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Here’s what we can do to reduce gun violence

As a former administrator in corrections and mental health, I do not think that most violence in schools relates to mentally ill students. Yes, there are some violent, seriously mentally ill students, but they are the exception.

After reading hundreds of case files of inmates and seriously mentally ill young adults, I concluded that most of the violence from guns relates to individuals with personality and character disorders. These individuals are sane and have no conscience, little impulse control, and show little or no remorse for their evil actions. Over 85 percent have been sexually, emotionally or physically abused as children.

So what do we do to reduce these incidents of violence in schools and the rest of society? Try to reduce abuse of all kinds, including bullying; provide more effective mental health services; and limit all military weapons to law enforcement and the military personnel.

The Second Amendment would remain as a strong safeguard to allow Americans the right to bear nonmilitary arms. I ask those with more expertise than me to weigh in on this proposal, with hope that our political leaders will make more thoughtful decisions when provided with better objective information.

Thomas E. Rietz

Kihei

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