Stim... I know the old joke. I have used it myself- but I don't think it applies here.

" It is politically easier to advocate gun control than it is to advocate actions that will really address the problem of violence."


Reply: Who said it has to be either-or? I am quite willing to see society do everything it can to deal with mental health and attitudes and hobbies/habits that encourage and glorify violence! That would address problems in general- even those where no guns are involved.
But I submit that it would not make a serious dent in GUN violence as longs as so many AR-15 types and handguns with extended magazines are easily available.

My own metaphor: No amount of traffic signs stating speed limits or cameras clocking speed or patrol cars with radar will seriously stop folks 'in a hurry' or kids who HAVE a car that will run over 100MPH from wanting to drive fast. Many localities simply treat speed limits and enforcement as a revenue producing activity... though it no doubt does somewhat lower traffic accidents.
   "Somewhat" in the case of our level of gun violence is cold comfort. You seldom know exactly who did NOT die from a gunshot... you only read of those who did. Would we be 'pleased' that 12,000 per year slowly dropped to 8,000? Friends & relatives of those 8,000 might see it differently.

Countries which have 90% fewer gun deaths per capita that the US are not 'happy' at their statistics... but they KNOW that the biggest element that keeps that % down is much less ACCESS to guns!

Do remember... those other countries DO have crazy people in similar percentages, and some of those mentally ill..or just plain criminal... DO acquire & use guns. Guns are just too much lure for those who have the desire to cause violence! In many countries, it is quite difficult to get one. In the USA, they can beg, buy or steal one with relative ease.

So... please do encourage and advocate mental health and better laws... but in 300,000,000 people, there will always be those who are missed by 'programs' and who are simply ticking bombs. (The kid in New Mexico has told authorities he "has had had homicidal, suicidal thoughts".... his family had an AR-15 and other guns in the house. He had 'never been in trouble before'.)