As children are being buried, the NRA’s Republican Party want more guns to combat increasing gun violence, as was suggested at their recent NRA Convention (which took place days following the horrific massacre could you be more blatantly insensitive?). Am I completely off my rocker for thinking that this is counterintuitive? Do these pro-gun advocates truly believe that adding more guns will solve this problem bubbling throughout America? Are they that far removed from reality to think it is okay for a teenager to buy assault rifles? I mean, really, what the hell does anyone outside a military or police force need assault rifles for? What is the practical use of these weapons outside of controlled shooting at a range or for collection at a museum with shooting mechanisms removed? If your answer is anything contrary to ‘NOTHING” then you, too, are part of the problem.
I grew up with guns around the house. They were always locked up and ammunition was stored separately. Carrying a firearm was permitted as long as you had a permit to carry it during hunting seasons. Of course, there were restrictions: no assault weapons or handguns. We took our guns out when we needed to procure wild game to fill our freezers. And, we were permitted to carry them to the firing range for practice. I am fairly certain that the American Amendment allowing for the right to bear arms is rooted in time and place, when it was necessary for the creation of a militia to protect the new union following the great revolution. It was constituted at a time of American expansion east to west. That makes sense. But does it make sense today?
Perhaps it does. Perhaps America is such a wildly dangerous place that it’s necessary to fill your home with guns and to carry enough weapons and ammunition with you to take care of the high number of racist, bigoted, hateful crazies out there. The former President believes so and suggested that fencing in schools and setting up a gate with armed guards, is necessary. However, it is more likely that this eye-for-an-eye approach is not the way to go and will lead to even more blindness. I predict that gun violence will continue to increase and thousands more innocent lives will be loss if America does not change its gun laws.
As I continue to mourn the loss of innocent souls in America, I count my blessings for being able to live in a country where firearms regulations are strict and access is limited. God bless the families of those lost to gun violence.