Mental Illness and Gun Violence — Letters that should have been in the new york times

5.28.22

To the editor:

Thank you, Bret Stephens (5.28.22 America Is Under The Gun), for expressing disgust at Republicans who blame mental illness rather than the proliferation of guns for our country's shameful distinction of arming its citizens who commit acts of violence. This self-serving stance among power hungry politicians reflects an abdication of responsibility twice over.

First, and most obviously, it blocks common sense legislative efforts to make our country safer under the perverse rationale that assault weapons are needed for self-defense. Second, and more perniciously, it pro-gun rhetoric perpetuates a form of toxic masculinity that makes more likely that those young men who are deeply disturbed will act out violently. There is insufficient attention, in my opinion, to the gender bias that defines gun violence and how our 'sick' gun culture sickens the minds of vulnerable young men.

Respectfully

Larry S. Sandberg