On any given day you can log in to your Facebook account and see a post about gun violence, someone’s opinion on guns, etc. Now, especially this past week, it is so much more than someone’s right to bear arms. 50 people lost their lives in a senseless act of violence that is in fact being classified as terrorism.

This horrible shooting that has affected so many, for some, comes down to the thought, “Don’t take away my right to bear arms.” Why? Why do you think this is more important than the real issue at hand?

I get it. Maybe this event didn’t affect you personally, because you didn’t know one of the victims, but is that really all you can think about? Please stop and think about the fear and pain that more than 50 people felt. Those people were just going out for a fun evening out. Isn’t that something you do/have done? I have. Never have I ever gone out for a night and thought that something like that could happen to me.

Unfortunately, the people who commit these horrific acts of violence don’t care where you are or what you are doing. They only care about the ignorance going through their heads.

The United States of America is the country that it is because of our differences and our rights. Our Constitutional rights are some of the things that set us apart. It has taken quite some time to get to where we are. I personally believe that we are entitled to the right to own and carry a gun. Should everyone be able to own a gun? No, absolutely not. Gun laws and regulations need to change and become stricter.

I do plan to own a gun someday. For me, it is so that I can protect myself in any event that I would have to. If going through extensive work and efforts to be approved to own a gun are necessary, I will go through those efforts. There should be several extensive tests, checks, waiting periods, and anything else necessary to prove that I or anyone else is fit to own a firearm.

One thing that stuck out to me was that it was reported that the shooter had been interviewed by the FBI three times previously. I am assuming that the shooter obtained his weapon illegally. However, it does make me question if more could have been done to prevent him from obtaining these weapons at all. Now, in the event that the shooter did obtain his weapon legally, then, in that case, how much more do we need as the American public to accept the change we desperately need?

I have always noticed that the people who are against gun ownership the most are those who have never been taught anything about gun safety, how to operate a firearm, or who have never even held a gun. Which, often, is the reason for their fear. Most people fear the things they don’t understand.

The same could be said for the man who did this. His fear, ignorance, and personal views lead to the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. But that is something we are all aware of by now.

Despite your personal views, why is it that your rights are the only thing that comes to mind when a mass shooting happens? Maybe it is out of your own concerns or fear, but let me be clear when I say that your right to own a gun does not matter, at least not today, and certainly not tomorrow.

This country is facing horrific and devastating issues that begin with people obtaining guns who are not fit to own and operate a gun. Fear and hate fuel their ignorance and when a loaded weapon is placed into their hands, that is where the problem lies.

I understand if you do not agree with my thoughts on this matter, and you are entitled to feel that way, but so am I. I am not any sort of expert on these matters and I hope you took something useful away from reading my thoughts on this issue. Sometimes putting together your thoughts on a subject can be a delicate process and this was one of those situations for myself.

I don’t want to take away from the real issue here, but there is so much to say on this matter, and the only way our country will see change is if we take a moment to speak up and push for the necessary change we need.

My heart truly breaks for all of those who were affected by this tragedy. So many people are praying for your hearts to heal and while these prayers will not undo the pain that you feel, hopefully, you can find comfort and peace over time.The loss of a loved one is a pain that never truly goes away, but with time, your wounds will.