Gun Violence in the USA: And How to Fix It

Over the weekend, there were three mass shootings; one in El Paso, TX, one in Dayton, OH, and one in Chicago, IL. My heart is breaking for all those families who lost a loved one to this senseless act of terrorism! Yes, let's call it what it is...domestic terrorism!

Mass shootings are not a new thing, unfortunately; they've been happening since the 1920's, at least. However, they seem to be "trending", lately. Killing should never be a trend, people!!

Every single time we endure a mass shooting, the first thing that people talk about is mental health reform; and, although that is definitely something we need, proper therapy and treatments aren't going to stop rageaholics from being violent! According to Psychology Today, hate is not a mental illness; I agree with that. I have mental illnesses...depression and anxiety. I also grew up playing video games, listening to rock music, watching violent movies, and not praying in school. I have never once considered killing anyone! The stigma of "mental illness = mass shooter" needs to stop!!

And before you say it, I am aware that there are a handful of domestic terrorists who were on some type of anti-depressant, or anti-psychotic drug. I've known a number of people who can also lay claim to taking those pharmaceuticals....none of them have the desire to kill anyone! It's not about mental illness, folks!

Wikipedia has a list of mass shootings that dates back to 1949; that domestic terrorist simply wanted to kill people. He didn't have any mental health issues, he was just pissed off. In fact, if you click on this link, and scroll down to the actual list, you can research them yourself. None of them should've ever been able to purchase, or obtain, any type of firearm!!

I've been in a few interesting online conversations, this weekend. A few of them even included those red herrings I mentioned. And, I've debunked them all. We have a President who incites violence and hate, on Twitter and in the rallies he holds. He's empowering the rageaholics; the El Paso shooter even  said he's a Trump supporter! And, today, Trump addressed the nation, with the idea of tying stronger background checks for firearms purchases to immigration reform. In other words, he's only interested in making it difficult for immigrants to obtain firearms; he's not interested in keeping We the People safe!

That's what needs to happen, though...an overhaul of the entire purchasing process. There is no logic as to why a citizen would be in possession of an assault weapon that's capable of killing 30+ people within minutes; unless that citizen planned on committing a mass murder. High capacity firearms only have one purpose....to kill as many human beings, as quickly as possible.

This is what I believe Common Sense Gun Legislation should look like...
  • Get the NRA’s money out of politics
  • Implement comprehensive Universal Background Checks for all sales (retail, gun show, and private)
  • Close the loopholes that give domestic violence convicts access to firearms (the Sutherland Springs shooter was not mentally ill, he was a violent man who should've been behind bars)
  • Red Flag teenagers who display violent tendencies, so they're not able to purchase firearms as adults (the Dayton, OH shooter had a hit list, and a rape list; and openly confessed his desire to kill certain people)
  • Treat all firearms like vehicles (licensing, registration and insurance)
  • Ban bump stocks (permanently)
  • Ban all firearms that carry a large capacity clip/magazine (permanently)

What do you think of my list? Is there anything you think should be added to it? Let me know, in the comments section!


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