To date, there have been 27 mass shootings in America this year. Although data vary when comparing mass shootings in America to other countries what is clear is that lawmakers in America do not seem willing to make changes as the number of shootings, particularly in schools, continues to rise. Countries such as New Zealand, Norway, and Australia restricted weapons after one mass shooting. It is not clear how many more mass shootings it will take for legislation to get passed in America to help decrease these shootings.
The right to bear arms is commonly touted as a reason that regulation is not needed. The second amendment says “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 amendment has been interpreted to mean that all U.S. citizens have the right to own weapons and there should not be any restrictions. Actually, this amendment is saying that people should be able to have weapons for the purpose of a militia, but a militia typically comes together because of a war.
Let’s go a bit further. Some might say this is an antiquated way to interpret the second amendment. Let’s take a moment to analyze the words “well regulated.” When anything is regulated there is a system and process for usage. There is not a free for all. In America, there seems to be a free for all when it comes to having any common sense legislation when it comes to guns.
States like Indiana have chosen to loosen regulations. This year, Governor Holcomb signed a bill into law that eliminates permits for handguns. This law goes into effect on July 1, 2022.
As an educator, I am tired of going through trainings to learn how to protect children and myself from gun violence. I am tired of participating in lockdown drills to prepare for a breach of a school. I just want to teach students about academics. I do not want them to have to be taught how to stay alive if a person with a gun enters the school.
Until legislation gets passed, we will all continue to cry, pray, and rage against these senseless shootings.
We will continue to see memorials of school chairs set up to remember child and teacher victims of mass shootings. On this Memorial Day, my fervent hope is that this time will be the last time. Enough is enough.