I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s. I don't remember these gun-related massacres occurring then. So I wonder what's changed.

In the '50s and '60s there were no gun laws, no background checks and no gun registration. There was no national 24-7 news media with instant reporting of events. Folks judged to be mentally ill were institutionalized. We watched "Ozzie and Harriet" and "Leave it to Beaver" on TV and went to see "Old Yeller" at the movies. Kids played with Lincoln Logs, cap guns and Davy Crocket hats.

Today there are gun laws, background checks and gun registration. The 24-7 national news reports instantly on every mass murder and murderer. Folks judged to be mentally ill are medicated. We watch TV and movies chock full of violence. And kids play with games where hundreds are killed every session.

So what's changed?

Robert B. O'Donnell

Everson