It is probable people will always strive to adjust to their surroundings. Previously, a large problem with gun violence was that our nation was lulled into a false sense of security between mass shootings. We were appalled by Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook and too many other mass shootings. But as time passed after each horrific incident, we began to be unconcerned about gun violence until we were again shocked into caring by the next mass shooting. But, it seems to me that we may be moving away from becoming apathetic between shootings and instead, we are becoming apathetic toward the shootings even when they immediately occur. The news is filled with so many reports of mass shootings that it’s tempting to put the information out of our minds and focus on something more cheerful. The shootings today happen so frequently that there is no time to become apathetic between shootings, and we instead become apathetic directly in the face of them. We hear so many reports of shootings, and the reports eventually seem mundane to us.
Perhaps this is one reason that America has not yet created stronger gun control laws. But additionally, many Americans oppose gun control and argue that ordinary citizens have the right to guns for self-defense or hunting purposes. However, I see no reason for any citizen to keep an assault weapon in his or her home. I don’t see the benefit of a person using armor piercing bullets. Those weapons are far beyond what is necessary for self-defense or hunting. And unfortunately, those weapons could be and have been used for mass murder.
President Barack Obama has proposed gun control measures in an attempt to reduce gun violence in the United States. Among other reforms, he’s insisting we require background checks for all gun sales and strengthen already-existing background checks. In addition, he wants to pass a new ban on assault weapons. He wants to ensure that the acquiring of armor piercing bullets is restricted. He wants to limit the amount of clips in a magazine to 10 rounds. These proposed steps are often called common sense measures, because that’s just what they are: common sense.
The preventative measures Obama has proposed would have a positive impact on our nation. How great an impact they would have has been fiercely debated by politicians since Obama announced the proposal. Regardless of the debate, his plan has the potential to save lives and to prevent mass murder. We must act, we must do something. I stand behind Obama’s proposal, and I urge you to look past your personal interests and do the same.
Unfortunately, in April 2013, the Senate blocked Obama’s common sense measures to reduce gun violence. In response to the unsuccessful bill, Obama remarked, “All in all, this was a shameful day for Washington.” Indeed it was. Roughly 10 months have passed since the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre. About one year‘s time has passed since the Aurora mass shooting. It’s been six years since the Virginia Tech massacre and 14 years since the Columbine massacre. Yet, America still has not made progress in implementing effective gun control. We have had ample time to impose restrictions on gun use in the United States, and the pressure to act is continually heightened. Gun violence is happening so frequently that every day preventative measures are not put in place is another day for a potential shooting, like the one that occurred in Nevada Monday.
Gun violence is one of the most crucial issues in the United States today. The sooner we act, the less likely it is that gun violence will destroy more communities and families, and the less likely it is that it will affect you.
What do you think we should do to better control gun violence? Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
