In light of the upcoming election, the issue of gun control seems to be on everyone's mind. Should we amend our second amendment or keep on keeping on? The recent tragedy in Orlando has brought the gun battle even farther out into the light. Do I think we need to make a change? Yes I do, but not as extreme as you may have thought. I'm still sticking to my guns.

In an article published by the New York Times in 2014, it was stated that there have been approximately 160 mass shootings since 2000. That number has only increased since the publication. All of these events have been horrifically devastating. I believe that there is an obvious problem here that needs addressing. The requirements for buying a gun need to be much stricter. I'm not saying there needs to be a limit on how many guns per person or how much ammo you can have at a time because it only takes one gun to cause a devastation. The requirements for purchasing a gun vary from state to state, but generally you have to have a gun license, show proficient knowledge in the safety of the firearm and sometimes even clear a background check. It's pretty simple to buy a gun and that is a problem. With all that being said, I am still very much pro-gun.

The stereotypical view of people from the south is that we are all gun toting, flag waving, conservative rednecks. And while I cringe at the thought, I have to say that there is some truth in it for myself. I have been exposed to shotguns, rifles and handguns my entire life. I knew where they were and where to find the ammunition. From a very young age my dad has taken me into the woods to hunt, but before I was ever allowed to actually pick up a gun I was taught how devastating they can be. "It only takes one second for you to end a life." I've heard it a thousand times. My parents made sure I knew that you never point a gun at another person. Every gun is to be treated as if it is loaded no matter what the circumstances. Because of my upbringing I know the dangers of guns.

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution states, "The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." I believe that it is number two for a reason. Don't get me wrong, I'm the first to say times have changed, but that being said I still believe the right to bear arms is one of the most important. The world is getting crazier and crazier by the day and I would like to be able to protect myself. I recently took the required course to get my concealed carry permit. For those of you that don't know, a concealed carry permit allows the holder to carry a handgun on their person without it being known to the public. That means ladies, we can carry one in a purse. It is becoming increasingly dangerous to be a woman on her own. The number of assaults on women has skyrocketed in the past few years. I'm doing whatever I can to protect myself and I believe carrying a gun is the best way.

There have been may cases where the owner of a concealed carry permit has stopped an active shooter, saving lives. Just this year in February a man pulled up to a gas station and opened fire. One of the wounded drew his weapon and fired on the shooter. There is no way to know what the results would have been had no one on the scene been carrying a gun. Just because a gun is a danger to others in one person's hand does not mean it will be in another's.