lower in this thread are comments on drug use, addiction, legalizing drugs....

This is so relevant to GV that few seem to grok. Broken systems, corruption in our kakistocracy, and lack of health care aside; people are hurting. They are on prescription drugs, street drugs; anything to lessen their pains.

The 'working class' has been in a downward spiral since Regan. Play "follow the $" and realize hard drugs will never be legalized (cuz 'just say no'!) Let billionaires decide our future and realize universal health care will likely never happen (no job - no care, little worker bee). Most people are one serious health emergency away from bankruptcy.

Whether the issue is suicide/despair, or gang shootings (over drugs), GV is a symptom of our problems, not the cause. The cause(s) are escalating in a nation founded on violence. Police will not protect you and are barely able to solve crimes after the fact. That reality setting in is what's driving people to take responsibility for their own safety whether their perceived risk is real or not.