Letters: Massacre in Colorado -- and how to prevent similar tragedies

Re “Midnight massacre,” July 21

My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones in Colorado. My immediate family lives in Colorado, and my nephew was one of those looking forward to the premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises.” He easily could have been one of the victims. We all could have been one of the victims.

Why are mass killings so prevalent in our country? Is it because of the proliferation of violence on TV and in the movies, or because guns are so readily available? Are our so-called leaders so caught up in petty arguments that they can’t give guidance? Have budget cuts affected mental health services?

Or have we become immune to these types of attacks and so we no longer speak up to correct the causes?

Dana Schumacher

Los Angeles

A history of trauma may be one of the root causes of last week’s violence. A history of trauma is also likely informing the different ways the public tries to cope with the grief, either by calling for more gun control or fiercely defending one’s right to protect oneself with guns.

This is not the time to assign blame. This is a time to listen to the victims and allow them to mourn in their own way. The road to healing is through teaching empathy to our children and validating their feelings.

Furthermore, we all have a responsibility to reach out to people who may be outcasts, living on the fringes, and encourage them to seek help.

Michael Ascher, MD

New York City

The writer is a psychiatrist.

Killing innocent people in a movie theater is beyond the pale. Not only did the shooter want to destroy as many lives as possible, but he evidently wanted to take out an entire industry as well.

As a professor of film studies, I am saddened. I encourage my students to enjoy the communal experience a movie theater offers. This maniac tried to destroy that experience.

Having spent four days in San Diego atComic-Conand seeing the excitement the attendees had for this film makes this all the more tragic. Comic book fans love their characters and want to experience them in all forms possible, including the mecca of the large screen.

With all due respect and compassion for the victims of this tragedy, I will continue to go to the movies.

Kathleen McCord

Encinitas

Re “Action on gun control not likely,” July 21

Both President Obama and Mitt Romney have called for prayer in the wake of the terrible events in Colorado. I do not see what prayer can do to help.

It is long past time for our lawmakers to stop kowtowing to the National Rifle Assn. and to legislate effective gun-control laws. Even better would be a constitutional amendment to modify or repeal the 2nd Amendment. The greatest mistake of that amendment is the ambiguous language that depends on the interpretation of the militia clause.

It is time to keep all kinds of guns out of the hands of criminals and mentally impaired individuals.

Julie May

Los Angeles

With the massacre in Colorado, there will be numerous, usually thoughtless, calls for the banning of firearms. Criminals will always have firearms, even if they are banned.

Why are so few people questioning the role of violent films and video games and other “innocent” factors in the production of these massacres? Our society is saturated with violence. The media spew it out daily; news reports reek of it.

Let’s stop the knee-jerk reactions to violence and do some serious thinking about it.

R.C. Richards

Corona

As my wife was about to put our American flag back up Monday, I said: “You know what? I’m really not proud to fly our flag right now; America should be able to do better preventing gun massacres.”

Our government should not be controlled by — be even fearful of — one powerful weapons organization: the NRA.

Jim Gould

Burbank

One needs to pass a rigorous testing process to obtain a license to operate a motor vehicle, while almost anyone can purchase a gun. What is wrong with requiring a gun-owner license and some sort of testing to qualify for such a license?

Why must the NRA continue to have so much power over our government?

I.D. Weiner

Los Angeles

Because effective gun control remains elusive, how about ammunition control? Shouldn’t the purchase of 6,000 rounds by the alleged killer have been brought to the attention of law enforcement?

Guns don’t kill people; bullets do.

Laurence Cohen

Mar Vista

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