Guns vs Other Issues

Any time guns are talked about, someone always wants to bring in another topic. That topic of course draws attention away from guns, like causes of violence, mental health issues, and the like. Problem is, the cause of violence and specifically gun violence, is not readily known. Why? Because the NRA has tied congress’ hands on research that would do anything to tie guns to negative topics. It is a condition of the donations the NRA makes to politicians’ campaign funds.

Logic tells us the cause of much violence is mental health. Logic tells us emotional upsets are often the cause of violence – divorce, spousal cheating, death of a loved one, loss of job, loss of a fortune. Logic also informs us that handy weapons of destruction are a cause of violence – jumping off a bridge, or building, or grabbing a knife to revenge an explosive anger. Guns, too, are readily available. Very available.

Research needs to be done on violence involving guns. Causal data would be useful in understanding how we could lessen the carnage. But remember that such research is not allowed under decree by the NRA.

The overwhelming conclusion by reasonable people is that too many people without the proper temperament own guns. Too many guns are available in our nation – 320 million guns or more for a population of about 330 million. A little over the top, don’t you think?

There is a lot of unnecessary death related to guns. Focus on how to reduce gun deaths. Then do that.

Other contributing causes are ripe for solutions as well. Mental health issues are high on the list. What should we be doing about reducing chronic mental health disease? What interventions work best to manage mental illness? Self-medication doesn’t appear to be working all that well. Institutionalization is practically nonexistent. So what do we do about that?

If we are serious about serving the needs of this nation, it is time we got down to the business of doing just that. For now, can’t we just address gun violence and solve that?

November 29, 2022

   

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