People, not guns, the problem

In regards to: “Time for gun control legislation (Letters, Oct. 14)”: I agree that these events are unconscionable and cowardly. I would also add tragic and unavoidable. It is a complicated problem. What makes it complicated, in my opinion, is also what makes it unavoidable.

We, as a society, already know the root causes of this behavior: mental illness. Research first. Legislating now is akin to saying, “Since cars are involved in accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board should study why.” In the meantime, all speed limits on all roads will be limited to 25 mph. Guns are no more the reason for this problem than spoons are for obesity. They are inanimate objects a mentally ill or mentally upset person can unfortunately use.

Questions about mental health are asked of everyone who purchases a firearm through a Federal Fireams License. The answer (you check a box yes or no) is on the honor system. Verification of the answer isn’t possible. There is a proposed check that could (and should) be enacted. But due to privacy (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) or the background check system capacity, it hasn’t been.

Guns aren’t the problem. People are the problem.

Kent Walker

Spokane