Although it is written into our most sacred document "the right to bear arms," there has to be some type of responsibility for gun ownership. In 2010, gun violence cost the American taxpayer approximately $516 million dollars in hospital costs. In 2013, firearms were used to commit 11,208 homicides (3.5 per 100,000 U.S. citizens) and about 84,258 non-fatal injuries (26.65 per 100,000).
With so many firearms from different manufacturers, of different types and makes, what do we as citizens have to do to ensure the safety of our weapons for ourselves, as well as for our fellow man? What seems to be of great concern is how readily available firearms are to people. It doesn’t seem to matter the age; people of all ages and walks of life seem able to either acquire or own a firearm.
The argument has always centered around personal protection, as well as the right to bear arms. But just as there are consequences and responsibilities that accompany freedom of speech, there are consequences and responsibilities accompanying these rights. The passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968 was a direct result of the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. Because of this act, anyone purchasing a firearm had to produce identification and sign a statement affirming were not in any of the prohibited categories.
This act regulated gun commerce, restricted mail-order sales and allowed shipments only to licensed firearms dealers. This act also restricted the sale of firearms to felons, those under indictment, fugitives, illegal aliens, drug users, those who were discharged dishonorably from the military and those in mental institutions.
The United States is ranked third out of 45 developed countries in regard to homicides committed with a firearm. Mexico and Estonia are ranked first and second respectively. Russia is ranked far higher.
On the night of June 10, 2016, in Orlando, Florida, a young and talented woman named Christina Grimmie was giving a performance at “The Plaza Live.” Shortly before 10:30 p.m., as she was signing autographs for fans, she was approached by a 27-year-old man who fatally shot her. From the reports, fans say they heard at least six gunshots from inside the venue.
Christina’s brother tackled the gunman in an attempt to stop him from fleeing and possibly to thwart further attempts to attack his sister. It was at this time, during the struggle, that the gunman had turned the gun on himself. He died due to his injuries. There was no indication that Christina knew of her attacker, and at this time, it is unclear if there was any contact made through social media.
Another promising career and life taken by a firearm. Although the firearm was in the hands of someone who was obviously psychologically disturbed on perhaps many levels, questions are pouring in. It will take weeks, months or even years to determine just what led up to this tragic event.
The shooter has been identified as Kevin Loibel. He was armed with two handguns and a hunting knife.
Whether you are for or against firearms, the fact of the matter is that they are here to stay. The issue — as well as the question — is how do we keep them out of the hands of criminals and those who intend to do harm?
