This is what it comes down to: We need to make ourselves less violent people

[Taverner]

You can ban guns, video games, movies, razor burns and what have you...but in the end the problem will always be with the individual.

If he or she can't get a gun, they might make one. They might get some gas, a glass bottle and a towel and make a molotov.

Why are we so violent?

Our history, US History, is a detailed history of violence. It is a history of genocide, diaspora, murder and terrorism. Don't believe me? Just ask a Native American.

American movies are the most violent in the world. This is a symptom, not the cause. Our movies are a reflection of ourselves, and that reflection shows a sociopath with gun in hand.

Empathy is a liability in this country. Show some empathy and you get called "weak" or "bleeding heart."

Show no empathy and you are a man or woman who "gets things done."

We don't teach empathy in our schools, and empathy is a teachable virtue. It isn't like confidence which you either have, or don't. All it takes is taking that moment to stand in the other person's shoes.

The Colorado Shooter didn't take that moment - most likely it never crossed his mind.

And that shows a weakness in our culture.

[turtlerescue1]

1. But how do you stop a freight train?

[Taverner]

3. A strategically placed metal spike

[nc4bo]

2. Also as mental illness carries some pretty heavy cultural baggage.

Things are changing, slowly.

There's still a stigma attached to mental illness when it should be treated both on a cultural and medical scale, no differently than cancer, diabetes or pulmonary disease.

Also, many hospitals and treatment centers treating mental illness have been or are in the process of being closed down leaving fewer places for people to get the help they need.