Enough!

 Over the weekend, there were two shooting incidents in the United States which resulted in 11 deaths and multiple injuries. Gun violence happens so often in our country that we've become desensitized to it. It's a problem that can't be ignored any longer.

As of May 15th, 2022, there have been 198 mass shootings (where four or more people were injured and/or killed, except for the shooter) in the U.S. That's more than 10 shootings per week and more than one per day. There were 693 mass shootings in the United States in 2021 and 611 mass shootings in our nation in 2020.

Some people have been blaming television, movies and video games for the rise in violence. I had Star Wars and G.I. Joe action figures and vehicles when I was a kid. I also had toy guns and played video games such as Doom, Duke Nukem and the Grand Theft Auto titles. None of that ever made me want to shoot another person or even own a gun, for that matter. Of course, back then, I could go to the video arcade, attend school, roller skate and hang out with my friends without worrying about mass shootings, either, 

Mental health has also been brought up. Mental health is obviously important. People who shouldn't have guns or other weapons shouldn't have access to them. It's also time to consider background checks, safety training and ensuring that all firearms are unloaded and stored safely when not in use. 

Several Second Amendment and National Rifle Association (NRA) proponents have suggested that people who are opposed to gun violence want to take their guns away. No one wants your weapons. People want responsible gun ownership so that mass shootings will become a thing of the past. 

Every time a tragedy like this occurs, we see people extend thoughts and prayers to the victims. That's fine, but thoughts and prayers won't bring back people who were killed by a gun. They also won't prevent such acts from happening again. No one wants mass shootings. No more innocent lives need to be lost. It's beyond time to start taking gun violence seriously. If you're as concerned about this subject as I am, feel free to contact your state senator or representative. Start a conversation. It can't hurt to try.

Well, that's all that I have to say for now. Thanks for reading. Until next time, have a great day, everyone!