Anger, conspiracy theories offer fertile atmosphere for gun violence

Carol Forsloff — "I'm here to tell you, 1776 will commence again if you try to take our firearms! Doesn't matter how many lemmings you get out there on the street, begging for 'em to have their guns taken. We will not relinquish them. Do you understand?! That's why you're going to fail, and the establishment knows, no matter how much propaganda, the republic will rise again!" The rant reveals the pent-up fury of gun owners that often comes from the mere mention of gun control.

Alex Jones, the controversial radio host, who said the United States government was involved in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Towers, offered a heated argument about guns and the fact he is against any form of gun control. His tirade with Piers Morgan revealed a deep anger that often develops in his programs and his arguments. On the Piers Morgan show, however, Jones continued his barrage of verbal attacks on any institution or individual in favor of gun control.

But the anger generated toward Morgan and gun control appears only to be a reflection of Jones' rage against  government rules or regulations, even the request to remove his shoes at the airport during screening, as is required by the TSA. He was detained by TSA security officials for his removal to remove his shoes. His publication claims, however, that Jones refused because he had allegedly got athlete's foot from the process a few years ago.

While the National Rifle Association, politicians, and ordinary citizens debate the matter of gun control, many people argue that mental health issues need to be addressed as part of the problem with guns. On the other hand,  anger and arguments that become out of control often create an atmosphere where some of those who own guns turn to violence.

Andy and Kate Grosmaires are parents of a daughter who was killed by her boyfriend, Conor McBride, who had admitted to police that he had shot Ann Grosmaire on March 28, 2010, following a two-day argument with her. The Grosmaires met with Conor to forgive him, a process they told viewers on the Today Show on January 7, 2013, allowed them to work through their own grief.  Both the Grosmaires and the McBrides joined Savannah Guthrie in a discussion of restorative justice, a process that allows victims of violence to come to terms with their emotions. The Grosmaires also explained that they felt Conor would not be an ongoing threat and that the incident had been an aberration of his personality. It is one of those incidents, however, that illustrates how guns are used during violent quarrels when the anger becomes overwhelming.

Not every angry person would turn to using a gun to resolve a dispute, as experts underline; however, the availability of guns and without restrictions, can lead to these incidents, in groups or with individuals. Alex Jones' anger is mirrored by gun owners, most of whom would not use weapons to make a point, but as conspiracy theories continue to develop around gun control and the government, the toxicity of the atmosphere can generate conditions where even the mentally healthy can do things they might not otherwise in the heat of anger. Then there are the adolescents, some of whom use guns to settle "scores" in gang violence.  But there are also those ordinary teens who, in a flash of anger like Conor's example, can turn to that available gun.

It is not just the mentally ill, therefore, who kill but people who lose control and judgment during stressful situations, which is a good justification for the examination of gun laws. People can kill with their bare hands, with knives and with other weapons, but the availability of the gun presents the victim with far less time for defense. That's why the gun creates the greatest widespread threat to the safety of the community. Experts tell us that verbal violence, sarcasm, blaming and name-calling are often the behavioral characteristics that can be predictive of people who can become problems for themselves or others. The anonymity of the Internet fosters these behaviors, which experts remind us can create a toxic environment where anger can be acted out in other social situations.

Anger and conspiracy theories help to fuel the potential for violence.