America Is The Most Dangerous Wealthy Country For Children
Start writing a post
Politics

America Is The Most Dangerous Wealthy Country For Children

Let’s hope people begin to care more about the lives of American children than an NRA check.

425
America Is The Most Dangerous Wealthy Country For Children
Photo by Tucker Good on Unsplash

America isn’t safe for your children. Not anymore.

We aren’t as bad as most developing countries but, given that we are supposed to be a major world power and the shining example of ideal living in the world, we’re looking bad. People should want to flock to this country.

Other countries should emulate their way of living after us. Instead, other developed countries shake their heads at us as we grapple with excessive gun violence, higher infant mortality rates, and a high rate of motor vehicle deaths among teenagers.

Despite being at the forefront of many advances in modern medicine, the United States has 6.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, the worst of the 27 wealthiest nations in the world. Poorer states such as Alabama have 8.7 infant deaths per 1000 live births putting it only slightly behind Lebanon in infant mortality. Researchers have spent many hours dissecting data to explain this disturbing trend and have found that most infant deaths happen postpartum in disadvantaged households that can’t afford proper infant care. More affordable healthcare is the simplest solution but Congress has failed to pass any fixes or alternatives to Obamacare which is only growing more costly.

Now on to vehicle fatality rates. The United States used to be one of the safer countries for driving. Now, our vehicle fatality rate is about 40 percent higher than the fatality rate of Canada or Australia with about seven deaths per billion miles traveled. Experts attribute these deaths to the fact that American highways have much higher speeds than their European counterparts and less frequent seatbelt use with 1 in 7 Americans still foregoing a seatbelt while driving. Other countries also see buzzed driving as drunk driving and have stricter punishments for driving under the influence.

Finally, shooting deaths in America are almost 49 times higher than in other developed countries. In 2016 alone, 11,000 deaths were attributed to gun violence. From 2012 to 2014, it was estimated that 1,297 children per year lost their lives to a gun. School shootings have also become more prevalent with eight school shootings having already occurred in the first seven weeks of the year (hopefully it is still that number by the time this is published).

The fix to this problem is one that other countries have already figured out: adopt stricter gun laws.

Australia is the prime example of this fix. After a 1996 shooting that left 35 people dead, lawmakers banned automatic firearms, established a national firearms registry, imposed new licensing requirements, and created a 28 day waiting period for firearm purchases. After this new legislation, the number of mass shootings that occurred in an eighteen year period dropped from thirteen to zero.

The Parkland shooting that killed seventeen people might be a turning point in American gun legislation. Many victims who survived the shooting are calling for gun reform and pressuring lawmakers to take action. However, whether or not lawmakers can sidestep the pressure and money from the National Rifle Association remains to be seen. Given past trends, money might win out once again.

Let’s hope they care more about the lives of American children than an NRA check.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95176
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments