The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, CT is only one in a long string of high-fatality massacres in this country. While access to assault rifles is one part of this problem that must be addressed, our legislators must also look at the other factors at play in such avoidable tragedies.
First, we must address financial and institutional barriers to reliable, affordable mental healthcare, along with society's poor education and awareness surrounding mental health.
Second, it is time that we viewed violence in the media (including news media) as an obscenity issue. Gun violence should be seen as more offensive than sex in the media our children consume.
Finally, we must address the availability of assault weapons and curtail access to large volumes of ammunition.