The gun debate is America is all the hot rage and for very good reason. Both sides of the argument are heating up with the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. My condolences go out to all that have been affected in this tragic situation.
Many argue that this is not a gun issue but one of mental illness. This is logical as without mental illness these shootings would be unlikely to take place. A great show is Mindhunter on Netflix. It shows the psychology of serial killers and the new idea of phsycho-analysis. The men in the show, which is based on real life, go against the common misconception at the time which was that serial killers are born evil. Through interviews these two FBI agents see that it was their life experiences that started them down the killing path. So in essence it was a preventable outcome and was a mental health issue. They usually were neglected by someone close to them such as a parent. So that plays right into the “school shootings are an outcome of mental illness.” It does make sense and many will argue against it just to make guns the more relevant issue.
I am a progressive person and I want to see change when it is necessary. Obviously, in the case of school shootings change is needed. The gun argument is that if the guns were taken away the shooter would be much less of a shooter without a gun. This is very true and we can see it with the statistics even after adjusted for population. Taking away the guns would stop more of these tragedies from happening. So for the second amendment advocates they swing more towards whatever protects their right to bear arms. But it is an amendment meaning it can be changed.
It appears we have reached the epic struggle. Mental illness vs guns. Well which is it? BOTH. Taking away the guns stops so many of these tragedies saving lives and as a short term solution is much better. On the contrary treating the mental illness and combatting the unfortunate circumstances many of these killers come from will be a better long term solution. Taking out the mental illness stops most if not all of these shootings. Taking away guns does the same but these mentally ill people are still going to do irrational and vile things. This is why both sides need to work together to reach a compromise. It seems that it is no guns or all guns. This in America for the foreseeable future will never be an outcome that will work.
The assault style weapon (AR-15) is the weapon of choice for many high death shootings. One side wants to ban it and one side wants to keep it… duh. Personally, if taking away that rifle from the public saves one child’s life then I am all for it. Many people do not view this in the same light as I do. So if you are pro AR-15 then tell me why your right to carry a weapon that has no real use to you is more important than a child’s right to live? I see in the pro-gun community, many are also pro-life. How can you be so contradictory? You feel that all life is created equal and no one should take another life yet here you are vouching for maintaining a weapon that is taking lives.
Another common argument is that the AR-15 is not the gun killing the most people so why should it be the main focus of a ban? Handguns are indisputably the most widely used weapon in homicides. However, in the current state of crisis it is not a call to ban guns that are killing the most people. That will come later but for now, it is about a gun that is killing children in a place where they should feel safe. Everywhere should feel safe but especially a school. Stealing away a child’s innocence and life is not okay just to protect a gun that “is not even killing the most people.” As a society we must band together and strike at every little piece we can to help protect people. If you are a true patriot then saving the lives in your community is much more important than your right to own a firearm.
I am hearing President Trump talk about arming teachers. WOW! That really went 0-100 really quick. Guns in school are a problem so what is the solution you ask? Add more of course. How could that ever go wrong? Both of my parents are teachers and have been for very long, so being the curious person I asked them their thoughts. My parents were unanimous in deciding that it is a horrible solution. Most teachers would not want to carry a gun first of all and secondly how reliable would they be in a situation of crisis? Most teachers would not challenge an active shooter and nor should we expect them to. They are molders of young minds (hopefully) and not a counter terrorism unit. Children can be caught in the crossfire and it would be brutal. Teachers may be prone to lash of and in extreme cases fire on a student or a student could overpower a teacher and take their weapon. Although those are extreme circumstances it is possible. On the topic of arming teachers, I am completely out.
Do not get me wrong, I can understand both sides of this argument and am always willing to have my opinion changed if new evidence arises. I just do not see any other way forward than a gun law change until better mental health services prevail. I think guns are cool and I would love to own one. I know that I am responsible and most gun owners are. But to me, giving up a gun to save even one life is worth it no matter how sentimental the gun is to me. I have seen many brave gun owners standing up to the growing issue while browsing the internet and I am proud of them for doing so.
In all honesty no one can determine the best outcome for this whole situation but we at least have to try. Measures need to be put in place and people need to take action. I am in support of the Parkland teens stepping up and encourage others to stand beside them. I also encourage the other side challenging them. Without the opposition the best outcome will not be reached even though any outcome will take more time. Not everyone will be happy but I guarantee the children that could be the next victims of a shooting will be happy when action to prevent their death is agreed upon.
FreedomOfThought 