The original discussion, found here: http://www.politicalforum.com/index...ing-the-root-causes-of-mass-shootings.559766/ was started with good intentions, in an effort to cut through the political rhetoric and instead have a meaningful discussion. Instead the thread quickly devolved into political ideology, and those participating looking for any opportunity to exercise hatred by attacking those who held a different ideology. In the process, an answer to the original question was provided. The majority of all mass shootings in the united states all share one specific aspect, while so many other factors have proven to be variables. That one specific aspect that has been a constant throughout, has been hatred on the part of the individual who committed the murders. Pure, overwhelming, all-consuming hatred. Hatred for how they are treated in life, hatred for others, hatred for something or another, it makes no difference, hatred has ultimately proven to be the underlying factor. Thus a difficult question must be addressed. Just what can be done in response to hatred being the driving force behind so many murders? Further, what can be done about hatred when it is an immutable aspect of the human race itself, no different from the need to breathe oxygen in order to live? Hatred is a primal aspect of the human species, and often an expression of how one feels about their situation and surrounding, such as one feeling that they are not being listened to, or are being dismissed as being unimportant. But what can be done about such? Hatred can be condemned by the nation, but condemnation does not stop hatred itself, nor does it stop the expression of hatred. Condemning the message of those who express hate does not make it go away, it simply drives those who hate into hiding, and gathering together with like-minded individuals who will validate the message others are presenting. In essence it is a metaphorical pressure cooker as individuals cluster together in an effort o feel validated and accepted by someone. Humans cannot be forced to stop hating simply because their beliefs are unacceptable, nor can they be forced to stop having those beliefs. Nor can future generations be prevented from engaging in hatred for one reason or another. Even if various weapon restrictions were implemented, such would not make the situation any better. The aforementioned hatred that is always present would continue to be present, and would continue to fester, and those who feel sufficient hatred to drive them to murder will simply find other ways of achieving such. Hatred is ultimately the problem. But what exactly can be done to address that problem, with hate is ultimately integral to the species itself?
