Since the tragic massacre in Orlando, there have been nearly 200 other shootings, claiming the lives of 57 and injuring 137 others -- yet some people think gun control is not the answer. I am the type of person who is open to listening to other people's opinions and views on issues that affect our nation and world, but gun control is not one of them, because in my opinion, it's a black and white situation. If we don't make a change, tragedies like Sandy Hook, Orlando and Colorado will keep happening, but if we do make a change, we have a greater chance of creating a safer nation where those who shouldn't have access to guns won't have access to guns.
Just the other night on "World News" with David Muir, they had been showing a piece on the aftermath of the Orlando shooting. The piece was discussing how many Democrats have been pushing for tighter and stricter gun laws, regulations and background checks. They also mentioned how the new laws that are being pushed would state that any person on a No Fly or watch list would not be able to purchase a firearm under any circumstances. Seems like an intelligent thing, right?
Well, not according to Republicans, who feel that there should be a three-day process to determine if those on the No Fly or watch list pose a real threat that would prevent them from being able to purchase a gun. They also feel that preventing those on these lists from purchasing guns would not make the nation safer.
There are so many things wrong with these two statements. For one thing, those who are placed on the watch or No Fly List are not listed there without careful thought and investigation -- there was something that they did that put them on the list in the first place.
The government found it necessary to put those who pose a threat to our nation and world on a list for the protection and safety of its citizens, as they should do, and continue to do. Putting stricter gun laws into place would further ensure that those who pose a threat to society in any way would not be able to purchase a gun under the law.
Not doing anything will pose a bigger threat, and allowing those on the No Fly or watch list to have a three day waiting period would be just as dangerous. If the government allows those who are on a terror watch list to be considered for a background check, they are automatically sending the wrong message. It's as if they are saying that the safety of citizens is less of a concern than making sure that those on terror watch lists really belong there. As I said before, putting someone on the terror watch list is not something that the government takes lightly. They don't put just any average person on these lists; they do so to ensure that person is watched and doesn't bring harm to others.
Creating stricter gun control laws does not mean the government can take away a citizen's right to bear arms. This is something that everyone needs to understand. If you haven't done anything that the government feels would pose a threat to others, then it should be of little concern to if you are subject to stricter background checks. The government is not looking to ban firearms entirely; they are looking to ban people who shouldn't own firearms from obtaining them. And for those who say it is every citizen's right to bear arms, let's just understand one thing. The right to bear arms does not and should not mean that those who have different views, beliefs and opinions than others have the right to use firearms to commit horrible acts of hatred, like Omar Mateen did in Orlando.
Our actions are incredibly powerful, and it's important that as a nation we take a stand, push for stricter gun control laws and send the right message. Ultimately, our end goal should be the same: to create a safer nation where people don't have to live in fear of being themselves and expressing their values, opinions or beliefs.
