Desensitizing of our culture to death is reason for tragic acts

Letter to the Editor,

In his latest editorial, Bob Brown is right regarding mourning such tragedies as we saw in Connecticut, but he is wrong on guns, as they are not the cause of these problems. 

Even though Americans had a plethora of guns, we did not have these types of attacks 50 years ago.  Something else is wrong in the very essence of our society. 

I suggest it is our new culture of tolerance of everything except the traditional values, which made us a great nation as one possible underlying reason for such horrific acts.  

As well, we should look at our political culture which has used the politics of class warfare, envy and greed to spin their way to successful political campaigns.  

Such policies have created, for many, feelings of hopelessness, frustration, despair and rage, which finally erupt into such volcanic acts of retribution. 

But, although guns are used in these pointless attacks, without doubt, it is the “culture of violence” perpetrated inside of our society by Hollywood, TV shows and by the video manufacturers, which contribute so profoundly to the needless passion we see. 

By the time our children reach adulthood they have seen so many killings and murders on TV, on the big screen or on their video games that they been desensitized to the actual damage these acts of violence perpetrate on their victims and/or the American public.  

Contemplating gun control without considering legislation in these other areas of concern is a shallow, “feel good” attempt to help resolve the problem. 

Outlawing guns with clips exceeding 10 rounds will not stop the violence but will set a precedent of gun control. 

There is no doubt what will happen at a later date. Even though these guns will be limited the perpetrators of these crimes will use regular guns of less than 10 rounds to accomplish the same or similar goals. 

At that time new legislation would be aimed at curtailing the ownership of any sort of semi-automatic weapon to help curtail these attacks.  Later on, mere revolvers would be used for similar purposes which would lead to more legislation limiting gun ownership. 

It is a never-ending cycle which will inevitably lead to the absolute gun control we all fear.

I suggest a more appropriate alternative would be to concentrate on the culture of violence that has been spawned so dramatically by our entertainment industry as well as the political culture of greed and envy. 

In addition, the incorporation of traditional values into our school curriculum should be considered.   

But I say “no” to those people who only attack our Second Amendment rights without addressing the abuse of our First Amendment rights so evident inside of our entertainment industry today.  

For, in my way of thinking, they are the most likely culprits in this sordid affair.   

— Mark Agather

Kalispell