If you have been following the news lately, there was a recent shooting on live TV of a photographer and a news anchor as they conducted an interview. It was another example of the out of control violence that has existed in the United States for years. And, of course, the usual suspects are involved...mental illness and the ready availability of guns. Since the United States has always fought gun control and usually not made assistance for individuals living with mental illness available, this isn't a surprise. Neither is the inevitable debate. Here is the article that I'm basing this on: http://bit.ly/1O3tILP This article talks about the fact that based on agenda, there is a serious difference of opinion regarding what should be focused on to prevent violence. Is it mental illness? Or is it the fact that people generally have access to guns whatever their background or issues? Domestic violence and criminal backgrounds are usually no barrier to getting a gun. Neither is mental illness. Even if people have a trail of threatening behavior, they frequently fly under the radar. And no efforts are made to intervene. In the case of the shooter in this case, his potential for violence was recognized. He had to be escorted out of the building by police after losing one job.
So, what do I think about this dichotomy posed by the NRA and politicians regarding whether it is gun control or treatment for mental illness that is the problem? It is a false dichotomy. A lie presented to the American people in order to prevent meaningful change. I had an interesting conversation the other day with someone regarding this shooting. He talked about mental illness as the primary problem. He noted that there are many problems related to mental illness in this country at this time. And I agreed. There are many times that mental illness is a factor in violence. Most of the time, it is because someone living with mental illness is a victim of crime. Not because they are the perpetrator. Of course, there are also those times that there is mental illness involved when someone commits a violent crime. And those incidences are sometimes the horrific crimes that garner the most media attention. Children have been killed. And we have progressed to this crime seen on live TV. People will say that not all of them have involved guns. And they are right. But the vast majority involve guns.
The reality is that both areas are important in order to solve the problem. As with most complex issues that face this country, it isn't an either/or type of thing. We have to look seriously at the way that we recognize problems and provide mental health care for those living with mental illness. AND we have to recognize that it isn't the gun that commits the crime. It is the human being using the gun that commits the crime. Or we would put the gun itself on trial. In my opinion, those that hide behind the 2nd amendment have blood on their hands. It is time to deal with the reality of this situation. Or untold numbers of people will continue to die. Is that what we want for our future? You tell me........
So, what do I think about this dichotomy posed by the NRA and politicians regarding whether it is gun control or treatment for mental illness that is the problem? It is a false dichotomy. A lie presented to the American people in order to prevent meaningful change. I had an interesting conversation the other day with someone regarding this shooting. He talked about mental illness as the primary problem. He noted that there are many problems related to mental illness in this country at this time. And I agreed. There are many times that mental illness is a factor in violence. Most of the time, it is because someone living with mental illness is a victim of crime. Not because they are the perpetrator. Of course, there are also those times that there is mental illness involved when someone commits a violent crime. And those incidences are sometimes the horrific crimes that garner the most media attention. Children have been killed. And we have progressed to this crime seen on live TV. People will say that not all of them have involved guns. And they are right. But the vast majority involve guns.
The reality is that both areas are important in order to solve the problem. As with most complex issues that face this country, it isn't an either/or type of thing. We have to look seriously at the way that we recognize problems and provide mental health care for those living with mental illness. AND we have to recognize that it isn't the gun that commits the crime. It is the human being using the gun that commits the crime. Or we would put the gun itself on trial. In my opinion, those that hide behind the 2nd amendment have blood on their hands. It is time to deal with the reality of this situation. Or untold numbers of people will continue to die. Is that what we want for our future? You tell me........
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