Here are the results of poll questions on wenatcheeworld.com in the past week and some of the responses:

Which policies would be most effective in stopping events like the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings?

Policies focusing on mental health 22 percent

Policies focusing on gun control 7 percent

Better security in schools 13 percent

All of the above 27 percent

Events like this will happen no matter what 31 percent

Comments

• When we are physically ill, we try every available treatment in an attempt to cure the illness or replace the failed organs. When we are mentally ill, all that is offered is a bit of counseling and a multitude of drugs. In reality, we make drug addicts out of people who are screaming to be helped. We should be ashamed for failing these people.

• No criminal with evil intent cares about your gun-free zone sign, in fact he loves it! Instead let’s have a few nameless firearm-proficient, well-trained, conceal-carry teachers, so if or when someone decides to run up a high body count due to his security of a “gun-free zone” there is a teacher/faculty/security guard there to STOP him dead in his tracks!

• I think a ban on assault rifles, which we once had in this country, is long overdue to be re-instated. Also, people should not be able to buy guns at gun shows without background checks. And we could use more help for the mentally ill as well, especially when they show signs that they might be a threat to the safety of others.

• In most of these cases eventually the reports come out that “all the signs were there.” We need to do a better job of educating ourselves on how to identify those signs and make sure a legal process exists to address those that exhibit those signs. Another issue is how to address the excessive violence on TV, movies and gaming.

• I see security personnel positioned around the perimeter of most banks around town, obviously to protect the banks’ money, but I don’t see armed security at the schools. I want our schools to be protected fortresses that greatly ensure the safety of our kids when they are there.

• The school shootings in Moses Lake, Paducah, Ky., and Columbine, Colo. occurred while we were in the midst of the Assault Weapons Ban. None of the criteria of the weapons ban applied to the weapons used. The existing laws banning guns on school grounds, nor the other 41 laws which were broken in each of these school shootings, stopped the do-bads from carrying out their twisted plans.

• Remember that one of the first publicized school shootings occurred in 1996 in Moses Lake where two students and one teacher were killed by a student who needed help. Look at what few, if any, psychiatrists or psychologists we have here. The same is true around the country especially in rural areas. We must make mental health services available to those who need it.

What is your favorite classic Christmas movie?

“A Christmas Story” 21 percent

“White Christmas” 10 percent

“Miracle on 34th St.” 9 percent

“It’s a Wonderful Life” 19 percent

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” 26 percent

“A Christmas Carol’ 6 percent

Other 9 percent

Comments

“White Christmas” just took over “It’s a Wonderful Life” in my book. I have seen the Frank Capra classic too many times now. Bing and “White Christmas” have so many great songs — plus my son went to Gonzaga so I have to support his movie!

“The Grinch, ” even though he gets a bad rep he did discover that Christmas is NOT about the feast or the boxes, packages, and presents. It is about much much more.

• Surprised “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” didn’t make the list.

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Yes 56 percent

No 40 percent

Not sure 4 percent

Comments

• Believing is part of life! Santa, Christmas and God. It’s all in your heart. Merry Christmas.

The current poll question:

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how would you rate 2012?

Go to wenatcheeworld.com to vote.