It is generally accepted that since 2000 about 33,000 Americans (20,000 of which are suicides) are killed each year by guns. Per capita, this is much higher than any other country. To put this in perspective, this totals about 495,000 deaths. The generally accepted figure of U.S. deaths during World War II is 419,000. This is thus a major moral and social problem.

The news meida leaves the impression that finding a solution divides Americans more than any other issue. And the Congress buys into the division by refusing to consider background checks even for individuals on a no-fly list (suspected terrorists) or for severely mentally ill citizens.

But this supposed division between gun owners and others does not correspond to polls. An October CBS News/New York Times poll found 92 percent of Americans, including 87 percent of Republicans, favor background checks for all gun buyers. A Quinnipiac poll in December showed similar results. In every one of 15 subgroups, including Republicans, men, gun owners, and rural residents, at least 84 percent supported universal background checks.

Background checks alone will not solve this complex problem, but if they save even a few lives, they are worth it. The people want them and Congress should pay heed.

Dr. Robert Perry

Mystic