A Gun or a Pen: The Weapons We Have, Which is More Dangerous?

Possibly one of the most controversial topics in the United States to talk about, but at the base, why is it consistently brought up? If you look at the recent years, you’ll see a large uptick in mass shootings, and yet no effective action is taken to prevent these from constantly reoccurring.

The Second Amendment states, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." This means that we can keep arms in our possession as long as we use them to protect ourselves from harm. For our own "SECURITY". So then what exactly is the issue?

The issue is the mass availability of guns and the ease for customers to be able to purchase them.The issue is the lack of proper gun control that exists in this country. I’m not saying to ban guns, I’m saying to implement a system that will make it harder to get guns and weapons in the hands of potential terrorists. Have thorough and proper background, physical, and mental checks on all those who would purchase guns and weapons. Make sure customers have conversations with proper therapists and psychiatrists to ensure that the customer is mentally fit to wield a weapon.

No one is willing to sit down and really have a conversation about the lack of proper gun control that exists in the United States. And honestly, it’s about time we do. How many more kids and teenagers have to die in school shootings before real legitimate action is taken to prevent the ease of guns that gets into the hands of these shooters?

I‘m not saying ban guns from the markets all together. I’m saying implement a system that will make sure everyone who handles a gun, is mentally and physically fit to use it, and will use it responsibly. I know there are a lot of people who prefer to use guns to protect themselves and for sport and more, but there needs to be a proper system in place that will check the health of those who want to buy high end weaponry. Guns are a good way to protect ourselves when we find ourselves in danger. But do we need to carry a gun every single day of our lives? Because while guns are good for protection in life or death situations, they also create fear and hostility in people who see the weapon being aimed at them.

More than anything, it’s the fear and hostility that a weapon aimed at a person prompts another and another to buy weapons to protect themselves. Why, why are we so bent on using fear and hostility to protect ourselves, even if we endanger others? And if we really want to protect ourselves, why don’t we implement a system that will reduce the risk of potential shooters getting those arms and endangering our siblings, children, friends, and family?