re: Posted this on Poli Board too; Mass Shooting related...

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It is, but the issue of school/mass shootings in the United States is highly complex, and cannot be attributed to one simple problem

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For sure. I was merely replying to his point about depression. I know it plays a part in these incidents but isn't the only reason for them.

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Nothing is positive is ever going to come from these things until people just start listening to each other without going in with some hardline belief about what is or is not the right way to fix it. I think you'll find that talking to those who are "overly emotional" about things such as this goes much more smoothly if you start by listening to what they've got to say.

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My apologies for not clearing up what I mean by "overly emotional."

I would define "overly emotional" as someone who cannot accept factual information when discussing gun control. I have no problem debating anyone about gun control but we have to start from a point of fact. If it gets to a person simply yelling at me because he/she/ze/they do not like what I have to say, that would be a case of someone being "overly emotional."

While it may be an emotional topic when kids are involved, facts do not care about feelings, nor are they affected by feelings. Adding emotional information to a logical topic does not affect the outcome at all.

Again, I reiterate that I am more than willing to talk to someone who is pro gun control and explain my side while also listening to their ideas. If it stays civil and we have an exchange and still disagree, so be it. Hell, I talked to a coworker recently who thought gun registration was a good idea until I gave him some counterpoints and he admitted he was wrong. But I will not discuss gun control with someone who cannot get past an emotional wall and can only lash out emotionally. Facts have to come first.