Gun violence seems to be a problem that is becoming quite recurring. With the large increase in social media use, we are an audience to this violence.

Personally, I don't feel safe around guns and probably never will.

Yet, gun control is a very sensitive topic in this country. The masses of people who insist that their guns are protected by their second amendment right and that they can are being used as a form of protection do have a point. But where are all those gun carrying citizens when something tragic happens?

As I read articles online about recent and revisited shootings, I find myself teary eyed. It's really difficult to believe that so many people lose their lives to firearms when they are just innocent bystanders.

CNN has recently published an article about the victims that we forget about when it comes to gun violence. It was heartbreaking to read about how damaged families become after losing someone to a bullet. Families aren't always made stronger with the loss of a loved one, many end up breaking apart. As for these families, they had to live with grief for years and figure out how to go on without their brother, sister, or child. The victims are also the members that are left to live on without their loved ones.

So, why isn't stricter gun control being enforced in the United States? While the talk of deeper background checks and regulations for owning a gun is good, it isn't changing the negative outcomes of gun ownership.

If we take a look at some other countries who have strengthened their gun control regulation, Australia for example, there is a positive outcome. There has been a ban on several types of firearms in the country, depending on the region, and they have seen a stop in mass shootings. They have also seen a significant decrease in gun-related homicides and suicides. It is noted that before the gun laws were introduced, there were several mass shootings and casualties, but none to be recorded afterwards.

Although this is a tricky topic to discuss in America, maybe the banning of certain weapons is what we need to create a safer country. Even if your gun is legally obtained and licensed doesn't make it any safer to have around. Almost all mass shootings are performed with guns that are legally obtained and licensed.

Gun control will always be an issue in the states as long as people keep dying from bullet wounds. There needs to be a stronger push towards heavier gun control. People will always fight on both sides of the argument, but I believe our country would be a safer place with a decrease in a number of guns in homes. Too many people lose innocent, loved ones to these weapons, and that isn't right.