Editorial: What can we do about gun violence?

If you were born before 2007, you have lived through the five deadliest mass shootings in America: Sutherland Springs, Sandy Hook Elementary, Virginia Tech, Pulse Nightclub and Las Vegas.

Why does this senseless violence persist? What steps need to be taken to prevent such mass horror? Two not-so-simple words: gun control.

Gun control is a controversial topic in America. Discussing it is fraught with the risk of starting arguments and inciting said controversy. Nevertheless, we must continue to speak on the topic, because the consequences of not doing so are deadly.  

In 2017 alone there have been 55,655 gun incidents, 14,036 deaths, 28,587 injuries, 323 mass shootings and 1,832 unintentional shootings according to Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing gun violence in America.

Gun violence can no longer be ignored. We can no longer send “thoughts and prayers” alone. We must take legislative action.

With proper, comprehensive gun control, we can reduce these deaths without restricting the Second Amendment.

“The dangers of gun violence give significant leeway to federal, state and local governments to restrict who may possess dangerous weapons, the types of weapons Americans may possess and use, and where they may possess and use such weapons.” ─ Vice Dean and Professor of Columbia Law School, Jamal Greene

Due to the growth of gun violence, and its deadly presence, the government is allowed to restrict gun possession and use without it being unconstitutional.

Now, you may be asking, “What are some routes our legislators could take to ensure gun control?” or “What would this ‘gun control’ include?”

Comprehensive gun control should include universal background check, and require gun safety courses before ownership.

Background checks are an incredibly important implementation of gun control.

These background checks would restrict certain people from legally obtaining and owning any firearms.

Restrictions would include:

• Anyone with a history of violence. (violent felons, anyone charged with domestic violence or abuse, anyone charged with battery or assault.)
• Anyone with dissociative disorders (breaks from reality) and/or suicidal or homicidal ideation.
• Stalkers and anyone charged with sexual harassment and/or violence.

If someone is a threat to themselves or others, than they should not be able to access weapons, especially firearms.

Knowing gun safety is arguably the most important aspect of owning a weapon.

Understanding how to properly clean, store and fire a gun can help reduce accidental shootings.

In 2017 alone there have been 431 deaths caused by accidental shootings.

With gun safety and gun control we can reduce this number, one day eliminating it.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has the “Eddie Eagle” program that is dedicated to teaching young children about gun safety.

The program is taught in schools and is easy for children to learn.

It’s the equivalent of “Stop. Drop. And Roll.” for guns.

Gun safety needs to be  taught throughout life.

Before someone owns a gun, they need to know how to properly load, clean and fire a gun.

Before they leave the store where they bought the gun, they need to have had a tutorial from a staff member certified in gun safety.

By following these simple steps and encouraging gun safety for all ages, we can reduce the number of deaths and prevent as many gun related accidents as possible.

Reducing gun violence is essential to keeping America safe.

A country as great as this doesn’t need to be filled with death and violence.

In the end, comprehensive gun control will save lives, and nothing should get in the way of that.