Gun Control and Mental Health, Too Hot to Touch

I've been asked by several people about my opinions related to the topics of gun control and mental health services in light of the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut.

Below is one such e-mail, and my response.

Gary Scholtes wrote: "I like your blog... ...from reading it, I gather that you're an intellectual person who likes to exercise his brain. I like to do the same, and I like to gather various opinions, whether I agree with them or not. I would like to ask your take on a current hot issue, Gun Control. I won't even take it amiss if you abstain."

Jason Tweed writes: "Thanks Gary. I'm actually writing about gun issues and 2nd amendment issues currently. I'm waiting a bit to publish my thoughts because I try to avoid hot button topics during volatile times. Sandy Hook has made us all hypersensitive to several issues. These times play well to agenda politicking but not to insightful decision making.

I will publish my thoughts on both gun laws and mental health issues, but out of respect for the parents, children and teachers directly affected, I will withhold my thoughts until the chaos of rhetoric has died down.

I expect to publish several articles after the New Year on topics related to this tragedy.

Additionally, I'd like to say that, while this website is far from commercial, I do earn a few hundred dollars from this blog. Because of that, I feel that commenting prematurely for the sake of "hits" to jump on the bandwagon of personal tragedy is abhorrent.

I ask my readers for patience. I do have strong opinions, that I believe are well thought out and supported by  facts as well as my personal ethics.

Tonight, I'll simply express my love and sympathy for those directly affected by these events. May you have peace and healing over time, and may you be allowed to grieve with dignity in the meanwhile.

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