Tucson and small gubment

A crazy guy shot people at a political event after a powerful Republican Pac targeted the politician.
Republicans tell us that this is just what happens in a 'free' society, that nothing can stop it and that we should just string the shooter up and move on. All set. The shooter is solely responsible.
Government can't tighten gun laws.
Government can't expand mental health services.
Republicans certainly can't be asked to be a little bit careful about what they say and how they say it.
I believe all these positions are in the Reagan tradition of 'small gubment' and ultimately harmful to the USofA.

Next week the newly elected Republican House leadership will make a noise in a grandstanding effort to slam "Obamacare". They have no chance to repeal it because they don't have enough power, but they will take up Congressional time to make noise.

President Bush (the junior) signed mental health care parity into law, requiring insurance companies to provide mental health services to their customers. I cheer him for that because as Tuscon points up, mental health is not just a source of suffering for the afflicted it can kick any of us at any time. It is clear to me, even in "The People's Republic of Massachusetts" where we have universal care, that mental health services are difficult to come by even when you actively and aggressively seek them out. I wish that situation were different.

Now, if we can just hold on and let "Obamacare" or TeddyCare take effect we might see currently uninsured people have access to mental health care. Would this have stopped Loughner? Stupid rhetorical question, but it is clear to any thinking person (on the left and center) that this nut could have used some help even if it meant government intervention.