Re: "A New Way to Tackle Gun Deaths"

To the editor:



In an otherwise powerful piece encouraging responsible gun policy (A new way to tackle gun deaths, 10/4/15), Kristof labels America's mental health care system a 'disgrace' both devaluing the hard work and effort of those of us treating mental illness and implying that an improved system would somehow reduce or eliminate such tragedies. Meanwhile, Kleinfeld and colleagues (Mass murders fit profile, as do many others who don't kill, 10/3/15), in reviewing the available data,  illustrate just how difficult it is to predict who will act violently.  An isolated, socially withdrawn, vengeful individual who sees himself as a victim is not the kind of person who seeks out mental health services. Whatever shortcomings exist in our mental health care system, the real disgrace is that our elected officials have sold out to the powerful gun lobby and no longer represent the will of the people.



Respectfully,



Larry S. Sandberg