April 16th, 2007: Virginia Tech. 32 killed, 23 injured.

November 5th, 2009: Killeen, Texas. 13 killed, over 30 injured.

July 20th, 2012: Aurora, Colorado. 12 killed, over 70 injured.

December 14th, 2012: Newtown, Connecticut. 27 killed, 2 injured.

December 2nd, 2015: San Bernardino, California. 14 dead, 17 wounded.

June 12th, 2016: Pulse Nightclub, Orlando, Florida. 49 killed, 53 injured.

October 1st, 2017: Las Vegas, Nevada. 59 killed, 527 injured.

Do I need to say anything more?

The fact that this is even an issue to be discussed anymore is disgusting and discouraging for any faith in humanity.

Copycats are growing, and we're just enabling them. No one is safe, and everyone is a victim.

Gun control is a fundamental necessity. We need to realize that people are dying as a result of our incompetence in devising an immediate action plan. And yes, I mean our incompetence, not just our legislative system's inability to take a stance on this issue. All of us contribute to these meaningless deaths when we don't push hard enough and when we don't fight strong enough to make a lasting change.

The 2nd Amendment was relevant when weapons were single-shot only. They had a purpose then. Used solely for duels, protection against intruders, or for hunting, a single-shot weapon was what was in the minds of our Founding Fathers when they decided upon the right to bear arms. This does not include the automatic weapons of today.

Do you remember learning about the Necessary and Proper Clause, better known as the Elastic Clause, in school? It states that Congress has the power to make laws to carry out an enumerated list of powers a.k.a. to do what it must to carry out its powers.

This means that as times change and technology grows, the government can make legislation to ensure the safety of the country's people. Think of this like that.

Our Founding Fathers realized that things would change and they needed to give the government the power to change, too.There were no copyright laws or anything relating to computers or cars in 1776, but today, we have legislation and laws that relate to them. Why should it be any different when it comes to guns? Why haven't we changed as technology has advanced itself from a single bullet to an entire magazine destined for blood?

The fact that toting a gun is critical to feeling truly American is utter garbage. Our country should not be enshrined to and rever devices designed to kill. Yes, you're executing your 2nd Amendment right, but you should have realized in the 241 years between 1776 and 2017, something should have changed.

Guns are more destructive, more deadly, and more accessible today. They're a sign of power, yes, but they are not a power to desire; they are a power to be feared. Wake up. The world isn't the same anymore, so why should our laws be the same?

I'm not saying that guns have to be taken away from everyone forever. I'm saying that we need a reform in regulation. Gun control isn't about guns, it's about control.If you're scared that your guns will be taken away, you should never have had it in the first place.

It's too easy today for guns to be obtained, and it's too easy for people to obtain them even when they don't pass a background test.

Stephen Paddock, the gunman behind the Las Vegas shooting, had 47 guns. 23 of them were modified and in that hotel room with him. If that doesn't scare you, I truly don't know what can.

Take a hint from Australia and Japan. Both countries have virtually eliminated gun deaths, having as little as 2-3 accidental deaths annually, by following a strict set of regulations. Japan requires one to attend an all-day class and written exam, held only once a month, a shooting range test, mental and drug test, and rigorous background check.

Australia banned semiautomatic long guns and has citizens pass a safety test, show good morals and character, wait at least 28 days, pass a background test, and provide a genuine need in order to buy. I'm not one to say that these laws would definitely work in America, but... they're worth a shot (pun intended) and are at least a step in the right direction, the direction of preserving human life.

Children are dying. Mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents will never be reunited again until they're all in the ground together because of gun violence. Stop this madness. You have more power than you think you do. Call your representatives. Write letters to Congress. Text ACT to 64433. Help other people realize that this is no longer an issue for political parties – it's a humanitarian crisis.

There's no way for everyone to agree on one thing, but we all must agree that life is precious, and everyone deserves to feel safe in our country.