Halftime

We live in an era where mass shootings are a tragedy that we see all too often. The head lines of El Paso and Dayton were far less surprising than Sandy Hook or Orlando. In just the last five years we have seen more headlines of mass shootings than I ever wanted to see in a lifetime. This blog's goal is to spread the message of love and simplistic solutions while not becoming involved with partisan politics like the rest of the nation. Congress seems hopelessly gridlocked when it comes to the the most pressing matters, for fear that taking a stand will injure their reelection efforts. But I can no longer stand idly by and not use my platform to offer a moderate, reasonable, unrestricted perspective on these public displays of hate. First and foremost, we all believe that something MUST be done. We understand there will always be outliers such as members of ISIS are to Islam or Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity. There will always be death and destruction: that is a fact of life. This does not mean we should not put forth our best effort to stop the taking of innocent lives tens at a time. Each life in this world is given great value and we want to retain their contributions to society at all costs. Trevor Noah pointed out on the Daily Show: Mental illness, violent video games, and harmful rhetoric from our leaders has all played a role in mass killings but guns have been at the center of every last one. The Second Amendment was meant to protect people; if it is shielding the people that hurt others, how is it fulfilling the purpose with which it was created. Extensive background checks are supported by an overwhelming majority of United States citizens, but has yet to become a reality because of pandering Congresswomen and Congressmen. Extended magazines that serve no purpose in hunting or protecting a home are still in circulation because gun lobbyists fear a hostile takeover. The current strategy is not working. We are at halftime and our coach needs to step up, make the gutsy call, and change the game plan. Call your House Representative. Call your Senator. Call your President. Make a change. Just a thought.