Why We Need To See Commonsense Gun Reform

Honestly, why is this still even in question?

I get it, really. The second amendment declares your right to bare arms, I’m all for it, really. If you are responsible and strongly feel the need to own a gun, fine. However, I do not think you should be able to walk into Wal-Mart and walk out 15 minutes later with a brand new gun.

I know when gun owners hear “gun reform” they automatically turn to “Democrats are taking away our right!” False. What Democrats are trying to do is make it safer for gun owners and non-gun owners alike. I know one thing most people can agree on is that there have been far too many shootings and we’ve heard President Obama speak too many times about mass shootings.

It’s important that we come together on gun control instead of becoming increasingly divided. If we can look to find common ground, we can find a solution that does not take away rights from responsible gun owners, meanwhile, also drastically cutting the amount of mass shootings in America. We can all agree, it is a right for all responsible Americans to have a gun, but it is too easy for all Americans to buy a gun, leading to weapons in the wrong hands. In the United States, we should not see more Americans able to buy a gun than board an airplane.

It’s frustrating when I hear opponents of more regulated gun laws say the problem is not guns, the problem is a mental health issue. While, I do not entirely disagree mental health is a factor in the increasing amounts of gun violence, I see it as a reason we need thorough background checks on gun owners. The solution is to not take away gun control rights from responsible Americans, its to assure that questionable Americans do not take away the right from everyone else.

I live in Iowa, arguably one of the safest places in our country. However, due to recent increases in crime in Des Moines, it makes me question how safe I really am. This week marks the third anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This was one of the deadliest shootings in our nation’s history that left 26 dead, 20 of whom were children. The Sandy Hook shooting was a horrifying day in our history and it’s time to say enough is enough.

Obviously our gun laws are not doing enough and frankly, I’m sick of hearing how if we place stricter laws regulating gun sales the bad guys will still get guns. Our current laws are not working. We need Congress to come together and work to find commonsense laws and regulations that will make our schools, malls, and work places safer for everyone.

My hope for 2016 is that we will finally see commonsense gun reform, at this point it’s a matter of life or death.