pardon me if i missed a post like mine... but i learned that people with a brain chemistry disorder are LESS likely to be violent than 'normal' people. maybe we are just feeling too helpless to hurt others ? also, as i did read, people who are 'different' in any way are most often the targets of truly violent and vicious people who are often considered 'socially high status' individuals (athletes, etc.)

also, it is common to label people who are violent as 'mentally ill', when actually they are acting appropriately in the context of their home, family and social experiences. as mentioned, we need more kindness and less condemnation if we want to be a more gentle society. punishing a violent person does NOT make them peaceful~! but tormenting a peaceful person can make them violent.

finally, let me just say that: violence is it's own special brand of illness, and should not be assumed to be associated with any other characteristic. prisons in america are the most horrendous 'violence producing machines' known, and should never be used to remedy maladaptive behaviors, but only to contain seemingly irredeemable individuals, in my opinion. the millions of dollars thus saved could be used to incalculable good for those who suffer from the lack of..... (you name it).

and , uh, there was no need to mention that the person in your backyard with 2 guns was "an illegal". he was a trespasser with 2 guns.