An astute reading of the ethical dilemma posed by this assassination. It is important, however, for all of us to be clear on the distinction between understanding someone’s violent behavior and justifying it. Based on his manifesto (which you helpfully linked) I can fully understand the pent-up rage and frustration that led him to this cold-blooded murder. Had I been in his shoes, I would have felt much the same helpless rage and fury at the health insurance company as he did. And of course, as millions of others do as well—hence their outpouring of support for this guy on social media.

But his moral degeneration is apparent from his repeated claims that he is “his own chief executive,” answerable only to himself. That is a sociopathic attitude. If we all had that attitude, society would be impossible; we’d all be killing each other!