This past week, we have seen thousands of condolences paid towards the Orlando victims and families, but sometimes that just isn’t enough. All of my love and support goes out to the victims’ families and loved ones, and this should be considered quite an eye-opener. There has been a lot of controversy over the shooter and his heritage, but people are focusing more on the color and religion of the murderer rather than the fact that it will make history textbooks as the worst documented mass shooting in our country and was a hate crime. Despite our level of advancement and improved tolerance throughout our country, there is still a level of hate which I am unable to wrap my head around, but by no means is it accurate to associate a religion with that level of hate. The shooter was clearly a mentally unstable man, and no race can determine one’s mental state or stability. Instead of blaming one’s religion, start focusing on the fact that he had his hands on a Sig Sauer MCX rifle and was capable of walking into a nightclub and shooting up a crowd of innocent people.

Gun laws are a huge, controversial issue in today’s society. There are people standing by the second amendment so strongly, that is until it comes down to freedom of religion and banning an entire religion from the US is considered and supported. The phrase “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” is a common argument; in reality, the fact that people have such simple and easy access to guns is what kills people. The Orlando shooter reportedly had a Sig Sauer MCX rifle on him. This hostile civilian was able to pass a possible background check (if one was even conducted) and ultimately walk the streets of Orlando with a military weapon. The mere fact that civilians are able to get their hands on weapons that are assigned to military personnel is a problem. Reportedly, there were 30 state senators that voted against background checks for gun possession. Those senators are voting for a severe lack of advancement on safety. These senators believe that people that are on the terrorist watch list should be able to possess firearms. It’s time for senators to realize that this is an undeniable issue, and action needs to be taken and something needs to be done.

“Thoughts and prayers” may be sympathetic and of course, my heart and love goes out to everyone affected by the tragic event; but by no means is there nothing I can do. Despite my 1000 mile trip from North Jersey to Orlando, there is always something that can be done. Attached below are a few links that can help people contribute to the advancement of society. From contacting your state senator here to electronically signing a petition here, and even donating blood here, every little step counts. Though as civilians we are a small deciding factor on most political things, every small contribution helps.