To the editor:

The Virginia Tech horror again shows the level of anger and malaise in America. The reasons why the young student turned assassin will never be known.

Dissatisfaction and anger in America increases, a level never felt before, a tangible that one senses in almost everyone. Saber rattling began with George W. Bush’s first presidential campaign. Shortly after inauguration for Bush’s first term, 9/11 happened. His reaction, body language, then as now, with arms extended from his sides, is that of another Quick Draw McGraw, jumping in without further thought, dragging this nation into a war of his creation with no end in sight.

The loss of lives continues. Every household now is not complete without its stash of guns and ammunition. What idiocy!

Concealed weapons the rule of the day, highway shootings, copycat killings. Violence characterizes this once-peaceful nation, which fought when attacked. The Virginia Tech massacre is a symptom of outrage, helplessness of the individual to change American policies that affect all lives, a president that appears to be one who endorses endless wars for peace. His “winning” office in the first place is clouded. If anything is to be gained from this recent mass killing, it is the fact that all life is precious. Our government needs to reflect that fact in some turnaround in its failing policies. What has happened to and inside this land of ours is unreal and fodder for another “Catch 22” novel.

Sue Hess, Lawrence