Originally, this article was going to talk about the new Muppet show on ABC. Some can even argue that such an article about the show might be a welcome relief, but we can't pretend that what transpired in Oregon on Oct. 1 did not happen. Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon was the scene of what has become a recurring theme in recent years. A gunman open-fired inside the college, killing 10 and wounding seven. The shooter, Chris Harper Mercer, was taken out by police in a shootout later on. For many, this was their first year going to a school in a neighborhood that has been praised as a peaceful place. Once again, a small town community in America has been rocked by a mass shooting. It seems pretty safe to say that nothing will be done to prevent this from happening again.

Before my conservative friends and the NRA come jumping down my throat and call me a "worthless excuse for a Republican" I want to make something plainly and painfully clear. I SUPPORT OUR RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. I believe, as an American, that I am entitled to arm myself and to protect myself, if need be. Our fight for independence began because the British attempted to seize arms and ammunition in the town of Concord. I am not calling for guns to be taken from people if they have them; that's their right and no one should take that away. But I do believe in a common sense gun SAFETY (not control) law that can stymie this type of violence from happening again. It worked in Canada, Australia and other allies. Why is it so hard to try? People may argue that we've tried and it didn't work, but when has anything ever worked out on the first attempt? TRY, TRY, TRY AGAIN UNTIL WE GET IT RIGHT!

I saw an interesting comment on a post about the shooting in Oregon that said: "Allowing guns on-campus would stop this." Would it really though? Some will argue, yes. Having a person, who is not involved in law enforcement, with a gun on a college campus would help because that person could engage the shooter, selflessly risk their own lives and distract (possibly kill) the shooter in order to save more lives. There are two issues with this scenario:

First: What happens when said student hero runs out of ammunition? He could theoretically get more, but what happens if he doesn't have an extra clip? People can argue that these are all hypothetical theories, but these need to be considered before letting guns on-campus.

Second: How are responding police supposed to know who's the killer and who's the savior? Police go into schools looking for the shooter in these situations. This also means they won't stop to ask the gun-wielding student if he is the killer or not. If police see a gun in an active shooting situation, they will shoot the kid and lose precious moments that they could have been using to track down the real guy. Again, only a hypothetical scenario, but before letting guns being permitted on campus this should be considered.

President Obama put it perfectly: "Our thoughts and prayers just aren't enough anymore." As he gave his remarks on the tragedy on Thursday night, one could feel the anger resonating from the Commander in Chief. To be completely honest, he has every right to be angry. We can't live our lives like this and yet these shootings have become a routine. A shooting happens, people are shocked, prayers and sympathies are sent to the victim's families, people cry out for change, nothing happens, repeat. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, there have been 142 shootings in the United States since Sandy Hook in 2012 and that's just in schools. That number doesn't include shootings inside a shopping center or movie theater and it's terrifying that this number is so high. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT FEAR GOING TO SCHOOL! It is one of the last places people should be afraid to be.

So in closing, I leave you with this: Americans are entitled to own and carry a firearm. Nine out of 10 gun owners are responsible with their weapons. They know how to use them, they have done their research on guns and they know how to properly load and shoot them. These gun owners should not be punished because they are being responsible. No one is going to take your guns, America. NRA, did you get that? NO ONE WILL TAKE YOUR GUNS!

All that is being called for is for Common Sense Gun SAFETY (not Control) Laws. For those people who are ignorant enough to say there isn't a problem, think about this: Imagine you have a 6-year-old son who you drop off at school. You give him a kiss and wish him a good day at school. Three hours later, you find out there was a shooting at the school and you arrive to find your kid in a body bag. If you can go through that ordeal and still say there isn't a problem with gun violence and the laws don't need to be changed, get yourself checked out. Americans have the right to own and carry guns, but Americans also have the right to feel safe.