Guns, germs and hysteria beg answers

Over the past month we have been bombarded by the media to the point of near hysteria about the H1N1 influenza which has resulted in five tragic deaths in the entire U.S. During that time there have likely been approximately 2,500 homicides, suicides and accidental gun related deaths (at 30,000 a year) in the country and 90 gun deaths in Illinois alone (at 1,100 a year).

As citizens why don't we get it? Homicide is not just an urban issue. We are all at risk. With two grandchildren in college I wonder where is the next Virginia Tech or Northern Illinois massacre going to take place? Or the next church shooting, will it be this Sunday or next? Or the next Lane Bryant shopping center mass murder?

We need common sense gun laws now! Let's all take an oath to tell our legislators it's past time to stand up to the NRA and pass some common sense guns laws and if they can't or won't do it, we will elect some representatives who will.

James Webster MD, MS, MACP

Immediate Past Executive Director, Institute of Medicine of Chicago Emeritus President, Chicago Board of Health

Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University

Chicago