On February 14, a tragic event unfolded at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where at least 17 lives were lost, and many others were injured. This marked the 18th school shooting within just 45 days in 2018. Take a moment to process that. This reality is unacceptable. We urgently require sensible gun legislation.
While opinions may vary on the right to bear arms, can we at least agree that our children deserve to feel safe in their schools? It shouldn’t be this easy for individuals to access firearms. Here are just a few common, relatively innocuous items that are more challenging to obtain than a gun:
- Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine)
Once available without restrictions, Sudafed is now heavily regulated due to its use in meth production. The federal government has stepped in to impose significant limitations on its accessibility. - Lawn Darts
There’s a type of lawn dart known as Jarts, which resulted in the tragic deaths of two children, leading to an immediate ban. When children are harmed, action is expected. - Health Insurance
A few years back, my family and I found ourselves applying for Medicaid after my husband lost his job. The process involved countless phone calls and mountains of paperwork, taking weeks just to secure basic health care for our young children. - A Drivable Car
To legally operate a vehicle, you must have license plates, current insurance, inspections, registration, and a valid driver’s license. It’s common sense—cars can be dangerous if mishandled. But apparently, anyone can safely operate a gun, right? - Fireworks
To use “display fireworks,” you must obtain a Federal explosives license. This process is extensive and requires fingerprinting, taking much longer than just a few minutes. - Birth Control Pills
These still require a doctor’s prescription. - My Kids’ Asthma Medications
It took me seven phone calls and two weeks to get my child’s asthma medication—the medication necessary for him to breathe. - A Kitten
Thinking of adopting a kitten or a dog? Prepare for scrutiny. Some agencies may conduct home visits and ask for references, making it a lot tougher than purchasing a firearm. - A Good Babysitter
I have a very short list of individuals I trust to care for my children, and it’s not easy to find someone reliable. - An Abortion
In many states, individuals must endure a 24-hour waiting period, counseling, and an ultrasound. It’s my body, my choice, but apparently not my timeline. - Roquefort Cheese
Certain European cheeses are banned in the United States, not just for their pungency but due to health risks from bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. You might find them on the “cheese black market,” proving that some cheeses are harder to get than guns. - Timely Cable Installation
You can spend an entire day waiting, only to be left frustrated when the cable company fails to show up—multiple times. - Hamilton Tickets
Good luck securing those! - Beer on Sunday Mornings
In many states, laws prohibit alcohol sales on Sundays, remnants of colonial “Blue Laws” that deemed it inappropriate to engage in commerce on a day of religious observance. Maybe it’s time to rethink these outdated rules.
If it were up to me, we’d eliminate all firearms. However, I understand that won’t happen. Nonetheless, owning a gun comes with immense responsibility. If we allow every American the right to own one, we must implement stringent checks to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. We’ve neglected this duty for too long, with dire consequences.
You can disagree with my perspective, but as a mother and a fellow human being, I refuse to remain silent. Gun reform is a pressing human rights issue, and we must act immediately. We can’t afford to wait another day.
In summary, it’s baffling that so many items—ranging from health essentials to simple pleasures—are harder to obtain than something as dangerous as a firearm. For more on navigating complex topics like artificial insemination, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys. Additionally, for excellent insights into pregnancy and home insemination, visit Healthline’s resource.