There is no accounting for crazy, evil or both. We can argue gun control regulations and laws until the end of time. We can pray and light candles. We can forward and share Facebook posts and pictures. And then we can go back to the way we always are... until next time.
I believe the main problems stems from a lack of mental health care, lack of understanding in mental health care, lack of funding for mental health care and lack of compassion and tolerance for the uniqueness of our fellow citizens.
Who knows what Adam Lanza's problems were? But something made him commit this horrific crime. Could it have been prevented? Sure, there will have been warning signs that everyone missed but in looking back make perfect sense.
In general, all of these shootings are carried out by men who are different in some way. They are usually bullied, teased and made fun of of their lack of athletic ability, intelligence, small stature, lack of social skills, sexuality, whatever...We don't see women carry out this type of violence. They tend to hurt themselves in other ways; cutting, drugs, promiscuity, or ultimately suicide. What tools are they lacking that most of us have?
Perhaps we can cultivate a culture where we are all more tolerant of uniqueness, quirkiness and difference. Where we and our children can feel free to express our feelings, thoughts and problems and can be listened to with compassion and tolerance.
Where children are taught the tools to handle rejection, lose and disappointments in a reasonable, responsible way. Not every one is always a winner. Its not always about you.
Where dialog and criticism can be exchanged with courtesy and tolerance of difference in opinions. Without extremists ranting and raving about how their point is the only and right way.
Its not up to the schools to start another new program. Its up to us all, in every situation. To teach, to learn, to accept, to help, to mediate, to tolerate, to stand up, to listen, to speak up.
Dang, talk about a soapbox rant...
It is what it is...
Namaste
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