Address the causes of society’s ills

Typical of the American pursuit to solve problems such as gun control we tend to overlook the malaise of this country caused by the leadership in government and the influential images and voices in the media that shape and channel public opinion. The roots of violence in this society may have their origin in our institutions that promote it rather than preventing it. Visible and outspoken public figures in government, television, radio and the Internet are all at fault.

The natural inclination is to ignore the source of problems and attack their symptoms. Whether it’s issues addressing Roe v. Wade, the Second Amendment or the current divisive and potentially destructive economic consequences, the commonality of these contentions should be clearly evident. But as long as we ignore the cause of the ills in this society and only attend its effects we’ll continue to be held hostage by interests not our own.

James D. Cook

Schaumburg