What could ever possess someone to do this?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14262956

Worst of all to attack a group of defenseless children.

I learned a long time ago; you can't rationalize the irrational.

That is a horrible, very sad situation there. Brought back a lot of Oklahoma City bombing memories for me.

Well, the odds that they will fight back are small, which was probably the main reasoning behind it.

Chain him by the foot to the floor of a school stadium and open the doors to the parents of the children. Any hand weapon is allowed except a gun.

Sue

Thank you for your comments 7point and Sue.

I just don't know what more can be said. If you are so consumed with hate and intolerance than go somewhere remote and end it.

Why involve innocent people? Whatever message you hoped to convey is now mute.

I still remember the Oklahoma City bombing and the despair and shock of the community to discover it was one their own who perpetrated an act of senseless genocide.

It just reinforces the notion of safety is but an illusion. It cannot be extended to a particular place or culture - everyone is vulnerable and you must be forever vigilant.

On the nation-wide (not local) radio news - when was the last time you heard the name of a 17 year old being buried? A 14 year old? Her name, where she came from and place of funeral? Today, national news included the name, place of origin and burial of 32 victims. Most were in the range 14-20. One 30 year old. One 51. At the same time, my own kids were playing around my feet and craving lunch, which felt rather bizarre and odd right there and then.

I am numb. I don't know anyone of the victims personally, but that isn't really important right now.

As far as I can tell, most of what has been written on ETS about this incident is correct. However, there are some nuances that I wish to bring forward.

The teenagers that voluntarily engage in political processes are absolutely among the absolute finest young people I can think of. They have my most profound respect. It doesn't matter if their world view at times may be naïve (seen from the perspective of a grumpy, old fart): Their enthusiasm and the voluntary effort to make the world a better place is sorely needed.

It was no ordinary summer camp that was attacked. It was the summer camp of the youth organization of one of the major political parties. The description "an attack on our democratic system" is incredible accurate: The attack was targeted at the training and recruiting base for those willing to engage in the democratic process. Democracy is so much more than a nice buzz word: It is also tedious, slow and frustrating work - and we need some of the most talented youth to engage in that work.