Why is it that when it comes to vaping, society is quick to try to ban it but they are not as quick when it comes to more necessary topics such as gun control?
Gun control reform has been a hot topic of discussion because of the rise of mass shootings in America. The nation has grown immune to the effects of these mass shootings as they become more frequent. People are getting used to hearing news stories about it, and this is not right. Letting people die and not taking action about it is wrong.
We, as a nation, are watching people die at the hands of gun violence, and yet, we hesitate to find a solution. We are unable to agree on stronger gun laws that will limit the access of firearms for the use of evil.
The most recent example of this evil is what transpired in El Paso, Texas. The shooting occurred at a Walmart back in August and resulted in over 20 deaths. The shooter’s goal was to kill as many Mexicans as he could, and it was recorded as one of the “worst massacre(s) of Hispanic people in recent American history,’’ according to The Texas Tribune. Yet, all the rifles used by the shooter were bought legally. The shooter was able to access guns from abroad and used them to carry out a horrific racist act.
Sadly, many people argue that gun control should not be as restrictive because of the Second Amendment. They believe that gun control reform directly impedes on the rights of an individual to bear arms.
It is important to know the historical context of this amendment, though. The phrasing of this amendment is very general, its meaning up to interpretation. In court, there is an ongoing argument over whether or not the amendment refers specifically to an individual’s right to bear arms in self-defense or to the right of a state to have a well regulated militia. In United States v. Cruickshank in 1876, the Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment related directly to the state having a well-equipped militia. In recent cases though, such as District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010), the Supreme Court overruled a ban on individuals right to possess a handgun.
One should take notice, though, of how the era that the Second Amendment was created in is completely different than our own. It was during the Revolutionary War, back when people had to store their own weapons so they could act quickly and fight when needed.
But, currently, what are we fighting for that requires arms?
Our children and our innocents are dying at the hands of gun violence. According to CNN, there have been 22 school shootings since the start of this year through July. The numbers are following a pattern. No one feels safe.
The nation should be united in saving its people, not in protecting an amendment that was drafted to meet the necessities of a specific era. Laws have no value if they are not protecting us, and the Second Amendment is doing more harm than good. The politicians we put in power need to analyze the magnitude of our country’s gun violence.
Our current fight is with ignorance. Ignorance built out of protecting and following the Second Amendment blindly. Ignorance towards the horrific issue of mass shootings, especially in schools. Ignorance towards the deeper motivations behind shootings, like racism.
Our nation will not survive if evil is given a weapon to enact itself. The issue of gun violence in America runs deeper than we think, so stronger gun laws is a necessary step in order to attack the issues that motivate shootings. Stop gun violence. Stop people from getting shot because of their skin color. Stop acts of racism. Stop ending futures. It is time for America to act and save its civilians.
