You've probably heard of the deadly ISIS attack at a wedding in Kabul that killed more than 60 people over the weekend. That one was evidently sensational enough to catch the attention of the news media. However, that attack was far from the only one to occur over the weekend. Over the past 30 days, 87 attacks have happened in 23 countries killing 645 people and injuring 801 with Islamic terrorism around the world.
So why am I mentioning this today? I’m seeing a lot of activity that’s focused on dealing with symptoms rather than seeking solutions to problems regarding gun control. I was supportive of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Safety Act, in large part due to the pragmatic approach of the law. The reforms tied to the root of the problems in our society. Meaning people, not inanimate objects like guns. Just as thousands were killed on 9/11 without the use of a gun and more than 60 in the wedding attack over the weekend, all you’re going to do is create a false sense of having accomplished something without even scratching the surface of the real problem. That is, what’s driving people to kill.
Any effort to simply place blame and focus on objects, like guns, independent of other reforms misses the point entirely and should be opposed. Any meaningful reform should address issues like mental health as a starting point for the conversation. Until the mid 80’s fully automatic weapons were legal in the US and we didn’t have the problems we do today. But then again, our adults pledged alliance to our country in the classroom, where God was still allowed. The same people who’ve successfully removed God from the classrooms and the common pledge as Americans are now seeking to use tragedies to achieve other political objectives. If they’re successful, expect similar results to the removal of God and the pledge.
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