In just the past year, there have been 45 school shootings in the United States and many are speculating that the current state of gun control is eliciting such tragedies. Most recently, a gunman killed more people at an Oregon Community College than all fatal shootings in Japan last year. These events have spurred a debate over whether or not firearms should be controlled – a debate which has many sides. On one hand, people argue that the accessibility of firearms is the cause of these tragedies while the opposing group believes that the benefits of “loose gun control” far outweigh the consequences.
Sandy Hook Elementary shooting where 20 kids and 7 adults were shot.
I believe the United States should revise their current laws and regulations regarding gun control. The process required to acquire a firearm needs to be more intensive and should involve some sort of criminal background check as well as a clear stated reason why the firearm is being acquired. In addition, those in possession of a firearm need to be educated on firearm safety.
While the United States is far from enacting stricter gun control, the fact that firearms have been an instrument in 45 school massacres speak for itself. Effective change needs to happen now.
Reference link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/gun-culture-woven-deeply-into-american-social-fabric/article26640935/