OPINION:
There was a tragic mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois — and the immediate reaction from many legislators was to blame gun manufacturers and demand stricter gun laws. Well, the latter does not work, as proven by the high murder rates in cities with strict gun laws. There are two issues that need to be addressed, investigated and improved upon if a solution to these shootings is to be achieved.
First, in many of these shootings, warnings of possible intent on the part of the shooters has been evaluated by the FBI, various police departments, school leaders and psychiatrists. Sadly, in most cases these people have cleared the future shooters, leaving them free to carry out their killings. We need specialized, qualified psychiatrists to make tough decisions and be accountable. We need the FBI and other agencies to maintain proper surveillance.
Second, we must determine the motives for those who intend to carry out these shootings. Some are just evil, while others are reactions to peer pressure, bullying or abuse. For many, the motivation is the result of our current culture and education system: the encouragement of racial divisiveness and hatred.
Too many innocent lives have been lost. It is time to address the real issues and end the incitement of such hatred by politicians and educators. Schools provide the opportunity for students to be educated for future careers, to learn to think and most importantly, to
consider their classmates as friends, teammates and colleagues. Essentially, schools must teach youngsters to have respect for one another.
MARVIN L. HOOVIS
Centerville, Massachusetts
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