Grim tally: The faces of Utahns who died at the hands of others in 2012

So many of these killings were the result of "arguments." Self-control is the lesson of life, but it is a much neglected practice. There seems to be greed, jealousy and self-centeredness involved in many of the tragic deaths as well. The most pathetic of all are acts against children. We have a long way to go as a "civilized" nation to qualify as that. Alcohol, drugs and partying are also factors, sad in the extreme.

Love, not guns, is the answer to violence.

But in the absence of love, self defense is the next best answer.