Mass Graves? Or Minor Changes?

As of October 1, 2015, America has accomplished a new feat, there have been more mass shootings than there have been days in this year. 294 mass shootings for 274 days. In addition to this, in the last 30 years there have been more than 70 popularized mass shootings and even more that have not been covered in national news, a little over 200 more. Nearly 11,000 people have been murdered, 22,000 have been injured, and about 600 of those killed and harmed have been children. According to Mother Jones, 57 of the popularized shootings have been committed with legally obtained weapons, that means more than 75% of the shooters obtained their weapons of mass destruction completely within the constraints of the law. However, despite this, the blame is nearly always placed on mental illness. While the reasons for why an individual becomes a mass murderer are, indeed, vastly complex, and mental health treatment in this country is still stigmatized and laughable, the infantile ease in which one can obtain a weapon is terrifying. It is obvious, whatever your belief about gun control, that something must change.

This meme has been circulating the internet lately with the increased attention on gun control and what America should do about it. The argument presented by this picture is that guns are not to blame for the violence they inflict but that the individual is responsible. For those unfamiliar with the Star Wars franchise, the individual wielding the Light Saber is Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi, who uses his weapon to commit a Jedi genocide, murdering all of the Padawans, or Jedi students. The main problem with the logic this meme is attempting to create is that only Jedi, after years of training and providing proof of skill and mental wellness were allowed access and the ability to wield their weapons. No one in their right mind, not even George Lucas, would give Jar Jar Binks a Light Saber.

As a fan and logical person this meme is insulting and unfortunately a popular opinion among not only the public but my peers. I believe wholeheartedly in equality and inalienable rights, I do not want to limits any ones rights to defend themselves. On the contrary I want to make sure that right is extended to the 600 children America has harmed in its negligence.

Increasing the regulatory processes of gun licensing and the penalties for infractions on that license is where we should start.