Computer Games, Gun Violence and Front-Line Doctors

David Kopel's Dec. 18 op-ed "Guns, Mental Illness and Newtown" presents data showing that random mass shootings have increased dramatically since the 1980s, and goes on to posit the possible reasons. One possibility that has been overlooked is that the '80s saw the introduction of violent real-time computer games. Historically, soldiers new to combat incurred a much higher casualty rate than combat-hardened men. Starting in the '80s, military trainers discovered that raw recruits exposed to such newly invented games were much more willing to shoot at humans than their predecessors, and as a result incurred far fewer casualties. The inference to be made here is that the gaming experience reduces the heretofore reluctance to shoot another human being, and thereby increases the shooters' survival rate.

It would be instructive to investigate just how many of the mass murderers were computer-game enthusiasts, for they are surely numb to the killing they enjoy.

Jim Harvey

Cape Coral, Fla.

Mr. Kopel pleads with those who are "serious about preventing the next Newtown to embrace more funding for mental health." However, he presents no evidence that mental illness is on the rise. Most experts agree that levels of mental illness have remained steady throughout the ages. On the other hand, experts have long had trouble agreeing on what constitutes mental illness. There is very little disagreement, however, that assault rifles with big magazines are more effective at killing lots of people than are weapons used for hunting or self defense.

Rick Parkinson, M.D.

Provo, Utah

Mr. Kopel errs in his belief that the drop in gun homicides over the past 30 years means "people are safer from violent crime." Your newspaper's reports prove him wrong.

Here's The Wall Street Journal: "The reported number of people treated for gunshot attacks from 2001 to 2011 has grown by nearly half." ("In Medical Triumph, Homicides Fall Despite Soaring Gun Violence," Dec. 8, 2012.) So we're safer? No.

Front-line doctors and nurses are cutting the homicide rate by using new and better techniques to save the lives of those shot in our urban wars and suburban massacres, according to the Journal's report.

"Did everybody become a lousy shot all of a sudden? No," said Jim Pasco of the National Fraternal Order of Police. "The potential for a victim to survive a wound is greater than it was 15 years ago."

Quick-working nurses and physicians, helicopter-ambulances, better training and lessons learned from MASH techniques on recent battlefields are responsible for the sharp drop in homicide deaths, not nicer people. We have fewer deaths, yes, but we also have more wounded bleeding on the gurneys at U.S. hospitals. And lots more gunshots are being fired. Even middle-sized cities are now war zones on nights and weekends.

John Omicinski

Syracuse, N.Y.

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