Wiston Papers

Another mass murder in America.  Will this finally be the tipping point?

How can we express the shock, outrage and grief that surround the newest mass shooting in America?  The latest insanity took the lives of at least 27 persons at an elementary school in Connecticut--including 20 children between the ages of 5 and 10.

Senseless killings of innocents are always tragic.  Especially when the latest victims are so young.  Their deaths come at the start of a holiday season that should be a time of joy and celebration for Christians, Jews, Muslims--and all other persons who believe that December is month to remember and celebrate the essential goodness of humanity.  

Instead we awoke yesterday morning to another horrible story of a lone gunman who brought guns to a school, business or public venue with evil intent.

President Obama was correct when he said that our nation needs to “come together to take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this.”

Yes, we should. There will be the usual demands for gun control, of course, and I join that chorus.  But it won’t happen regardless of how many or how loud the voices.

America has a centuries-old affection for guns.  A passion protected by the Constitution. Yesterday’s tragedy--as with previous ones--won’t change that.  I’m a realist.  

We’ve gone down this path too many times.. In the last generation--dating back 30 years--nearly 400 hundred Americans have been gunned down in at least 61 separate shootings.  This year alone 84 of our neighbors have died from gunfire on 15 occasions.  That’s nearly one shooting rampage every month.

Between 1982 and the end of 2012, disgruntled employees have executed their anger on fellow workers at 21 separate job sites...147 deaths.

Between 1982 and the end of 2012, gun carrying killers have shot to death 121 people in malls, restaurants and other public sites.

Between 1982 and  today, crazed assassins have brought their hatred and weapons to schools and extinguished the lives of young people there who had dreams and hope about their future.  

Yes, I am a realist.  The deaths of 20 small children yesterday still won’t tip the balance in favor of effective gun control...no matter how desirable such legislation may be.  In fact, gun control really isn’t the answer.  There is only one realistic solution to prevent future mass killings and save the innocents.  

Even as we mourn yesterday’s deaths, we must realize that tomorrow’s killers walk among us.  Some are even young children--the same ages as the students who perished in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Some who perhaps were even sitting in those same classrooms in Newtown.

Who are they; where are they; how can we find them and stop them?  Mass murderers are troubled people.  They suffer from many multiple or distinct disorders and exhibit early warning signs that we should recognize.  It will take years before their evil emerges full bloom.  But the early warning signs are often obvious.  They give us time to act.

Often these killers are loners or outsiders.  Persons who don’t fit well with others either because of undeveloped social skills, victims of domestic violence or school bullying. Most have mental disorders that spell trouble if not detected early and treated effectively.

This tragedy should spur the debate on mental health and the lack of treatment and specialists who could really help with drugs and therapy. But our country has a way of marginalizing those who are "different" or "troubled".  It starts at home, but some of these kids have no control over their illnesses.  They are like a cancer waiting for the right age or right circumstances to erupt and strike the victims.

No one wants to admit to mental illness. They are discriminated against more than any other group in this country. Care is scary, difficult and almost impossible when the states are cutting back on mental health facilities and  physicians.  They are some of the lowest paid doctors in the world and many think there is nothing to mental illness other than giving the kid tough love, kicking them out of the house to live on their own.  

Unfortunately until our population stops bullying these troubled victims, and instead hires them or trains them for something worthwhile, and they receive the treatment they desperately need, we will continue to sit in front of our TVs and count the bodies of the mass killings.

Please reach out to people who may be in trouble. Be involved in their lives.  Get in their faces whether they like it or not. Don’t worry if your efforts offend someone.  Temporary bad feelings are a fair exchange for saving lives.

Yesterday’s Sandy Hook Massacre won’t result in gun control and those death’s won’t be the last mass murders.  But if we really care about our neighbors, if we really believe in the essential goodness of mankind, if we really want to stop this evil, we must work early to identify and help people who may be walking the wrong bath.  Before they pick up that gun.

In the spirit of this blessed holiday season, please resolve to make a difference.   Support those causes whose aim is to save lives.  This is a campaign where we can come together...and it can work.

Elizabeth Coon provided additional content.

Steve Coon

December 15, 2012