Although this is true of mental health, I actually think its much more than that. IMO, the pull yourself up by your bootstraps adage is more engrained in American culture than apple pie. As an American (a proud one like flag flying), its hard not to endorse this self-reliant way of thinking. That said, its pretty clear that this approach is not sustainable in all arenas. This kid obviously needed outside intervention and help from his community. Im guessing, but in an affluent neighborhood like Newtown, I bet the necessary services were available. I really think part of the conversation has to revolve around figuring out how to advertise help so that it can be welcomed by those that need it, but dont want it.
If people want to argue and name call, so be it. Gun control is a central issue here. Simply put, if some form of gun control doesnt emerge as a result of this event, itll never happen. Those people advocating for increased gun ownership as a solution to the problem should write a letter expressing their beliefs to a parent of one of the first graders who was shot at close range with a bushmaster rifle, reread, and reconsider.
I also think that people should put their money where their mouth is. If you own stock (even in an index fund), demand that your investment firm not own a single share of gun production companies. Smith [HTML_REMOVED] Wesson has lost a nice chunk of change over the last two days. I can only hope that trend continues.
You are right about mental health. This man may have had access to it. I know first hand that those that need help often are not noticed and do not seek it themselves.
The truth is that the mental health of America's culture needs to be examined. Many of the factors that everyone looks to for explaining the tragedies exist to some degree in other countries as well, but America not only has far more mass shootings, but far more homicides from guns per capita than any other developed nation.