Again

If we were going to blame violent films for James Holmes' murderous rampage in a movie theater last month, what are we to make of Wade Michael Page's attack on a Sikh temple? When I dropped by the Wikipedia page for Sikhism, I read this: "A Sikh must also have the courage to defend the rights of all who are wrongfully oppressed or persecuted irrespective of religion, color, caste or creed." I'm not guessing that Page had any particular beef with Sikhs. Maybe it goes a little deeper.
What was Wade Michael Page doing before he killed seven people? He was in the Army. What did he do in the U.S. Army? He was a member of the psychological operations unit. Mister Page was discharged from the army in 1998 for "patterns of misconduct," and was deemed ineligible for re-enlistment, even though he was awarded numerous medals, including two for good conduct and one for humanitarian service. I'm guessing the Army would like those back.
Happily for the those who look for media connections, Mister Page was in a band called "End Apathy." This is where you can hear some of his pent-up rage. There is a whole list of influences listed: Sabbath, Slayer, Maiden, DRI, COC, RKL, GWAR, GBH, Aggresion, Misfits, Bad Religion and so on. The next few weeks will no doubt bring these artists more attention than they are probably comfortable with, but at least it will take the glare off the discussion of mental health and gun control. I guess that's what we can all ponder while Congress heads off for five and a half weeks.