The United States has been in turmoil lately, or has it always been this way? It seems I constantly slam on the United States; however, I observe what I see and feel we need to discuss. The only way to progress as a society is through talking about the complex issues we all face. Something that has weighed heavy on my heart is the violence guns have brought to our country.

Little Boy on Gun Violence AD. Image Source

Statistics of Worst Mass In U.S. Image Source

According to the second amendment, individuals have the right to bear arms. My question to you is, at what cost? Everyone is entitled to freedom in the land of the free; should we be free to take our neighbor’s lives? No. We account for about 5 percent of the world population yet make up 31 percent of the world’s mass shootings. Is this acceptable? No. Many people will argue about how valuable guns are and how many lives they have saved, and to an extent, I agree; however, today, we will look at how many people we have lost. In the last three years, there have been over 600 mass shootings. That is two a day. How scary is that? Being a victim or close to a victim of a mass shooting. Trust me when I say the pain is indescribable. Being from Vegas, I was in the city during the largest mass shooting in our country’s history. The fear I felt when I heard about it was immeasurable, and my heart almost dropped when I realized my mother was at Mandalay Bay. I called her frantically to be met with no response for hours until I finally heard my phone ring. I cried joyfully in that moment and was beyond grateful to God my mom was safe. Guns bring fear.

Guns Rights VS Gun Control. Image Source

A few days ago, Nashville underwent a school shooting in which three children and three adults died. The shooter was labeled as psychologically/emotionally troubled. Guns cause loss. My question is, why are no laws stopping individuals in emotional distress from owning guns? Why is Florida allowing gun laws to be less strict? Why is it that we attack foreigners and label them as “dangerous” and state they are the source of the problem, yet most of these shooters are not minorities? I am so tired of sending prayers. I am so tired of saying we will stop it eventually. Action needs to be taken NOW! I know, sadly, that is not how it works, but one child, one person, is worth more than all the guns in the world.

Girls Crying On Bus During Nashville Shooting. Image Source.