Of All the Factors in Mass Shootings, This One Gets No Thought

  If we look for what might have averted the Fort Hood shooting, what might we see?

  "We'll learn lessons about what occurred here and minimize the chances of this ever happening again," Texas Gov. Rick Perry promised.

   I'm thinking one solution will be overlooked, never considered. When we think of all the possible contributing factors to mass shootings -- mental insanity, gun-free zones, too many guns, or whatever -- this one never gets so much as a whiff of attention.

   But, you tell me whether fewer people would shoot each other if they just figured out what love was all about. What if all the folks at the base were anxious to accommodate Ivan Lopez? What if when he came in asking for a request-for-leave form, he had not been told to come back later, but, rather, someone had jumped to find one for him? What if the attitude had been to help another person whenever possible, and -- assuming there was nothing wrong with Lopez taking leave -- everyone had been anxious to help him?
   No, this does not erase Lopez of any culpability for what he did. But, who knows but what a little show of love and assistance might have made a difference.