Mass murders are becoming kind of normal in the States. Every so often there are some amazing news about the latest horror. When nothing of this sort happens for a while, many are surprised. Yesterday’s news thus follow a definite pattern. And the murderers look perfectly normal, too. White, educated, relatively well to do, they offer a useful reminder about the human species. We are not only born liars and robbers, but born murderers, as well (“Born Criminals,” November 10, 2011). Whenever an opportunity arises, humans will lie, rob, and murder with relish. This is something worth remembering at all times. It has nothing to do with race, education, or wealth. It has nothing to do with geography or history, either. It is inborn. As for the proof, only check the bible, the favorite read in the States. Given the ease with which weapons of mass murder can be acquired across the country, the series of mass murders is perfectly understandable. Nay, predictable.

Addendum I (December 16, 2012)

This morning I saw the front cover of a Croatian newspaper bearing entire the photograph of the last American mass murderer. Under it was just one word: “Beast.” That is the most common human mistake. “Human,” instead. Over the entire evolution of life on earth there have appeared no beasts capable of mass murder other than humans. None whatsoever. But that simple fact is beyond most humans. In fact, this is one of the greatest mysteries of evolution.

Addendum II (December 17, 2012)

In the aftermath of the last mass murder, America is displaying all signs of Christian piety the country is capable of. There are condolences, vigils, and prayers galore. America’s allies from the Christian world are joining in from all sides. But I have not spotted a single sign of understanding of the mass-murder phenomenon among zillions of comments in the media. Humans are apparently incapable of comprehending themselves. Not that it would stop mass murders, and especially in America with all its weapons of mass murder readily available to everyone, but it would at least help adjust expectations. As well as offer an adequate understanding of the past. Come to think of it, it would help understand the mass murder committed by an American soldier in Afghanistan earlier this year. White, reasonably educated, and relatively well to do, the soldier was perfectly normal, too.