Possible causes of school violence discussed

Prompted by the horrific Florida school shooting, I submit this discussion. I speak to addressing root causes. It is my belief that without doing this we have no hope of corrections.

One powerful root cause in our present downward momentum can be summed up in one word: “GREED”. Here’s my definition of greed: It is my inner choice do something to benefit myself at the expense of others and the greater good.”

In our political system “greed” can be difficult to eliminate because it is so dear to both the perpetrator and the recipient. Just look at our lobby system; the power of corporations; and the greed within our elected members of the US Congress.

Human nature being what it is, I think these three (3) actions are necessary in our federal political system: (1) Establishing term limits for all Senate and House seats. (2) Establishing strict limits on personal, group, and corporate financial contributions to candidates running for office. (3) Eliminating all financial components within our present lobby system.

Our democratic form of government is so vulnerable because the very character of the democratic ‘open system’ is built upon trust, transparency, freedom of speech, and non-dictatorial leaders.

There is much to discuss and dialogue about all this. And I believe such dialogue, just around these three attracting elements, is necessary and can be transformative.

Bottom line? We need honest, thoughtful, and thoroughly dedicated elected politicians motivated by service-to-others and to building a strong America. This applies to all three branches of our government.

And, for sure, we will not eliminate all greed. But I believe, fervently, that we must address root causes and take logical, sensible and healing actions.

Bob McClellan, Polson