In light of the tragedy that struck Orlando, Florida, social media became inflamed with extremely heated posts either for or against gun laws and regulation, and understandably so. Through the careful scrolling, I noticed one thing. No one ever came forward and said, "hey, I'm pro-guns BUT I'm also in support of stricter gun regulations." According to the GunViolenceArchive.org, there have been more than seven mass shootings since June 11, 2016. Not all of these shootings resulted in death; however, more than 73 people were injured (or killed) at the hands of a gun in less than a week and a half. On the grand scheme of things, that may seem small because in comparison to third world countries or war-torn nations the United States is relatively safe, but in a civilized and advanced society, too many people are losing their lives to gun violence.
Now, here is where things get tricky. Conservative leaning individuals look at gun regulations as a complete and utter violation of their second amendment. But in case you forgot what exactly the second amendment states, here is a reminder:
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Keyword: regulated. Calling for gun regulation does not mean "quick everyone head to the nearest government facility and drop off every fire arm you own," which is seemingly how most conservatives view gun regulations.
On the other hand, leftist liberal minded Americans tend to be in disbelief that gun owners should ever feel the need to posses a fire arm at all, in any capacity (or so it seems).
Intense arguments erupt between both groups because of one specific type of weapon: semiautomatic rifles.
Semiautomatic weaponry, more commonly referred to as "assault weaponry," is essentially the civilian version of a military firearm. Semiautomatic weapons are specifically targeted by psychopaths looking to mow down an entire room full of people because with a single pull of the trigger a shot is fired, and the next round (often in an ammunition clip) is re-loaded automatically. According to Lawyers.com, "The vast majority of mass shootings in the last three decades involved assault weapons and semiautomatic handguns, three-fourths of which were legally obtained."
Huh, is that right? Three-fourths of these weapons were legally obtained? Does that mean a change is in order for the purchasing of any type of weaponry? Absolutely.
The recent conductor of Orlando's tragedy used a Sig Sauer MCX as opposed to the more common AR-15. While the weapons are inherently similar and use the same type of ammunition, the gas system in the MCX differs from the AR-15 therefore it cannot be classified as such.
Either way, these are weapons have the capacity to kill a large amount of people in a short amount of time, and in my honest opinion have no use in the hands of a regular civilian.
Although the ramifications of gun regulation may be tragic for the minority of innocent gun collectors out there looking to add a weapon to their repertoire, it simply must be done.
It is far too easy for extremely dangerous weaponry to land in the hands of extremely deadly individuals, as it has happened far too many times in the recent past.
And to pacify the masses, if a ban absolutely cannot be enforced on these specific weapons, at least make it more difficult and virtually impossible for these criminals not to score themselves a brand new AR-15. I'm talking background checks, months worth of waiting periods, mental evaluations, notes from doctors, interviews of previous friends, family members, and co-workers, anything to keep them from purchasing tools to commit mass murder. This has to be common sense.
Those in favor of gun regulation like myself are not demanding lawful gun owners to lay down all of your firearms and retreat into your homes but rather take action against those who are trying to harm others and work towards a better world. The United States public as a whole needs much better gun education if guns are to be legally allowed inside the walls of our homes and public places. There needs to be an understanding that any gun can be deadly in the wrong hands, but in the right hands, can be used for recreational activities like skeet shooting or hunting which are totally normal activities. (Note: the reference of guns above excludes semiautomatic weapons.)
Regardless of your viewpoints on the gun control debate, one thing is evident: innocent people cannot be slaughtered any longer without consequence. Whose to say the next mass shooting will not happen in your town? At your local mall, movie theatre, school, or club?
