This is not a simple problem, and there isn't a simple solution, but I find it profoundly disturbing that the NRA's focus is entirely on stopping people who are already armed and ready to kill, rather than any sort of prevention. Personally, I don't see why any common citizen should be able to acquire an assault rifle or automatic weapon--that doesn't mean you can't have your handgun for self-defense or your hunting rifle (though those also need to be kept out of the wrong hands--there's a reason my parents took my stepbrother's entire gun collection out of his house when he was deeply depressed after an almost-fatal car accident). And further stigmatizing mental illness (and also further stigmatizing things that aren't metal illness, like introversion and shyness--I was a shy kid, a loner, and a little odd. That alone doesn't make someone a potential killer) just makes it harder for people seek help. We need to make it easier to seek help, for ourselves and those in our care.
no subject
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/23/us/mixed-reaction-to-call-for-armed-guards-in-schools.html?smid=go-share&_r=0
This is not a simple problem, and there isn't a simple solution, but I find it profoundly disturbing that the NRA's focus is entirely on stopping people who are already armed and ready to kill, rather than any sort of prevention. Personally, I don't see why any common citizen should be able to acquire an assault rifle or automatic weapon--that doesn't mean you can't have your handgun for self-defense or your hunting rifle (though those also need to be kept out of the wrong hands--there's a reason my parents took my stepbrother's entire gun collection out of his house when he was deeply depressed after an almost-fatal car accident). And further stigmatizing mental illness (and also further stigmatizing things that aren't metal illness, like introversion and shyness--I was a shy kid, a loner, and a little odd. That alone doesn't make someone a potential killer) just makes it harder for people seek help. We need to make it easier to seek help, for ourselves and those in our care.