Irrational fear drives gun popularity

There are many reasons for gun ownership, but I think the reason we have such an outsized number of guns in the U.S. is irrational fear.

Violence sells.

That is why violence is omnipresent in our culture: movies, TV, news media all depict a level of violence far beyond reality. This "acceptance" of violence as a driving force in our world becomes part of a perceived reality in which we must always be equipped to deal with criminals and crazies who are out to hurt us. The fear is irrational because the true threat of violence in our lives is magnified many times over by the various media we consume.

Given the tremendous and growing popularity of gun ownership, coupled with the drastic increases in mass murders and other shootings, we need to be able to ensure that gun owners are less likely to misuse their guns. This includes losing guns, allowing children access to guns, leaving guns loaded, accidental firing, as well as ownership by unstable people. It seems that requiring a robust licensing program should logically be put in place. And there should be no exceptions for collectors or gun shows - those exceptions only allow another potential conduit to those who should not be carrying a gun. We should regulate gun owners at least as well as we regulate car/truck drivers. How can we get to a "middle ground" without at least that logical step?

"Mental health" is often cited as the real culprit behind the countless gun incidents in the U.S. Some say guns are no problem. They say we need to address mental health issues to resolve the gun issue. As a country, we can certainly do better addressing mental health issues. But our legislatures have shown little interest in improving health care in any way. Even if mental health care were improved, it would take a near-perfect screening of our population to stop potential murders. It would seem more logical to limit the supply of guns so that it would be harder for people to gain access.

I think the only way the gun issue can be resolved is by stepping outside the preconceived notions of our political "side" and look at facts logically. Start by asking why people in the U.S. "need" so many more guns. Let common sense be your guide.

Gerry McGovern

Naperville