bear Arms.

(See, in the above, Washington's sage advice to Congress, It indicates the dangerous omission in 21st Century America. The point is essential to counter the Leftist hand wringing assault on our liberty; an essential key to a truly American future.)