[Greysard]

My theory is that failing economy and huge layoffs push marginally sane, unstable and insecure people beyond what their minds can take. Since the economy continues to deteriorate (sales keep dropping, future orders are abysmal, etc.) the pressure on employees is increasing. One of the recent maniacs was laid off by IBM, for example.

It would be indeed unfortunate if these incidents are used as a basis for making gun ownership harder or impossible. Maniacs will switch to arson, knives, bats, cars - many things are deadly around us. If the society starts crumbling the last thing you want to get rid of is your guns. I was at the local store today, ammo shelves are empty, just like in Soviet Union - you buy not what you want but what you are lucky to find.

[Malsua]

One of the recent maniacs was laid off by IBM, for example

If you are referring to Binghampton NY, IBM said that the man was never an IBM employee. Reports to the contrary are erroneous.