Tv, movies, and video games depicting violence desensitize the viewer towards those things, especially children whose brains aren't fully developed. Many people would cry foul if we tried to take their trash programs away in the name of protecting society. The same sort of people I hear that spin weapon possession as evil often try to defend filth and smut. Not saying that is JD, it's just an observation about Americans who attack one constitutionally protected right, then lash out when a right they hold dear is brought into question, even though smut was basically verboten prior to the 50's. Put it all together. Smut and violent entertainments portrayed as a "right", no fault divorces leading to more broken homes, introduction of narcotics and pharmaceuticals across social spectrums, and greater access to effective weaponry=recipe for a mess. The shootings are a symptom of greater underlying issues.