Gianna Ross, Junior

Gun violence has become a controversial and contentious issue not only in the U.S. but across the globe. According to the Gun Violence Archive, 11,379 people have died due to gun violence this year alone. These statistics perfectly demonstrate why stricter gun laws are absolutely crucial; no one should be scared for their most basic human right-LIFE. Instead of fighting for gun rights, I believe we should fight for the safety of children who are scared to go to school due to school shootings, teachers who are forced to prepare for these life-or-death situations, and the parents who would be robbed of their child. We must recognize the catastrophic damage guns cause and why the tightening of gun laws is requisite for the safest environment possible. Gun violence touches every part of our society, and with stricter laws, the numbers of homicides, suicides, and unintentional firearm deaths would dramatically decrease. While the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, I strongly believe that a proper background check, a mental wellness check, and thorough training on how to use the weapon and lock it away should be mandated. It’s also vital to remember that when these amendments were made, the world was a very different place, and many laws have now been modified to fit today’s society. Therefore, I believe politicians need to reflect and review gun violence statistics and make a decision that will save lives and create a safer environment.