(no subject)

[semperfiona]

If it was left by the sniper, and not a prankster, the tarot card could give police insight into the sniper's thinking, analysts say. Perhaps he wanted to establish communication with police. Or maybe he simply wanted to gloat. Some analysts say the card could suggest the attacker is a loner who is fascinated by mysticism and role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons.

Grrrr. How can anyone possibly be a loner and play role-playing games? The whole point is that you play them *with* people! I'm sick and tired of rpg's being blamed for everything from teenage pregnancy to unsolved murders.

Comments

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

They do say he could be fascinated with them, but he might not play them with other people. That said, I don't get the connection at all. What does a tarot card have to do with that? If he had left a Chick Tract, what would they have said?

[freddyferret.livejournal.com]

At least the local news media is handling the situation better. Channel 4 did some research to find out what the death card means. They interviewed the owner of Pathways (http://www.pathwaysstl.com) who told them that it means transformation and could signal a time of change.

Now if everyone would go to those lengths instead of jumping to conclusions we'd all be better off.

[sistercoyote.livejournal.com]

They would have said that he was a clearly misguided soul - or that he was trying to send a message based on the Tract.

That said, yes, I get frustrated by this as well. As a long-time gamer, it is definitely not something you can do alone (computer RPGs don't count, IMNSHO).

Have you read Michael Stackpole's wonderful article on the subject? (It's long, mind you.) If not, I'll see if I can find the link to the on-line version. The Skeptical Enquirer did an article on it some time ago, also.

[semperfiona]

I may have, but please find the link if you can.

[sistercoyote.livejournal.com]

Here 'tis. I don't believe the skeptical enquirer article is online, though.

[semperfiona]

Ah, I *have* read that before. It's still interesting though.

[starknight.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I play D&D, Champions, Etc, DOe sthat mean I am insane? I think not. The idea that RPG are bad is a pet peeve of mine. Like Michael Stackpole, I did a term paper in college sisputing the fact the D&d is dangerous. I still have the paper somewhere.
Bruce