Psychology, Society & War

I found this in the latest edition of The Tyee. This particular piece applies specifically to the Robert Pickton trial, but, given that we're dealing with the human brain, it can be applied anywhere.

Excerpt:

'By tuning out altogether, we could actually short-change our understanding of ourselves. "Mirror neurons are very important ways to help you understand yourself and feel self-recognition," according to Dr. Iacoboni. "Our concepts of 'self' and 'other' develop at the same time, and you can't define self without defining other. Understanding the emotions of others can emerge only through a really authentic commitment to other people."'

Heads of State can declare war without batting an eye because it's easy to tune out the horrors of combat when you don't have to experience them first-hand. The same applies to legislators completely out of touch with the societies they try to govern.