In 2016, the United States witnessed tragic statistics regarding child safety that deserve our attention. While four children lost their lives to lightning strikes, gun violence claimed the lives of 637 children under the age of 11. Between 2002 and 2011, over 9,000 children under 12 died in car accidents. In 2014, 425 children aged 10 to 14 took their own lives. Unintentional injuries led to the deaths of 2,696 children under 14, with 643 children victims of homicide. According to the CDC, approximately ten people drown accidentally each day, two of whom are children aged 14 or younger.
In stark contrast, no American children died as a result of terrorism in 2016. The last notable instance was the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which resulted in one child’s death. Going back further, there were no child fatalities from terrorism in the years leading up to 2016, except for eight children on 9/11 and 19 in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.
As discussions about refugee admissions dominate our political discourse, it’s essential to keep these statistics in perspective. While children in conflict zones like Aleppo face grave dangers from violence, we misplace our fears regarding our own children. The refugee vetting process is rigorous, involving nine steps, extensive background checks, and a requirement for a green card upon entry, which triggers further scrutiny. Only 1% of global refugees qualify for entry into the United States, making the likelihood of a terrorist slipping through this process significantly lower than the everyday risks our children face, such as drowning or homicide.
Media coverage tends to focus on sensational threats like terrorism, mass shootings, or shark attacks, while everyday dangers such as drownings or traffic fatalities often go unreported. The difference in risk perception can be attributed to how the public processes information, influenced by prior experiences and media narratives. For instance, reports emphasizing radicalized individuals among Syrian refugees overshadow the genuine risks present in our homes and communities.
Despite a steady influx of Syrian refugees—over 12,000 since the onset of the civil war—the death toll of American children at the hands of these refugees remains zero. Instead of fearing external threats, we should prioritize concerns like the safety of swimming pools, unsecured firearms, improperly installed car seats, and even childhood cancers, which are among the leading causes of death for children aged 1 to 14.
In conclusion, it is crucial to shift our focus from exaggerated fears about terrorism to the more pressing dangers in our everyday lives. Worry about the unlocked gun in your home or the potential for drowning, rather than the remote possibility of a terrorist attack. For those looking into family planning options, consider exploring resources like the Baby Maker at Home Insemination Kit or the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo, both of which are excellent sources for home insemination. For a deeper understanding of the process, check out this Wikipedia article on artificial insemination.