Young men and mass shootings

As researchers have learned, the part of the human brain that governs judgment and impulse control in men isn't fully developed until age 25. Due to hormones and other factors, this is particularly problematic between the ages of 15 and 25.

Now 74, I have concluded that my four biggest mistakes in life were made when I was 15, 18, 23 and 24. This is fairly typical.

Since last week’s tragic events in Uvalde, Texas, much of the debate has been over raising the age limit for gun purchases from 18 to 21. Given legislative reluctance, I doubt that such a ban will happen.

But an “in between” solution might be this: Forbid persons under 25 from possessing any semi-automatic firearm, or any handgun above .22 magnum caliber. This, at least, would deprive mentally unbalanced youths from going on the kind of murderous rampages which, sadly, have become a stereotypically American phenomenon.

Like many, I believe the Second Amendment is vital to keeping our country from ever falling under an authoritarian government. I also feel that the prevention of violent crime should focus more on the “who” and the “why,” than on the “how.” But teenagers with high-powered guns is nonsense.

Mark Behrend

Redwood City