Of course, this is a HORRIBLE sin and crime ....
Yes, PART of the problem is mental illness.... PART of the problem is the lack of civility where differences of opinion exist.... PART of the problem is the disrespect for life. The press will focus entirely on the second point - especially if the horrible criminal can be portrayed as a conservative.
But I think the lack of respect for LIFE is also a contributor to these situations. The same press that will condemn what this horrible monster did in that Synogogue will defend the over 1 MILLION unborn babies legally killed in the country every year (nearly all paid for by the American taxpayer)... they will passionately defend such being wonderful for ANY reason at all ("it's a girl..... I don't like babies....." any and all and every reason or a complete lack of any reason at all)... the same people who will so passionately defend abortion right up to the moment when the last bit of the last toe exits the birth canal (99% of the baby already out)... and the same people who defend killing an old person with a serious disease. IMO, as long as our country and our society so powerfully promotes death and killing, there will be those who learn the lesson - and act accordingly.
Don't misunderstand me! I am NOT - in any way whatsoever - defending this horrible monster or what he did! I'm just pointing out the hypocray of a society condemning SOME killings of innocent peoples but so passionately supporting others. The problem we have with Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy and Reason being shot.... with all those Republican congressmen being shot as they played softball.... with the guy who may have tried to bomb several liberal politicians.... with this monster who killed many at this syngogue... is not JUST mental illness unaddressed or a complete lack of civility where differences exist.... it's a profound lack of respect for human life. We are not going to address that if our society so passionately disrespects human life. We need to address the mental illness issue... the civility issue... and whether life is to be respected or if it can be killed for any or no reason at all.