There are at least two problems with calling Loughner a ‘loner.’ First and foremost, he almost certainly isn’t one. The fact that he used to have a bunch of friends tells us as much. Second, calling Loughner a 'loner’ gives real loners a bad name. As somewhat of a loner myself, this really pisses me off. The above examples, of which I’m sure there are more, constitute a socially acceptable form of loner-bashing. There are lots of words you could use to describe Loughner, 'loner’ isn’t and shouldn’t be one of them.