Can We Reduce Gun Violence?

In the aftermath of the unthinkable elementary school shooting in Connecticut last week, people are again wondering what, if anything, can be done to at least lessen the number of (if not prevent) future mass murders.

While still respecting our basic right to own a gun, do you think we need to change gun laws in any way, for instance by making background checks more thorough for all who purchase weapons, or do you believe these laws are sufficient?

The NRA even spoke out Tuesday, breaking their silence after the shooting in Connecticut, saying they are "prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again."

The NRA is planning to hold a major news conference in the Washington, DC area tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that Vice President Joe Biden will head a gun control task force to look at the issue of gun violence.

And do you think it's possible we can sometimes weed out these potential mass murderers before they can strike by improving our mental health system so we can spot and prevent disturbed people from going on killing sprees? Or is this an impossible feat?

Should we have metal detectors at all public schools?

Though clearly there is no panacea and we can't completely prevent all tragedies, what other changes do you think we need, if any?

And then there is this fascinating article on mass murderers, and a question that most of us aren't asking.

Check it out and tell me what you think.