Gun Violence: An Epidemic Of Firearms

An Epidemic of Firearms Just as drugs are to Columbia, and malaria is to Africa, gun homicides are epidemic in the United States. While it makes sense that a nation founded on violent uprising and personal freedom is resistant to restrictions being placed on their firearms, the body count is far too high for our current gun practices to go on as is. On an average day in America, 92 people are killed by firearms (Lopez 2015). Even more jarring is the number of school shootings; 150 since 2013 (Everytown 2015). In an extreme expression of convoluted judgement seven states have passed legislation allowing the possession of firearms in the classroom. These laws that in some twisted way are intended to make our schools safer are only further

This is made obvious in Linda Hasselstrom's pro-gun essay explaining her need for firearms. "He stared at me, and the muzzle of the shotgun began to rise. In a moment of clarity I realized that I was alone on the ranch and that he could shoot me and simply drive away" (2001, 299). While she is arguing her personal need for firearms in situations like this one, again and it's shown that people only desire safety in guns when guns are used against them. One report by the Urban Institute showed that in the lone Washington, DC school district there were 336 gunshots in close proximity to schools over the last school year (Everytown 2015). Guns are already a large problem in our nations schools and If guns were restricted more and taken out of this equation, personal firearms wouldn't be necessary any more. On college campuses this view is a popular one supported by a 2013 poll showing 78% of people were against concealed weapons on campus (Reynaldo and

As presented in Students For Gun Free Schools paper "The introduction of handguns on our campuses would inhibit this dialogue by creating fear of possible retaliation" (2011, 2) The presence of a firearm in the classroom may have the effect of silencing students less mainstream beliefs and viewpoints that need to be heard to benefit all students. Afraid of the consequences of their comments on an issue students may elect to refrain from providing input on controversial topics that must be heard. The threat of a teacher or student lashing out at a colleague or pupil with deadly force would stem the open exchange of ideas necessary in higher education. In the same paper the point is brought up that, "In order to foster a healthy learning environment at America’s colleges and universities, it is critical that students and faculty feel safe on campus" (2011, 1). A healthy learning environment is dependent of the safety and freedom of all involved and the introduction of guns into that environment only brings a serious threat to all parties involved into this safe space for