Another mass shooting and some more hand wringing and few thoughts and prayers. But no solution. Why is that? Because this is not a problem of just guns. My guns do not go out shooting anyone and neither does anyone else’s guns. Guns are just a tool and must have a “user” to operate. In the case of mass shootings, what seems to recur too often is a history of mental illness on the part of the “user.” We could do something about that, but it would be expensive. Therapists cost money, hospitals dedicated to mental health cost money and long ago we as a society decided we would spend on prisons and eliminate the mental health component. You have heard this before haven’t you?

Let’s add a component. Why is there so much mental illness and why do so many people resort to shooting others as a manifestation of their illness? A few people might ask that, but we must have more than a few asking those questions. This is a discussion that we could and should have. I don’t know if we will.

But before I close this, let me make just one observation. That is just one possible explanation, so do not think this is all of it. This one time. let’s think about the fact that 20% of American kids are food deprived. If you are not one of them, think of walking though a market and seeing the plethora of products and knowing you cannot afford them. Do that for a young lifetime. Do you think that might cause a deep-seated anger over time? As a mental health professional, I can tell you that it would and that that anger over time, in some cases would lead to a mental illness.

Did you see what I did there? I took you from mass shootings to food-deprived children. Imagine if I had elaborated. That would mean some deep thinking would be involved. And that is something most people will not do.

Anyone else have any thoughts along these lines? Let’s hear from you.