Trump attempted assassination at Rally Today?! He was bleeding

[Res Ipsa]

https://nypost.com/2024/07/17/us-news/t ... -campaign/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/live-blog/ ... rcna161972

it's second or third hand, but apparently found searches on depression, and events for both Biden and Trump.

The counselor's comments at the second link is somewhat disturbing.

“When I got the first text on Sunday … I was flabbergasted,” Knapp said. “I go back and I think about it, and I say evil is in the world, and that’s what I believe happened with Thomas. He snapped. I believe that the devil and the evil really invaded his brain and that made him do what he did.”

Although the report doesn't say what kind of counselor this person is or what his credentials are--I'm assuming guidance counselor not school psychologist--I wouldn't expect that kind of assessment from a professional counselor or teaching professional. Actually the whole commentary seems to lack insight.

The devil functions in this case as an excuse to do nothing to solve problems, like bullying, that are associated with young men who shoot people.

[Kishkumen]

The counselor's comments at the second link is somewhat disturbing.

“When I got the first text on Sunday … I was flabbergasted,” Knapp said. “I go back and I think about it, and I say evil is in the world, and that’s what I believe happened with Thomas. He snapped. I believe that the devil and the evil really invaded his brain and that made him do what he did.”

Although the report doesn't say what kind of counselor this person is or what his credentials are--I'm assuming guidance counselor not school psychologist--I wouldn't expect that kind of assessment from a professional counselor or teaching professional. Actually the whole commentary seems to lack insight.

Great way to feed into Trump's narrative, Knapp.

[Kishkumen]

The devil functions in this case as an excuse to do nothing to solve problems, like bullying, that are associated with young men who shoot people.

Whatever problems Mormonism has, I appreciate the fact that there is a greater opportunity to include individual agency in assessing these situations. You are right, however, "the devil made him do it" is not at all a helpful approach.

[Res Ipsa]

The devil functions in this case as an excuse to do nothing to solve problems, like bullying, that are associated with young men who shoot people.

Whatever problems Mormonism has, I appreciate the fact that there is a greater opportunity to include individual agency in assessing these situations. You are right, however, "the devil made him do it" is not at all a helpful approach.

Even "mental illness" isn't helpful unless we are willing devote effort into addressing the causes of the "mental illness."

[Kishkumen]

Even "mental illness" isn't helpful unless we are willing devote effort into addressing the causes of the "mental illness."

We should be able to take reasonable precautions against these threats without sacrificing too much of our personal freedom.

[Res Ipsa]

Even "mental illness" isn't helpful unless we are willing devote effort into addressing the causes of the "mental illness."

We should be able to take reasonable precautions against these threats without sacrificing too much of our personal freedom.

I agree in principle. What is it about my comment that raises that issue in your mind?

[Kishkumen]

I agree in principle. What is it about my comment that raises that issue in your mind?

As soon as mental illness is brought up, I think of the allergy of NRA donation receivers to limiting the mentally ill person's access to firearms. It was nothing about you that concerned me.

[Res Ipsa]

I agree in principle. What is it about my comment that raises that issue in your mind?

As soon as mental illness is brought up, I think of the allergy of NRA donation receivers to limiting the mentally ill person's access to firearms. It was nothing about you that concerned me.

Got it, thanks. I think the second amendment crowd has, as a practical matter, made keeping guns out the hands of people suffering from mental illness who pose a genuine risk virtually impossible. Any measure that could be effective would almost certainly be found to be unconstitutional, given the overwhelming percentage of people who are mentally ill yet commit no acts of violence. The shooter googled "depression." Millions of Americans suffer from depression. What are the odds that the NRA will back preventing possession of guns by people diagnosed with depression?

[honorentheos]

It doesn't feel worth starting a new thread. I wonder - is this the fruits of populism? The first guy seemed more school shooter than presidential assassin. The gent today is apparently something like the adult form of the same. Reportedly liked Tulsi Gabbard though that seems at odds with his being willing to fight in Ukraine. Time will tell I suppose.

If the narrative of populism is there is an elite oppressing the good, common people, in an environment where access to military-style firearms is held sacred and a right of the people, it seems almost inevitable that shooters are going to surface.

Is the unique issue here that Trump is a former President that changes the calculus compared to a more typical opposition candidate to the incumbent? One where he is a member of the class of offenders to some?

Anyway. Welcome to Election Day minus 50.

[Gadianton]

I'd go with your second paragraph above populism per se. This particular brand of Second Amendment worship and a narrative that the way you solve your problems is through forcing the issue with guns -- preached all the way to the top -- is at some point going to kick in for people. Jan six didn't happen, right Republicans? For most right-wingers, it's identity politics and Larping. Trump can do no wrong. Democrats are ruining everything. Prepare to get your guns one day.

I walked into an argument today crossing paths with the usual suspects walking. I interrupted as the chief usual suspect was shouting about the whole nation being filled with drug needles if Kamala wins, just like San Francisco. This is the typical level of right-wing thought. Reacting and playing for the team. Not knowing anything and just making stuff up to throw over the fence.

But not everybody feels like part of the team. For folks with mental illness or who are simply prone to literalistic thinking, it is possible for their leaders to let them down. They may not get the memo that it's just Larping when threatening a revolution.

by the way, lots of right-wingers are still pro Ukraine. The ones in my neighborhood don't seem to really understand the MAGA stuff and are classic Clinton-joke Republicans. There has not seemed to be an awareness of the House holding out on Ukraine.