Commentary: Man’s inhumanity to his fellow man grows. Is a father screaming at his son just a beginning? What level of inhumanity is defined by massacring 20 little angels at Sandy Hook - pure evil? Does all such outrage stem from the loss of understanding of the value and dignity of life? Who can truthfully and scientifically report on the reasons for this loss of life? Some say that it’s mental illness in part due to the occurrence of film violence and video games played by our young men. Others say it’s a result of empty pews in churches, living in poverty, broken families or terrorists. Perhaps it’s a combination of any of these.
The killer of the children and their six teachers at Sandy Hook played violent games incessantly, suffered major mental illness, came from a broken home and was aided and abetted by his mother. The many college students we’ve lost in the last few years will never know the pleasure of accomplishment in their lives. Even small children kill: One recently reached under the driver’s seat, retrieved a gun and shot the driver, a relative. Another killed a playmate. These tragic accidents will haunt these children the rest of their lives. Now, targeted California and Colorado Springs killings add to similar slaughters in the US.
Many of us have been or may be affected in our wider community or even amongst (in) our own families. Look at our current statutes and policies. Over 35,000 were killed or injured by firearms here last year (Gun Violence Archive 2014). Few make the news. Is this the country we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? No. Thoughtful consideration and respectful dialogue are sorely needed without more rancor. We must bring our communities together to address this issue.