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Mass Killings - How (other than some 2nd Amendment Issue) Can we Stop Them?

Just curious what might be a good place to start an intelligent (not hate filled), conversation on this issue. We all know our elected folks can't seem to do it, so let's hear what you think. What are the causes, how do we deal with the causes? Obviously we can't eliminate them entirely, but how can we lessen the frequency... This [b]IS NOT[/b] a political discussion - all hateful comments will be deleted.
LadyBronte · 56-60, F
I applaud your attempt at a civil discussion. Sadly there are those who don't understand what that means and worse yet, probably never will.
Saying 2nd amendment issues would fix shootings is kinda like saying removing pencils will stop hate mail.

If you really think removing the tool will stop the issue, Idk what to say.

Personally, leave the crazies with the guns please. It's too easy to make bombs and drive cars into crowds of people. I would much rather take my chances with being shot.
fazer1k · 56-60, M
Strict gun control seems the only sensible way, and the evidence for that is in the murder with firearms and overall murder statistics when compared to other first world countries with strict gun control. I can understand citizens not wanting to lose their right to own guns, or face gun restrictions, but, for me, the right of the general public to go about their daily lives without fear of becoming victims of shootings is a far more important consideration.
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
The obvious point, and this is about as far as I can push the discussion, is to prevent the mental states that make people desire to take these actions. Terrorism and mental health issues have root causes. I dont have the answers.. But those are the questions that need to be studied
Graylight · 51-55, F
@whowasthatmaskedman And the majority of those responsible for mass killings have no prior mental health history, despite the fact they're clearly ill. Even if they were under treatment, it's as easy to gain access to a firearm with depression as it is with no disorder at all.
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
@Graylight It would seem likely to me that they did have a mental health history. Just no diagnosis or treatment.. So maybe thats where we need to be rethinking the issue.
Graylight · 51-55, F
@whowasthatmaskedman aA mental health history might be anxiety or hair pulling. Who decides which mental disorder precludes somebody from owning a firearm and which does not? The same unqualified professionals who mete out insurance claims?
Graylight · 51-55, F
Well, I'd start with strict regulation, but let's say that's off the table. There might be some short/long term measures to try.

There's no doubt this is a culture that worships violence and considers strength as status. In order to achieve lasting change, that has to stop. The video games, TV & film, much pornography, etc. have been shown to have a causal link to violent tendencies. Remove such easy access and you stem violent development.

In the short term, there could be systems in place for non-lethal measures. Just as every commercial and government hallway now has AED's, perhaps one of the effective non-lethal methods being tested might help stem immediate violence.

And maybe the media lays off the incessant and coverage of such incidents, largely perpetrated by those who need recognition in the first place. Right now, we're broadcasting that you, too, can become infamous by upping the body count.

Paramount and prior to everything, we need to be able to sit at the table and l-i-s-t-e-n.

Edit :spelling
frequentlyme · 70-79, M
What about early identification of mental health issues - as in parents/guardians/friends/relatives when they see something, say/do something?
Graylight · 51-55, F
@frequentlymeLet's say I have severe depression and a history of divorce. How is it any harder for me to walk in and buy a gun than the average citizen? It's possible to have a no-sell list, but most mental disorders are hardly severe and penalizing, say, a recovering alcoholic will no doubt lead to legal ramifications. Those with mental disorders are not criminals.
Moosepantspatty · 31-35, M
@frequentlyme I think the problem with that (and im barely out of bed, so apologies in advance for poor continuity) is it is fundamentally quite Orwellian. I do believe that of obvious activity is reported, that there should be a system for that. But a see-something-say-something situations lacks in evidence. Also if were talking about mental illness, you have to take a broad brush approach, or demonize specific illnesses; both of which are poor practices.
fazer1k · 56-60, M
@frequentlyme How can you police that? He said, she said, they said? It's too easy to abuse, also, for those who wish to get back at someone.
Moosepantspatty · 31-35, M
Id love to have this discussion, but I just woke up. Will you be here in twenty minutes or so?
SW-User
Thing is both sides of this argument are so partizan it's so difficult to have any reasonable kind of conversation. The way I see it from the other side of the pond if you're on the right you are considered a "gun nut" on the left and you're a "Snowflake" just got clarity that's not my opinion. There seems no acceptance from either side that each other make good cases for and against.
Fernie · F
YOU TELL ME! They have one thing in common.....none of them can get laid...rejected by women...you males are mutants
Graylight · 51-55, F
@Fernie You don't see too many lesbians shootin' up the place. 😉
fazer1k · 56-60, M
@Fernie Well, a mutant with a firearm is a lot more dangerous than a mutant without, I guess. 😉
1GHOST · M
@Fernie said the main course at a Thanksgiving diner .
Jackaloftheazuresand · 26-30, M
The steepest price on every crime, closer supervision of school staff, an end to bureaucratic lack of communication, 15% shift of funds to robotics research and development.
frequentlyme · 70-79, M
What about social media and the news? How do, or do they have a play in this insanity?
fazer1k · 56-60, M
@frequentlyme They don't have any more play in this issue than in any other controversial issue they cover.
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SW-User
More Mental health facilities
Graylight · 51-55, F
@SW-User Good idea, but it would barely make a dent in gun violence.
SW-User
@Graylight It'll help
saarinista · 61-69, F
I don't know what to say anymore. it's overwhelming.

 
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