Yet it is also my judgment that stories have little actual influence on people, but can be reflective of the values of some people - some people seek out in communication and in action what is already in their minds. It is their choice what to dwell on, and stories assist what they are becoming. But for most people, stories can be a way of dancing with life. It is our choice whether we mimic what we see in stories, or not. And if I thought that the previous paragraph was the end of it, I would have no reason for writing the next paragraph.
Life is complicated.
Congress is about to consider legislation that would penalize anyone who exposes young people to violence. This sounds like a totally impractical quagmire that will not pass into legislation, and will not stand before the Supreme Court. Since they can't confront the gun lobby, it is easier to point the finger back at the people. I have a lot of respect for many Congressmen, but I say this after over 40 years of watching the Congress - do nothing congresses, do everything congresses ruled by veto. While Clinton's inappropriate personal life deserved some remedial and punitive action, and maybe could not have escaped repraisal, the political inquisition into the President's personal life was a major fiasco that indicted them all for incompetence - especially when public opinion was always against all of it.