Gun Control: “Guns and the lack of gun control measures are the reason for the violence.” No matter the motivation of the individual or the context of the incident, there is always a voice that brings it back to gun control. There appears to be some validity to the argument. Private dealers in most states are able to sell to individuals without conducting a background check, but while guns in the hands of the wrong people are a part of the problem, doesn’t the intent and motivation of the individual also matter in the equation?

Individual Liberty: “Our forefathers gave us the right to bear arms,” the mantra of the 2nd amendment camp. “People kill people, guns don’t kill people.” Counter arguments prevail — armed citizens cannot protect due to lack of training, a well-trained militia is meant for a different time. But as individuals, doesn’t the ability to protect our own property, rights, and our families fall to us? As Americans in the purest sense, isn’t our own self-reliance paramount to our national narrative and identity?

Mental Health: This is a very quiet camp in my opinion that focuses on mental health issues and a lack of available care. I don’t have much on this one, I admit, but what I can say is we live in a world where privacy trumps public safety and security in all aspects of security. I recently filled out 20 forms for 3 different doctors, with all of the same information. None of which will ever be share shared across health care providers or for that matter any entity outside of the immediate office. Does this not present a risk to my own medical care, let alone sharing the information seamlessly for those who don’t have the capacity to decide for themselves? Do the rights of individual patients trump the rights of others endangered by them?

Media/Values/Society: This is the catchall bucket, but I’ve listened to discussions within my network and within the media. Have we simply become a more violent society? Does the media glorify the shooter over the victims?