Welcome to a new, weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column, along with a new topic for consideration and feedback. Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s topic is:
Gun Violence, Rights & Legislation
What can or should be done to curb/end the United States’ epidemic of mass shootings?
With two mass shootings occurring this past week in the U.S.—first in Atlanta, Georgia with 8 victims murdered, and the second just days ago in Boulder, Colorado with 10 victims—outcries for gun legislation and reform have peaked, once again, from constituents and politicians across the nation. The most outspoken of which, decry AR-style rifles and high-capacity ammunition magazines (most often used in the U.S.’ recent history of mass shootings) calling for a ban of them, altogether. This is certainly not the first time we, as a Nation, have heard these demands.
But the issues of gun violence, gun safety, and the legal rights of gun owners are complex and deserving of a fair and balanced conversation. Advocates for responsible gun ownership, espouse proper safety protocols, technique in handling, and an adherence to the laws of the land—both federal and state—as reasons to practice their hobby safely, be it for the sport of hunting, at the firing range, and/or for their general interest in the craft of guns. Protecting one’s home, assets, and life are additional reasons cited by advocates to possess and, even, conceal carry their guns. The word “gun” need not be synonymous with the word “weapon” many say.
Our questions to you, dear reader. Is there a sensible approach to reforming gun laws that could both curb mass shootings in the U.S. and protect the rights of responsible gun owners?
What approach and steps do you suggest our representatives in Congress take to address the national epidemic of gun violence?
Is gun violence indicative of a larger health crisis—namely, mental illness?
What do you think and suggest? Please share your thoughts in the form below.
