In light of the recent terror attack in Orlando, there has been a call for stricter gun laws. People are worried about the safety of their family and friends. And really, we should all be looking out for one another in times like these. It’s natural to want to take a stance and make change when something so horrible happens. But are tighter gun laws the answer? The majority of Americans are in agreement to statements that we need more gun restrictions. I disagree with those statements. Guns are not the source of violence in the world—people are.

Guns will not walk out of a store and shoot every passerby. That just doesn’t happen. Gun restrictions are already pretty restrictive. Only one state in America completely restricts anyone from carrying any firearm outside of your home or business. But what if that law passed in every state? Not one person would be carrying a firearm. That theory has a great ring to it for some, but criminals are criminals. If someone wants to cause harm using a gun, they’re going to find a way to get a firearm. In fact, if they use a firearm to cause harm, that firearm isn’t the thing that is causing harm… It’s the person pulling the trigger.

Through all the talk of gun violence, the perpetrator is usually left out. After a mass shooting people go into a panic and may automatically assume that guns are the source of evil. Even though the perpetrator is (hopefully) held responsible for the crimes committed, the firearm is what makes the news. Guns may be used in most cases to help cause harm to others. But it is not the firearm doing the harm. Instead of looking to all guns, look to the perpetrators.

We live in a fallen world. Adam and Eve sinned and because of that the human race has a heart problem. We think selfishly without a problem. We think everyone should listen to only what we have to say. It’s me me me me me me me. That’s all we can think about. Cain killed Abel with a rock. Back then it wasn’t a gun problem, and people still died. It’s a heart problem.

What everything comes down to is mankind. We have a serious heart problem. For some people that heart problem, or sin, will worsen over time. It’s sad that it’s what happens, but it’s part of the fallen world we live in. The fact of the matter is that we control our own actions. You have the power to stand up and protect yourself. If gun restrictions get any worse, you won't have the option to protect yourself or your family. Guns are not the problem because we cause the violence, not firearms.