For many, red flags present early in life

Whatever is speculated about the gunman responsible for the horrific act at NIU, I can tell you his behavior and actions were not due to a simple cause such as breaking up with a girlfriend, getting off your medication etc.

Rather, I believe personality traits and red flags are present early in life. As an educator of young children and a student of current brain research, I see children as young as 4 to 5 years old with red flags of future mental health issues.

What is even sadder is that we live in a society where money is poured into our athletes, movie stars etc., and yet we do not have adequate services for those who are at risk for issues which may impact our society.

In just the last approximately three to five years, I have observed these issues in preschool aged children who come from "good homes."

It is also very unhealthy to expose our young to the sex and violence as we do. It is painful to watch and hear what comes out of the mouths of babes these day, often beginning in the preschool years.

Wake up, America, because actions such as witnessed at NIU and Virginia Tech tell us maybe we are too late already, and wouldn't that be sad for such an advanced society.

Nancy Brown,

Schaumburg