To solve the problem of gun violence we must first put away our political motivations and act like responsible, concerned citizens. According to government statistics 11,000 people die each year from guns, most in big cities. Since 2008 74,000 people have died from gun violence but only after the horror of Newtown has any one in government spoken out.
It is up to us to make America safer. Gun supporters and members of the anti gun lobby alike must recognize that a multi-point solution gives us the best possible chance to appreciably reduce gun violence in America.
These are areas to be explored:
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1)More funding for mental health in the hope that we may learn what makes people do the unthinkable and kill the innocent.
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2) An increase in school security. Many people object strongly to having armed guards in every school but we must look into this approach. (It seems to work in Israel.)
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3) More complete background checks for potential gun owners emphasizing that safe gun storage is ultimately the responsibility of the gun owner.
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4)Stiff mandatory sentences for those who sell firearms illegally.
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5) More serious efforts at gang control in the inner cities where the majority of gun deaths occur. These ideas are just a start but a responsible start. I hope many of you who read this will join me in demanding that our representatives start moving forward, for the sake of our neighbors, our children and our own peace of mind. Thank you.
Louis F. Eden
