At the heart of the causes for this tragedy are the thoughts and actions of a killer. "Mentally ill" does not even begin to describe how sick and demented a person must be to slaughter 6 and 7 year olds and their teachers in a school.
The fact that he had access to efficient instruments of murder is significant and we all wish that he did not. But he did. Where do we go from here?
Outlawing guns by simply passing a law is not the answer. There are nearly as many guns in this country as citizens. Do you want your home searched for guns with the intent of confiscation? Some would not mind. Most would. It will not happen and even if it did, there will still be guns out there. Ultimately, like it or not, the US Constitution says we have the right of ownership. This will not change, at least not for a very long time.
Are more restrictive gun laws the answer? Maybe. But keep in mind that Connecticut has some of the most restrictive gun laws in this nation.
What could have saved those children and teachers last Friday morning?
1. Someone recognizing Adam Lanza's behavior and potential for mass murder before he acted.
2. An armed guard or policeman at the entrance to the school.
3. An armed kindergarten teacher.
We live in a society where each of those three options are difficult, impractical or distasteful. I know that #3 will send a few MSNBC talkers through the roof. I am not advocating that one.
Time to stop just saying "enough is enough." So many images and pleas are just provocative. But provoking is simply wailing in the dark. Light a candle for those kids. Talk about real solutions.
Let's start with mental illness.
