Guns, ACA and protecting the public

President Obama has been criticized for not mentioning gun control in his convention speech. In the spate of recent high-profile mass shootings, inadequately treated mental illness and the use of a firearm are common factors.

As part of the Affordable Care Act, Pres. Obama has made prevention in public health a major focus. The ACA’s National Prevention Strategy has seven key priorities, one of which is the early detection and treatment of mental illness. It’s well documented that inadequately treated mental illness is extremely costly, not only in terms of lost productivity and school absenteeism, but in the human costs to families and those affected by violence.

Instead of being mired in the usual grappling over gun control policies, the Obama administration aims to address the root causes of the problem. This will solve many problems, including protecting the public from those who are delusional and violent.

Wendy Stephan, Miami

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‘First 48’ exploits victims of crime

Thank you for your recent coverage of the city of Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa’s decision not to renew a contract with the reality show The First 48. For years the show’s film crew has roamed the streets of Miami’s urban communities searching for victims of homicide to feature on their show.
Spiritual or religious?

Martin Slater’s May 17 letter, Changing beliefs, responding to Myriam Marquez’s May 12 column makes the common mistake of equating religion and spirituality. While religions encourage the development of our spiritual sense, religious dogmas are unnecessary to cultivate one’s own sense of spirituality. Many nonreligious individuals are highly spiritual, keenly in tune with their inner-self and the concept of a creative universal force.
DCF is disgraceful

Re the May 21 article DCF deemed boy safe before he was left in vehicle: It’s unbelievable that the Department of Children & Families would do absolutely nothing about a woman who reportedly was drunk and driving, hitting walls and passing out while her young son was in the car untethered.

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