The year 2015 witnessed a mass shooting nearly every day. By this time last year, there had been 37 mass shootings, resulting in 59 deaths and injuring 118. The abominable situation continues in 2016. As of the writing of this article, there have been 27 mass attacks with a gun, killing 48 and injuring 113. The most recently reported was in Kalamazoo, Michigan, when an Uber driver randomly shot eight people, killing six, and seriously injuring two others.

Republicans in Washington continue to ignore these horrific incidents. They consider them ‘collateral damage’ and continue to support the NRA Lobby, in return for donations to their campaign funds. This is unforgivable.

These hypocrites claim that any change to our gun laws would violate the second amendment; very far from the truth.

Contrary to the recently departed Antonin Scalia, our Constitution is a ‘living document.’ It must be addressed based on current conditions and situations in our nation, not those when it was penned in 1789. Our founding fathers would make changes to the amendment if they were alive today.

Something must be done to protect innocent victims. As of today, gun manufacturers and gun sellers are the priority; people are of little or no importance.

Tragedies such as the one in Kalamazoo are all over the media. But what about the other 47? Why do the ‘news services’ fail to report the enormous numbers of gun deaths daily in the United States?

An unforgivable total of 4,486 lives were lost during the illegal war in Iraq. Our nation’s leaders who were responsible for this unnecessary loss of life will suffer in hell for all eternity. This number was the total sum of eleven years of battle. Each year 33,000 Americans are killed by an individual using a gun. Not once has this fact been recounted by the major media.

Sadly, thanks to unreported incidents, the murder of innocents with the use of a gun has become acceptable; that us until it happens to you, or someone you know and love.

For the average American, assault rifles and high-output magazines serve no purpose with the exception of replacing low testosterone levels. Comprehensive background checks for all gun sales is a must. If they save even a handful of lives, it is all worth it.

The vast majority of all Americans, including gun owners, support background checks; only Republicans in Washington oppose them.

There is a far greater reason to fear those who appear to be normal and average Americans while eating at a restaurant, going to a place of worship, or attending a movie, than the exaggerated danger from ISIS.

It’s time to get real, America. Ignore the misleading rhetoric and protect yourself and your family. New gun regulations are a must.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of John McStravick

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