Originally posted by Logarock
reply to post by KingIcarus
Well we already have laws that restirct certain from owning fire arms. And it has been shown that the shootings of late and most of the better known
mass killings were undertaken by the know mentally ill.
There are millions of gun owners in this country that own same without being a danger and yet these are the guns the the laws and their pros seek to
censure.
I don't disagree with any of that - I think it's very clear that the link between mental illness (and poverty) and gun violence is very strong
indeed. Undeniable, in fact. I also think it's correct to say that the very, very vast majority of American gun owners treat their weapons with
respect and responsibility.
However, the violence is a problem for American society (and every other society, including Britain) so it's entirely correct to look at society and
see how it can be 'adjusted' to improve matters. Taking this discussion in super simplistic terms we've identified a link between gun violence,
mental health and poverty.
Improving poverty would reduce gun crime out of desperation, improving mental health would reduce gun crime by helping people resolve their own
conflict, gun control would reduce gun crime by making guns harder to get. Remember, this is a simplistic view.
For me - and this won't be popular on here

- socialised healthcare is the best way to make America safer, but keep the guns. Crazy people would
be better cared for, poor people would worry less about their health needs and expenses and commit less violent gun crime. I suspect poverty is a big
trigger in mental illness too, actually, but I couldn't back that up.
Of course, this wouldn't solve things entirely, but I do think it'd improve matters.
*opens can of worms*