Hello Tim,
I want to thank you for your original post about the Newtown, CT. tragedy. Neither do I know what to say, really, but if we say nothing, nothing good will come of it (I think). And like many who have responded here, I want
something goodto come of this senseless thing. I understand that opinions may differ when it comes to suggesting causes and/or solutions. As such, I am but one opinion.
I’ve read all the posts (to date) and while I appreciate the spirited discussion about guns, I find myself more interested/ concerned about the multifaceted concerns of a moral vacuum and of mental illness with regard to our children. Andrew’s post # 116
http://thebluereview.org/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother/ at least hints at the real issues that our society (US) needs to address. I fear it won’t be easy.
I’ll try to speak to some of the components without pointing the proverbial finger.
I’m not sure about other (US) states, but in mine the mental institutions have been closed for years. Some will recall the closings were in large part because of “abuses”. But as with most things, agendas tend to find their way into the mix. I’m thinking of government budgets, of litigious actions, and of ‘political sensitivity’. Patients were moved to hospitals or prisons and eventually (with overflow and lack of funding) found their way to the streets.
In my childhood, learning disabilities like ADD and ADHD (not autism) were not commonly identified. Getting appropriate treatment for these children has had its own hard road (drug treatment). But I think most of these children are missing physiological help. It is left to parents and teachers. (I could be wrong about this.)
No one (here) has mentioned some of the other influences children face today. Video games have become more and more violent since Pac Man and more realistic. Our entertainment industry bears some responsibility, I think. Rated T for teen isn’t adequate. As an example to loony (TV) entertainment, I watched coverage of Shady Hook that broke to a commercial for the video game “Call of Duty”. Unbelievable!
Last point—
It is my opinion that another missing component is the moral one. I was one of those who pulled back when others said my views were intolerant. I find it odd that since the Shady Hook massacre I’ve heard calls for prayer from journalists (newspaper, mags, radio, TV), politicians (even the President). But where I live prayer has been removed from schools and public places. I wish now that I had spoken out more, not less. Now, I truly pray that we, as a concerned society, can talk about and actively address the
whole issue.
Respectfully, Virg