Why?

I continue to be saddened by the tragic shooting in Arizona this past Saturday.  In addition to the horror of the deaths and injuries, I am left wondering why this country is so violent.  Why?  Why is it so easy to have access to a lethal weapon, even if one has a mental illness?  And why has political discourse in this country become so angry and violence-prone?  Prayers for peace continue....  and prayers for wisdom for all of us to re-think gun control laws in the meantime.