Orlando, June 12, 2016. 49 dead. 53 injured.

Las Vegas, October 1, 2017. 58 killed. 564 wounded.

Parkland, February 14, 2018. 17 dead. 17 injured.

And those are just some of the major shootings that occurred within the past two years in the U.S. That's sad, isn't it? It's upsetting and infuriating that so many lives have been lost and violence erupted at the hands of guns, and this doesn't even include the empirics on gun-based injuries and deaths totaled in the U.S in the past two years.

Ninety-seven mass shootings so far in 2018 (which the Gun Violence archive quantifies as the FBI defines, four or more shot and/or killed in a single event/incident at same general time and location not including the shooter), and the year is barely halfway through. 2017 had 346 mass shootings.

And what makes this even more upsetting is that all these lives? They're just another statistic. Just another number. Just another point in our gun violence databases because this happens so frequently. Three-hundred forty-six times in a year –– 346 times children, mothers, brothers, sisters, fathers, grandmothers, and most importantly humans, real living people feared for their lives and often were hurt at the hand of a gun.

So, yes, gun violence has become a ubiquitous and rife issue and is considered an epidemic in our nation.

I'm not suggesting we ban guns entirely because that's implausible, not feasible, and also not necessary. But something needs to be done because this is a problem that is not acceptable, and it's absolutely not fair to the people of our nation.

Guns are fundamentally violent, destructive, and made with the intent for harm. It's naive to ignore the reality of what guns really are. Everyone has hobbies and to each their own, but if you enjoy shooting and hunting, it is still important that you acknowledge and understand that while shooting can be a hobby, that doesn't take away from the fact that guns are inherently violent and made with the intent of causing harm and violence.

America has cultivated a nationalistic patriotism that's ingrained in our society and it screams of a gun based identity.

It has made us obsessed and almost possessed by the power of the gun. We have trained our youth who then grow up and believe that this is part of our humanity and that it's a God-given right despite not leaving our mother's wombs knowing how to create and operate these weapons.

We've conditioned them to value the gun… to respect it… possibly more than our fellow man. Guns represent a strength; while a cowardly way to deal with problems, they hold a strength to control and dominate a situation. And as Americans, we've grown to like that power, to feel in control, and be able to find a security and comfort in something powerful.

And all of this is tragic. We've let a weapon of such violent and destructive nature consume us, and we've faced the consequences with so many injured and hurt and the horrifying and constant news stories that leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth and a heavy lump in your chest.

But, it doesn't end here. The story goes on, as our nation does, but it needs a new narrative where guns aren't worshipped and prioritized over our fellow man. And this narrative and this story need gun reform and change in America.

Reported by the Washington Post, since 1966 to present day, of the 152 mass shootings they studied, 56.61% were due to legally procured firearms.

That means more than 50% of the shootings were caused by legal weapons, according to data collections. Thus, with stricter processes, lessening availability, and better background checks for obtaining firearms, violence rates will go down. It deters criminals from obtaining weapons (yes, they can obtain them illegally, but it is a deterrent nonetheless).

To own a firearm is a RESPONSIBILITY. The process should be strict, extensive, and laborious.

If one is willing to take on the responsibility of owning a firearm, they should also be willing to be responsible enough to undergo a proper and extensive vetting process.

Many countries like Japan and Canada have waiting periods and very thorough gun laws that make the process more strict and productive because owning a firearm is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously. And these nations reap some of the lowest gun violence rates. It's a commitment and should be treated as such. I suggest taking a look at this New York Times op-ed piece because it really does detail the gun violence problem, ideas for reform and regulation, and gives some stats on current gun regulations.

The United States has a gun problem.

Guns are fundamentally violent and created with the intent to harm, and man has taken that power and abused it. We need change. We have a gun problem, we have a gun epidemic, we need reform and change and we need it now more than ever.