Just yesterday, a man wielding an assault rifle entered a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, taking the lives of ten people. As of now, the motive remains unclear, but does it truly matter? Absolutely not. There is no justification for someone to open fire in a place meant for community and sustenance. We cannot tolerate mass shootings like this any longer in our country. It is high time for those in power to confront the urgent issue of gun control, because enough is enough. How many more lives must be lost before they take decisive action?
One unexpected outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic was the decrease in incidents like these. Reflect for a moment: How many mass shootings did we hear about in 2020? Precisely. That’s because public spaces were largely empty. Now, as we begin to reopen and a new administration takes charge, gun control must become a priority topic. It’s clear that gun violence is resurging, and while the pandemic remains a pressing concern, we must also get serious about curbing gun violence, as it is returning rapidly.
According to a CNN report, there have been seven mass shootings since March 16th. SEVEN. Thankfully, most of these recent incidents did not result in multiple fatalities. However, at least six mass shootings this year have resulted in four or more deaths, including the tragedies in Atlanta and Denver. If that isn’t enough evidence to necessitate a serious discussion about gun control, I don’t know what is. The government must act immediately. With summer approaching and vaccination rates rising, more individuals will be out in public, making them potential victims of those with access to assault weapons. The events of 2020 taught us that we shouldn’t accept this as our reality.
In a recent committee meeting on gun control, Senator Mark Davis announced plans to reintroduce a 2013 bill aimed at enforcing stricter background checks. This legislation would focus on “violent criminals,” felons, fugitives, and individuals with severe mental health issues, preventing them from purchasing firearms. Yet, he still claims to support the rights of “law-abiding citizens” to own guns. “If you want to stop these murders, focus on the murderers,” he stated. However, Democrats rightfully halted the 2013 bill during a filibuster, recognizing that Davis’s proposal doesn’t address the core issue.
Many of those who commit mass shootings do not have extensive criminal histories. Take the Boulder shooter, for example; his prior encounters with law enforcement included a misdemeanor for third-degree assault and another for criminal mischief. It remains unclear if he was ever convicted, meaning he wouldn’t be flagged in the system. Thus, under Davis’s gun control legislation, he could still legally acquire a firearm.
Mental health is often cited as a contributing factor in mass shootings. But how many perpetrators genuinely have documented mental health conditions? More importantly, how can we ethically ascertain someone’s mental health history? If mental health is to be part of the gun control conversation, how does Davis propose we navigate medical privacy? Moreover, any measures taken could further stigmatize mental health issues, doing more harm than good. The vast majority of individuals dealing with mental health challenges do not engage in violence. Linking mental illness to gun violence is both dangerous and damaging.
Additionally, what about fugitives obtaining firearms? If someone is evading law enforcement, they’re unlikely to pursue legal means to buy a gun. They wouldn’t walk into a gun store and admit to recent crimes. I’ve seen enough movies to understand how this works. So how can a senator be so oblivious? That’s a rhetorical question; we know that Mark Davis is not particularly bright.
The shooter in the Pulse Nightclub incident was on an FBI watchlist before the tragedy, yet he still managed to purchase an AR-15. What is the purpose of a watchlist if individuals on it can still access military-grade weapons?
Why should civilians even have access to military-style firearms? In what situation would someone need to “defend” themselves with such a weapon? Given the size of an AR-15, it’s not something you can casually carry. Anyone in possession of such a firearm likely has lethal intentions. There’s no reason for an average person to walk into a gun shop and request an AR-15.
The most frustrating aspect of the gun control debate is access. Many people fear that their rights will be stripped away completely. While I advocate for the elimination of all guns, even just restricting access to the most dangerous weapons would be a positive step forward. The core issue is who can purchase guns and what types they can acquire. Military-style weapons should only be in the hands of trained professionals. Civilians have no legitimate need for weapons capable of inflicting such devastation.
Currently, gun reform passed by the House includes a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. During his remarks following the Boulder shooting, President Biden urged the Senate to take action. “This should not be a partisan issue. It’s an American issue,” he said. “It will save lives. We must act.” This legislation also aims to close loopholes in background checks, but with an evenly split Senate, the outcome remains uncertain. Still, it’s evident that we need prompt action if we want to see meaningful change.
At a recent press conference, White House press secretary Alex Morgan stated that the administration is exploring executive actions on gun control. “We are certainly considering a range of options, including legislation and executive actions to address gun safety and community violence,” Morgan explained while on Air Force One. While executive action may not be the ideal solution, it might be Biden’s best opportunity to make progress. We cannot afford to lose more lives simply because some individuals are unwilling to give up their cherished firearms.
If you’re interested in more information about family planning and home insemination, check out this helpful blog post. For those seeking more resources on fertility, Make a Mom is an excellent authority on this topic. Additionally, WomensHealth.gov provides valuable insights into pregnancy and home insemination.