I am a Democrat. I don't want to ban all guns.
Surprisingly, a lot of my Democratic peers agree with me. We don't want to take away guns from law-abiding citizens, even in the wake of the horrible tragedy in Orlando.
Rather, we want to create a safer environment for everyone.
It is true that many of us believe that certain types of guns should be banned from being sold in the United States, including the weapon the gunman in the Orlando Shooting purchased.
However, we do not want to take away all guns.
Assault rifles and military grade rifles do not need to be sold to the common citizen. You can defend yourself with a pistol. If our police officers can protect themselves using their department issued handgun, so can you.
Do you have any hunting rifles? Great! Just make sure that you are a licensed hunter, and be extra careful when you are teaching someone how to handle such a large weapon.
However, there needs to be a focus on mass assault weapons. Guns that can take down multiple targets in seconds need to be prohibited from being sold to the general public.
Democrats call for a stricter background check system. Omar Mateen, should not have had the option to purchase guns. A stricter background check system will make it a lot harder for the people who want to hurt others from purchasing guns.
This might be the point where you object.
However, if you are a law-abiding citizen and have no marks on your record, then there would be no reason for someone to not sell you a gun.
We just want to make sure that the weapons do not get in the wrong hands.
I don't blame the guns. I blame the system for failing us multiple times and allowing guns to be sold to multiple people who intent on harming others.
Let's look at the main points President Obama's gun control plan:
1. Any business that wants to participate in the sale of guns must obtain a federal license and conduct background checks.
This is pretty simple, and I am sure everyone can agree with this.
2. Encourages greater communication between federal and state authorities regarding criminal history information.
Essentially, if someone has a history with the FBI, then the FBI needs to tell the states in order for them to know to not sell the criminal weapons.
3. The FBI should place a more strict background check system.
As I've said already, the system is flawed. A more strict background check system will ensure that guns will not be sold to the wrong people.
4. Proposes an increase in funds to mental health care.
It is obvious that those who have caused mass terror with guns were not in their correct state of mind. Increasing funds to support mental health care is a great step in ensuring a safer nation.
5. Directs certain government departments to research into gun safety technology.
Again, this is pretty self-explanatory. If we want a safe nation that still allows guns to be sold to the public, then there needs to be more awareness for what is safe in regards to fund ownership.
I'll place the link once again to Obama's 2015 gun control measures [here]. He is not trying to take away your guns, just like the majority of Democrats are not trying to take away your guns.
We understand that the majority of people who own guns are very safe with their guns and have no intent on hurting people.
However, we do need to take steps to eliminate gun violence in our country. Orlando, is just one of the many signs that gun control measures for our country are long overdue.
