Before I begin, I would simply like to state that I am not taking any sides in regards to all of the recent tragedies involving violence that have been happening in the country lately. Rather, I am simply expressing my opinions on the tragedies themselves.

Over the past couple of weeks, I began my summer job of being a summer camp counselor during the week. When I go to bed, I often fall asleep with my television on. In the morning, I always catch the first couple minutes of the news before I get out of bed to start getting ready. In the short amount of time that I have begun my job, only a matter of weeks, I have woken up to tragedy after tragedy being reported about on the news. Then it is the same when I turn the radio on as I am driving to work. It is not the best way for anyone to start their day and then finish their day when more reports are being made on the evening news as new details are released.

So much violence has overcome this country, especially recently. It makes me extremely nervous to see what the future holds. There is no other way to describe it besides "heartbreaking." Violence has always been a large part of the world in general. Unfortunately it exists and people partake in the acts in every part of the world. But what has been causing all of the sudden uproar amongst the citizens of America? There is no single answer. Several issues have lit the fire to this wildfire of violence. Yet there is the question of why it keeps happening. Why does there have to be more violence and controversy than there already is?

America has been referred to in several ways as the land of the free, land of the brave, strong, and united. Lately, I have only seen the country abiding by one of those definitions and that is land of the free. However, the freedom is being taken advantage of in a way that it is hurting others. This freedom is being used to hurt others rather than using the freedom to live our lives as we choose to. Another big aspect that shaped our nation was the fact that we are united. Our name is The United States of America for a reason. All fifty states are supposed to stand together as one. That is why when violence occurs in one part of the country, the whole country may not be physically effected, but emotionally, all citizens are.

The recent events have made me afraid for the future of the country. I would hate to see it get worse and have to witness more hatred and violence in my life. It makes me question whether the country will remain in a safe, stable, strong state long enough for me to continue to live out the rest of my life here. I can only hope that these events are a wake up call to everyone to find a peaceful solution to all the controversy and get back to the strong, united country America used to be.