There will always be sociopaths, insane people, fanatics, and terrorists. We offer an all-too-easy supply chain for whatever bad business they choose to conduct. More vigorous federal and state regulatory policies and background investigation would increase the odds that authorities could detect and stop people bent on mayhem.

Whether Hasan was an Al Qaeda mole, a freelance terrorist, or just a mentally disturbed guy, there is one common element to the story: He could not have butchered so many people without his well-equipped quartermaster corps down at the local Guns Galore.