There have been over 300 mass shootings in America since the beginning of 2017.
I know what you're thinking: That can't be true. I can only think of a few.
Well, first of all, the fact that you can think of ANY is a nation-wide problem. Second, just because you didn't hear about it doesn't mean it didn't happen. Just because no one was killed doesn't mean it wasn't an issue. There is no one true definition of a mass shooting. It is loosely defined as an incident involving multiple victims, but beyond that, it is extremely broad.
However, the fact I placed before you moments is true. Another fact: there is a mass shooting in America nearly every day. Still, don't see a problem? Then you're not listening.
Since 2013, there have been over 200 school shootings in America, which means there is roughly one every week. Every year, thousands of people are injured and even killed from gun homicides, unintentional shootings, or murder/suicides. On average, someone under the age of 18 is shot and killed twice a day. Eight percent of gun owners possess a stockpile of 10 or more guns.
Three of the 10 deadliest shootings in American history have happened in the past 18 months. All because things like Kinder Eggs, fireworks, and birth control are all more difficult to obtain than a gun.
The future outlook for these statistics does not look any better going forward, seeing as earlier this year, President Donald Trump repealed the regulation set forth by Obama, denying those with mental illnesses access to guns. Most recently, he called the Texas Church Shooting a "mental health issue". Nothing contradictory about that statement at all.
Luckily, our generation is overflowing with constant access to social media and news sites, where we get most of our information concerning news and current events. Even celebrities and political figures tend to join in on the fun, especially on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where they collect massive followings and popularity.
It has become common to make a political statement following national tragedies such as these. They usually go something like this: "My heart is with the victims and families affected by the ________ shooting. Sending love and prayers."
But let's get one thing straight. The victims and families of these shootings don't need your love and prayers. They need GUN CONTROL. Our nation needs GUN CONTROL.
I recently came across a tweet on my timeline that illustrates this concept perfectly and I love it.
Related to this, was an article where they briefly quote people who insist that this is just part of life and there's nothing we can do about it. These people honestly believe that giving guns to mentally unstable people, who then proceed to do heinous things with them, is "just a part of life". Get the picture?
We, as a nation, can prevent this, but we must take action. Do I think that one law is going to prevent any shooting from ever happening again? No, of course not. But we must take small steps toward ridding ourselves of national tragedies that are 100% preventable.
Think about it this way, the last mass shooting in Australia occurred in 1996. After this, the country banned certain semi-automatic and pump-action weapons and forced owners to sell them back to the government. Since then, there have been ZERO (say it louder for the people in the back) mass firearms killings.
Obviously, sending love and prayers provides comfort and hope for victims and their families. I am not saying that prayer does not help. But I do know that gun control will be effective. We will never truly know peace until we take action.
