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Steve Scalise, a congressman from Louisiana I believe, was shot (along with a number of other people) and at last report was in critical condition, when a former Bernie Sanders campaign worker opened fire on a group of members of Congress, friends, and police officers during a practice outing at a Virginia ballpark in preparation for a charity match.

I wish that both sides of the aisle could have an open conversation about how to combat violence. No matter how we approach the issue of guns it goes no where. Is there any way to cross the divide to some common sense discussions that don't turn into just the usual fight over control versus gun rights? (I know, that is a lot to ask.) And also deal with other causes of violence in our society?

In truth murder rates have decreased since 1991 and as of 2015 is a lower murder rate than 1960.



1960 population = 179,323,175 murders= 9,110 murders per 100,000 = 51
1991 population = 252,177,000 murders= 24,700 murders per 100,000 = 98
2015 population = 321,418,820 murders= 15,696 murders per 100,000 = 49

Not that we should be satisfied, since our murder rate is much higher than most all other countries (especially well developed countries)

There has to be some common sense about violence in this country. Admittedly, we like to celebrate our Wild West heritage, but killings always go beyond solving problems. Every event of violence seems to beget another. The conversation needs to be long, careful, and consistent without the NRA shutting off the discussion. They should be part of it but not allowed to determine the outcomes before the conversation starts.

A big part of the solution is making a livable wage plentifully available to all. That means good jobs that provide dignity. I approve of Trump's recent announcements about worker development and apprenticeship programs.

Ed, you really don't understand me much. I said there were other reasons besides "good jobs" that could cause murders and one was psychiatric drugs.

Read my posts again slowly.

Yes I do read your posts. I was agreeing with you that there are many factors while maintaining that economic plight is often a big contributing factor.

Sorry I brought a new (for me) factor but I found it interesting and well attested.

Events like this, up to this point, haven't changed anything. The Republican party has stonewalled and stopped any attempt to protect people from mass shootings, putting it all in the box of the NRA's rigid and intolerant position on the "right to bear arms." It's been OK as far as they're concerned, not to do anything to protect students in schools, or to offer real solutions that work, instead of just jabber and inaction. Now that someone descended on a group of Republican congressmen with an automatic weapon, I expect there will be some changes.

A small step. Maybe. If the Republicans would just put some common sense and reality into their fantasyland, they might actually accomplish something beneficial for the population at large. I know that's antithetical to their principles, helping and protecting people and all, but they might find they like it if they give it a try.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpos ... a9999d6a07

Jon, I'm not Sandy. But backgrounds checks for mentally ill people I understand was recently removed by a bill that went through congress. I see that background check potentially having a positive effect. Most Americans support background checks.

The Democrats have failed as much as the GOP on the issues of guns and violence. Neither should get a pass because the other failed.