Letter to the editor: Culture of violence

To the editor:

The latest school shooting tragedy in Texas makes clear one thing — there is no simple solution to this problem. Yes, raising the age for purchasing guns, eliminating assault weapons and tightening screening for people wanting to purchase guns might be good things. But none of those measures would have prevented this incident. Unfortunately — sadly — we have developed a culture of violence, intolerance and a lack of restraint in personal behavior. Conflicts — on the highway, the internet or in the classroom — too often are addressed by violence or the threat of violence.

We need to find our way to a different approach to both our personal and to the world’s problems. We need a foreign policy in which military threat no longer is considered a reasonable option. In which we seek to understand the viewpoint of others and try to find ways to help rather than to simply expect acquiescence to our demands. We need leaders who will set a tone of respect for others, of cooperation and striving for the greater good rather than for immediate ego gratification or political gain. And we need personal values that recognize the sanctity of every person, of every living being (including ourselves). Most of us buckle somewhat at times under the load of life’s struggles. If we need help, that help should be readily available — not restricted by cost or by geography or by stigma. Finally, we need to live our lives with more compassion, consideration and thoughtfulness. We need to start now.