Hal Brady
Owner and operator of a Christian ministry in Decatur

Two more mass shootings over the past weekend occurred in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. The tragic results? According to the latest account, 29 killed, over 50 wounded, scores psychologically affected and two cities and a nation stunned, saddened and shocked.

The police response in both cities was commendable and without doubt prevented further loss of life and chaos. How grateful I am for the law enforcement agencies of this nation.

I read that so far this year, there have been 251 mass shootings in just 216 days in the United States.

Like you, I have been praying and will continue praying for the families of the victims, the wounded, the law enforcement agencies, the first responders, the medical communities, the governmental leaders, the citizens, cities and the nation.

After these shootings, and others, we have heard pretty much the same things-motive, racism gun concerns, statements from various officials, etc. And while these words and issues have merit, seems to me this society must go deeper.

Sure, we need to train for these disasters, work to alleviate societal discord, teach classes on CPR, consider gun measures relating to mental illness and the purchasing of weapons designed for war.

Since bringing this nation together for the good of all Americans is the key here, perhaps you will allow a few other additional thoughts and concerns.

First, in the aftermath of these horrific atrocities, finger-pointing is not helpful and only more divisive.

Truth is, no single individual, group, party or race is totally to blame.

All of us are responsible for creating or allowing an atmosphere of hate and discord to hang over our people and land. At any rate, it is going to take all of us working together to right the ship.

Second, media coverage of these tragedies is important and appreciated.

However, the danger is that unstable persons may watch the continuing coverage and selfishly decide that this is their opportunity for a day in the sun.

Third, one of the crucial needs is for all of us to work closely with our mental health specialist. They can help us understand some of the dangers of loners, the feelings of non-acceptance, loneliness broken homes, and destructive behavior that point us to a way of mental stability.

Fourth, listening to and praying for those who are not like us is always critical and the compassionate thing to do.

With God as our guide and working together for the good of all Americans, we can find a way forward toward ending this senseless insanity of destruction and sorrow.