On Guns

March 2018  

  

We are merely 9 weeks into the year of 2018. In the United States, 12 school shootings have occurred. There has been 0 in Canada, 0 in Australia, and 0 in Great Britain. What's the difference between those countries and the US? Their gun laws. 

In those countries, if a firearm is purchased it must be for the valid use of animal hunting or shooting ranges. If not for one of those two reasons, in no event would a gun be sold. In this country, it takes all but 15 minutes to fully purchase and own a semi-automatic rifle. In order to answer why mass shootings are so recurrent, we have to direct our attention to the timeline that leads up to these tragedies, specifically the instance of attaining a firearm. The families of victims, survivors, and protesters continuously beg government electives for more responsible gun regulations, to no avail. Thankfully, big retailers are choosing take action. Dick's Sporting Goods and Walmart, are making changes on a corporate level by ceasing to sell firearms to anyone under the age of 21.

      Dick's Sporting Goods CEO and Chairmen Ed Stack said,

"We have heard you. The nation has heard you. We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens. But we have to help solve the problem that's in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that's taking the lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of America - our kids."

     This statement holds the energy of change this country needs. If the NRA and the government would use compassion instead of greed while making decisions on gun legislation, they would give a chance to a safer nation.