My own take on it?

To many people living in it America is not a nation but a religion. It’s an amalgamation of a holy land and a god. I believe most American practice this religion but as with all religions some followers are thoughtful about it, some believe it blindly and some use it as an excuse to be dicks to other human beings.

So terrorism, as Mr. Hayes points out, is a direct attack on that religion. Terrorists are saying specifically to America, “Your religion is wrong.” This, naturally, causes America to lose its shit.

The dozens of deaths every day from firearms is performed by one of the religion’s holy icons. Using a firearm is a form of communion with America. It’s something that displays the user’s faith and maintains America’s holiness.

Like the Aztec’s religion regular infusions of blood are required to keep the universe running.

My $0.02.