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Gun violence in America.

Michaela McMillan

Jun 22, 2016

Tufts University

Hollywood Journal

"'The Voice' star Christina Grimmie has died after she was shot at a Florida concert venue while signing autographs for fans following a show" ~ ABC News

"Orlando shooting: 49 killed, shooter pledges ISIS allegiance" ~ CNN News

"Man killed in shooting at Mattapan barbershop" ~ WHDH News Boston

These are only three of the heartbreaking, violence-fueled headlines that appeared across the internet last week. The alarming abundance in shootings across the United States has sparked controversy within the American people.

While some believe guns are a necessary part of society, many feel uncomfortable at the easy access citizens have to dangerous firearms.

According to the FBI, a record number of background checks were completed in September 2015. These checks lead the bureau to figure about 1.76 million guns were sold in September alone.

The most recent mass shooting in Orlando, FL left 49 dead and 53 wounded. The shooter was identified as Omar Mateen. Previously Mateen had been questioned by the FBI, who believed he had potential ties to terrorist groups. Mateen also had a history of domestic violence.

Despite this, Mateen was still able to purchase weapons in the United States. Mateen is not the first questionable person to slip through the cracks of the background check process.

YouTube star, Christina Grimmie, was shot dead by fan Kevin Loibl while signing autographs after a show in Florida. Like Mateen, Loibl also had a history of violence and domestic abuse.

Under the second amendment of the constitution, United States citizens posses the right to "keep and bear arms." However, at only 164 days into 2016, the country has already suffered 133 mass shootings. If our Second Amendment right is not modernized based on the past six months, there is no reason to believe these senseless shootings will stop.

With guns sales at an all time high, the risk for more shootings are higher than ever. Whether you support gun laws or not, we should all advocate for the safety and well-being of our fellow Americans.

Tragedy has its way of bringing communities together. The devastating and senseless losses of several people over the past week will be grieved deeply by people all over the world.

However, trending hashtags, thoughts and prayers will not prevent further catastrophe from the same cause if changes are not made.

How many more schools, movie theaters, houses of faith or nightclubs will become the target of hateful gun violence?

As parents, sons, daughters, grandparents and human beings, we owe it to those who have lost loved ones to gun violence to fix now what they couldn't before.

In loving memory of those we lost to senseless acts of violence.

Stay Golden, Kayla

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Gun violence in America.

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The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

1. People asking if you're mad at them.

2. Those people who hand out flyers don't always try to stop you.

3. Creepy guys telling you to smile.

4. "I thought you were a bitch when I first met you."

5. People telling you you'd be "so much prettier if you smiled."

6. Doing your makeup and looking great, which somehow intensifies the bitch face.

7. Regularly explaining "it's just my face."

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

That moment that someone you never looked twice at suddenly makes you do a double take out of no where.

But you can't have a crush, that's outrageous. It's all in your head.

Because you don't have a crush, there's no reason to tell anyone about anything. Right?

But then they do something irresistible and you start to lose it.

Now accepting the fact you have a crush, you have to keep it under control.

Then there's the part where you tell your friends who will claim they called it.

They'll be excited and cheer you on. That's until they realize that your crush is all you'll be talking about.

Your obsession has become so bad, that your Facebook stalking is getting out of control.

But your friends will try and help move things along any way they can. That doesn't mean it will be any helpful though.

As time goes on, you start having fantasies about the two of you and it's starting to scare you a little.

You can't focus on anything because all your attention is on them and everything they do.

Anybody who comes near your crush is now an enemy, and you are willing to fight for your crush.

When you see them, you act like an idiot. Trying to hide your feelings may not be as discrete as you think.

Keeping your feelings inside will start to be harder and harder until you can't keep it inside anymore.

Who knows, maybe it will work out? Take a chance.

Everybody hurts sometimes.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

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4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

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