If the emotional element on this subject was removed, it seems to make sense that we would at least want guns out of the hands of the wrong people. And possibly go the next step and want certain types of guns that make killing several people at one time to be impossible to get.
In my opinion, a large percentage of the political and practical problem centers around the fact that it's socially acceptable to be armed.
In countries like Canada, Australia, Sweden etc. you would be hard pressed to find a neighbour who owns a gun and most definitely not teenagers who do. If you knew of a teenager with guns, you would be worried and talking to their parents. It goes without saying that mental health is an issue in these mass killings and that's a problem no country has absolutely solved but at least it's not the "norm".
It may take decades but society can change its attitude given enough time and education... think about the difference in how people see smoking; environmental responsibility; health screenings... these are all things that have gradually changed because of education and a universal will to better a community. I choose to be hopeful that people and government will put common sense ahead of politically expedient ideas.
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