We Need Stricter Gun-Control Laws NOW
Start writing a post
Politics

We Need Stricter Gun-Control Laws NOW

How many more innocent people have to die?

9446
We Need Stricter Gun-Control Laws NOW
Pexels

Lately, it's been difficult to turn on any news station without witnessing a tragedy. Hurricanes, earthquakes and--perhaps, most devastatingly--mass shootings. Although innocent people die in all three of these situations, I think that mass shootings are the greatest tragedies of them all. They are not acts of God or Mother Nature, they are senseless murders.

Every time I hear about another mass shooting, I ask myself the same question:

"How many more innocent people have to die before the government passes stricter gun-control laws?"

I get it. Americans are protective of their guns. The Constitution's Second Amendment grants us that right, after all. But it's time for all gun owners to face an uncomfortable truth.

Your gun is killing people.

Sure, maybe not your gun, but the fact that you even have access to and possess one is a problem. Your unwillingness to tolerate stricter gun-control laws is a problem. Although you may not be doing physical harm with your own weapon, other gun-owners are.

I understand that the world is a scary place and many Americans feel that they need a gun for their own safety. What I don't agree with is the ease with which Americans can purchase them.

After a mass shooting, it seems that America divides into two; either we need more guns to protect ourselves in the event of a mass shooting or we need fewer guns to try to prevent them.

It's obvious which side I am on, but here's why. I am a firm believer that if you fight violence with violence, you will never win. If you combat mass shootings with widespread gun distribution, you will never win. Gun plus gun does not equal safety. Gun plus gun equals more danger.

In my opinion, guns are much too powerful to be given out to everyday citizens. As humans, this is a kind of weapon to which we should have never had access. Guns should be utilized only in extreme situations by licensed professionals.

Obviously, this reversal of gun distribution isn't feasible. At this point, guns are always going to be in circulation. If the government made owning one illegal and destroyed every registered gun, people would still have access to illegal, unregistered ones. Law-abiding citizens would find themselves helpless and at an immense disadvantage.

I understand all of this. In fact, I know many people who are proud gun-owners. I know that humans will always have access to guns. I am not asking for the government to take away guns completely. All I want is for it to be more difficult to get one.

Not everybody should be granted a gun. Applicants should have to go through a much more rigorous pre-screening. Being able to walk into a store and walk out with a gun on the same day proves there is something wrong with our system.

The application to get a gun is less than six pages in length and it is not difficult to lie about one's background and history on the form. Once they are approved, they are allowed to own that gun for the rest of their life, most likely passing it down to a relative or child.

This means that in the United States, it's more difficult to get access to an anti-depressant than it is to get access to a gun. (Patients have to go to expensive appointments with therapists and doctors to be given only a few month's supply of pills.) I can't be the only one who has an issue with this.

Gun sales are continuing to climb at an extreme rate, with the FBI processing over 27.5 MILLION firearm background checks in the year 2016. It's safe to assume that most of these applications were approved. Only 1.6 percent of firearm applicants were denied in the 20 years between 1994-2014.

Something has got to change. America is in the middle of an unnecessary crisis. We have seen over 270 mass shootings in America this year (as the FBI defines it, the slaughter of three or more people in the same location), and 2017 isn't over yet.

It's likely that some of these shootings could have been prevented and now is the time for the government to issue stricter gun control laws. It will only save lives.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71225
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133320
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments