06 December 2007

Robert Hawkins - is it all about SKS assault rifle?

We live in strange times. When a gunman, motivated by his obsession for fame and his personal worthlessness, shoots eight strangers, the world seems to be interested in one thing only - the assault rifle, the tool of murder.

At least this is what crops up on the search engines today. Strangely, but consistently with the trends, not many people seem to be interested in the reasons for this tragedy. Just another sensation, to be forgotten in a few days.

So, fist of all - my condolences, for what it is worth, to the bereaved families of the victims.

And as for the reasons: I don't know whether this is the main one, but here is an interesting article that may finger the source of the tragedy - our blind faith in drugs.

Those lacking keen observation skills are quick to blame guns for this tragedy, but others who are familiar with the history of such violent acts by young males instantly recognize a more sinister connection: A history of treatment with psychiatric drugs for depression and ADHD.

It's a little known fact that antidepressant drugs have never been tested on children nor approved by the FDA for use on children. It is well established in the scientific literature, however, that such drugs cause young men to think violent thoughts and commit violent acts. This is precisely why the U.K. has outright banned the prescribing of such drugs to children. Yet here in the United States -- the capitol of gun violence by kids on depression drugs -- the FDA and drug companies pretend that mind-altering drugs have no link whatsoever to behavior.
Worth looking into, don't you think so? If there is a link, we may expect many more cases like this, while the pharmaceutic behemoths keep shoveling money.

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