The effect of the affect

OK, I remember now. It's the confusion of "affect" and "effect".

Normally...normally..."affect" is a verb and "effect" is a noun. So...
How does the new bylaw affect you? but
What is the effect of the new bylaw?

But, English being what it is, "affect" can sometimes be a noun and "effect" can be a verb.

"Effect" (the verb) means to cause something to happen, to bring about something. For example, "President Obama promised, if re-elected, to effect any change that didn't get effected the first time."

At one time, the noun "affect" was synonymous with "affection; passion; sensation; inclination; inward disposition or feeling". In modern times it is sometimes used by the shrinkers of heads, meaning "feeling or emotion" or "an expressed or observed emotional response". So, "The effect of his affect was quite shocking."

All clear now? You're welcome.

Fort Hood massacre

I'm at a loss for words. I feel I should say something about this, but I don't know what to say. I don't know what it all means. Maybe nothing.

It's not even possible to write a satirical piece because the story virtually satirizes itself. The killer was a Muslim, a psychiatrist and a soldier -- easy set-up for any number of cheap jokes. Yet it's not funny.

Is the massacre a commentary on the American love of guns? On psychiatry, which I believe to be a bogus "science"? On the futility of the Afghan war? On Islam? None of these? All of these? Are there any lessons to be learned? Will any lessons be learned?

I have all these questions, but not one answer. Not even a further comment.