Last year's shooting in Newton, Connecticut has many public officials wondering what they can do to prevent gun violence. Unlike New York, Nevada legislators are not considering banning assault weapons, but they will look at the laws for civil commitment and background checks for people with mental health problems. And as the Steven Brooks saga shows, it is difficult for many people to get timely treatment.
GUESTS
State Sen. Justin Jones, D-Las Vegas, Chair, Health and Human Services Committee
State Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, Member, Health and Human Services Committee
Its really sicking to how we Americans are so fearful of change. Rather than look for real solutions , we just look for excuses. Passing the buck should be our motto. Blame the mentally ill, blame video games,blame the media, blame Hollywood. You have politicians pussy footing the issue and will never address the real issues. Children are dying due to guns. Guns need to be treated as a privillage and not a right. Just like driving. Use testing and demonstraton toearn the use of a gun.mike smuthen –Feb 1, 2013 15:35:05 PM
It's funny how we discuss the treatment of the mentally ill only when one decides to get a gun and shoot and kill. The discussion should not be about setting up a system to do background checks. How about discussing how we treat the mentally ill and the lack off a safety net we provide for the treatment of those that do not have mental health insurance coverage or even a loving family to offer the support the mentally ill deserve. My son was diagnosed with a mental illness 4 years ago. I am a school teacher and I will never comprehend how a mental illness can be blamed for the atrocity that took place in Connecticut. There are many factors that were involved. Obviously, a background check did not deter the killer; he used his mother's gun. The system that needs to change is the one that presently lets many mentally ill people go without treatment because we are not willing to see this disease as we see cancer or diabetes. I'm not afraid to tell people that my son has a mental illness; but I am afraid of how people will treat him. He is not stupid, he has a gentle soul, and all I can ask is that people be patient with him and treat him with respect. Zulema Kazandjian –Feb 1, 2013 10:14:28 AM
