Hours ago, one of the safest towns in Florida was faced with a tragedy that no one could have predicted. Recent reports say that 17 are currently dead, with at least 20 injured. Yet, what I find to be most unsettling is the lack of government intervention. Lives were lost today, but somehow this disgusting act will just become yet "another" school shooting- there have been 8 in less than a month and a half.

So this begs the question; where is their justice? Where is the change? It seems that whenever this situation arises, government officials are quick to spew out condolences, but are silent when it comes to actual change. I find it to be nothing short of disturbing that there are so many people with such power that simply sit back, and watch this tragedy unfold.

Is the issue of gun control an easy, black and white answer? Of course not. But we cannot simply accept this as a new reality when we have the capacity to create change. I do not find this to be an issue of partisanship, but one of humanity. The reality is, these deadly weapons are taking lives left and right and are seemingly uncontrollable. Whether it be a stricter vetting process to receive a gun, background checks, or arming schools with multiple cops, I'm not sure which one will be the right answer. But at this point, talk is cheap. What we need is something, anything really, to help us believe that we can get to school safely, and not fear for our lives. Sure, everyone can agree that there needs to be a major change, but then any and all bills get backed up in Congress, where partisanship seems to cloud the necessity of these changes.

The White House can draw up seemingly perfect proposals and lawmakers can continue to lobby, but this lack of action is not only frustrating, but unjustified. The public has been demanding government action for long enough; no major policy has been instituted as the Shooting at Sandy Hook (2012), Orlando (2016), and Las Vegas (2017) (to name a very, very few) has gone by. So what's the hold up? Lack of agreement doesn't seem to cut it, as more lives are lost at uncontrollable rates.

At the end of the day, Congress cannot sit on a clear conscience with a simple "you're in our thoughts and prayers."