The United States Doesn't Need Reassurance, We Need Change
Start writing a post
Politics

The United States Doesn't Need Reassurance, We Need Change

We need action, and we need it now.

183
The United States Doesn't Need Reassurance, We Need Change
Don Sneigowski

We think it will never happen to us. We live with this false sense of immortality and immunity, believing that we will always be the exception and that things of this kind of multitude will never occur in our lives.

Nine Hundred and Seventy-Four.

That number represents the 974 people that believed it would also never happen to them. 974 lives were lost between August 1st, 1966 and November 5th, 2017 at the University Towers Shooting in Austin, Texas, and at the South Texas Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Men, women and children from every background imaginable were killed. Babies not even old enough to celebrate their first birthday, senior citizens on the verge of living for a century. People who all have their own stories, people who are like you and me.

Three Hundred and Seven.

So far, in 2017 alone, we’ve had three hundred and seven mass shootings in the United States. It’s horrifying, it’s appalling, it’s heartbreaking. Three-hundred and seven times, someone pulled out a weapon of mass destruction and tore into the core of our nation.

For what reason? We may never truly know nor understand what drives someone to create such terror.

We live with a kind of fear that is instilled in our hearts and in our minds.

We shouldn’t have to be afraid at our universities, where young adults study to foster their pathway in life and experience a monumental time of self-discovery.

We shouldn’t be afraid of our churches and other religious places of worship, where people go to celebrate and share their faith, where people go to experience tranquility and peace.

We shouldn’t be afraid of concerts and clubs, where the young and the old joyously dance in celebration in the beauty of music, where the atmosphere of the venue is truly something unworldly. We need to stop being afraid of living our lives, for we cannot flourish as a nation if we are living in fear.

What is it going to take for the realization that change is necessary? If we don’t do anything about it, these shootings will continue to plague our nation. More lives will be lost, more families caught in grief, more prayers and vigils for the victims, more frustration.

We don’t need reassurance.

We don't need to hear more condolences or news reports, nor do we need to live glued to our television screens or radios, listening for updates and sending prayers. We need action, and we need it now.

Too many innocent lives have been lost for us to continue to beat around the bush and avoid the massive, looming topic of gun control and regulations. Sure, the debate may be long, divided, tedious and controversial.

It's not an easy topic. It's something that falls back to our Constitutional rights. But the harsh reality is that without acknowledgment or discussion, we will continue to experience this horror and live in fear.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39022
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
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

23528
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

949780
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

127846
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments