Congressman Tim Murphy of the 18th District of Pennsylvania seems to have put together some legislation for dealing with mass shootings. He calls it the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. It is definitely not the only piece of legislation that needs to be made but I believe this may be a step in the right direction. Mass shootings are happening too frequently in our country and the Commonwealth has had its share. The gun debate (gun control vs. gun rights) is an issue drawing intense passion from both of the issue. While both sides have valid arguments, sometimes I feel that each side is more concerned with being right or at least proving the other wrong. While I don't think the Congressman's bill is the only solution, it seems to represent a sensible step in the right direction. I hope it gets some consideration or discussion. Check out this article by Matt Bai as well. There is some unnecessary sarcasm in the article but it does give a sense of what the bill is trying to accomplish. With the way Congress works as well as the news cycle, this bill will most likely die and not make the floor. So, this is my way of helping to draw attention to it.
The piece of legislation from Tim Murphy is definitely a step in the right direction. Though I agree it unfortunately probably won't make it to the floor. I don't think gun control vs. Gun rights is the biggest issue though. Those who wish to do harm to others with the weapon of their choice will find them by all means necessary. The popularity of school shootings have grown in numbers of injured or killed as well as frequency since Columbine. Their goal was to not be a nameless face in a school hallway like many others who have carried out this same act. This to me is a reflection of mental illness. There are more parents (both single and 2 parent households) who work endless hours week to keep their households together. There are too many kids being left home alone with the time and resources to fester in what would be a normal school situation (unpopularity, bullying etc) that is something that's always been an issue. The difference now is that social media and the internet have given a platform and a voice to those who use it to harm others. The indicators that something is wrong are being swept under the rug so to speak. Chocking it up to growing pains and often times completely ignored at home or school. Counselors have their hands full and most schools are so large kids are a number not a name. I found this article today that was really interesting. Something to think about from a country that was able to prevent these tragedies. Maybe we could learn and apply some of what was done here. It's clear that there is a lot more work to do on this subject.
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