Gun Violence

In the United States about 200 people die each week from gun violence. President Obama has gone on TV four times in four years to respond to a mass atrocity. Today he was in tears.

What can we do about violence?

It's obvious that we need better gun control legislation. I say this although I grew up with guns, served in the army and own a gun. But legislation regulating guns will not be enough: 250 million guns will still be out there.

One thing we should understand is that the great majority of mass murderers are not psychotic, although what they do strikes us as nuts. Mass killers are usually badly depressed. Under ObamaCare more money is now available for social workers and mental health work. What can help is a much stronger mental health program that identifies troubled people and reaches them before they begin to plan their revenge and suicide. It might also help if our political leaders turn away from politics based on the hatred of others. We need to set a new tone.