This short but very important book addresses the issue of gun violence in America. As of May 1, 2023, more than 13,900 souls have been murdered in gun violence incidents. Despite this, the love for guns seems integrated into the DNA of many of us. Even though the Second Amendment of our Constitution grants us the freedom to arm ourselves, we must remember that when the Amendment was drafted, the weapons available were muskets and flintlock pistols. These simple weapons could fire a single round at a time. Even a skilled shooter could hope to get off three or possibly four rounds in a minute of firing. This is nothing like the weapons of mass destruction, such as the AR- 15-style rifles used today by most would-be violent killers.
The author, Jaime Carlo-Casellas, holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Immunopathology and is the founder of the Stress Management & Prevention Center in Cathedral City, California. During the Vietnam War, he served as a Medical Service Corps Officer in the Navy. He is known as the author of Mindfulness for the Common Man and co-author of Race Does Not Exist. His philosophy is based on the concept of ubuntu, the African concept that includes the essential human virtues of love, compassion, and humanity.
"Mass shootings are a topic we have all been hearing a lot about. It comes up in sessions with my patients, and most recently, it came up at a dinner party where the discussion focused on how immune we have become to the latest shooting we hear in the news. As a psychologist, I understand people are scared, and our feeling of immunity helps us feel safe when the next shooting could involve you or me. Dr. Carlo-Casellas's book delves deep into the heart of the issue, seeking to shed light on the multifaceted layers that contribute to the staggering prevalence of gun violence in our society. By examining the intertwined factors of mental health, social inequality, cultural influences, and the political landscape, we hope to uncover the root causes that allow gun violence to persist unchecked."
-Dr. Anthony Verdi, Ph.D.
