In an editorial, the New York Times (12/16, A34, Subscription Publication) takes issue with the argument from opponents of expanded gun-control legislation that “instead of limiting access to guns, the country should focus on mental health problems,” arguing that “mental illness is not a factor in most violent acts.” The Times asserts that “blaming mental health problems for gun violence in America gives the public the false impression that most people with mental illness are dangerous.” While “effectively diagnosing and treating mental illness is a worthy goal in itself,” the Times concludes that addressing mental health “on its own will not solve the country’s gun violence problem.”
Related Links:
— “Don’t Blame Mental Illness for Gun Violence,” New York Times, December 15, 2015.