In a decision inspired by the tragic murders at Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland Florida, both Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods have raised the legal age to purchase guns. You must show identification that you are at least 20 years of age to Walmart, and 21 at Dick’s. In addition, Dick’s is no longer selling military assault rifles or high output magazines. Both chains have received an increase in their public approval rating. This is just a single example of how Americans feel about changing our gun laws in the most violent nation on the planet where guns are the primary culprit.

The most recent poll reveals the single and critical fact that 66 percent of all Americans believe that change is needed. Not listening to the American people are all Republicans and the NRA. Ten percent of Americans own 90 percent of the guns. Many of these individuals believe that changes are necessary.

The truth is that military weapons should never have been sold to civilians. Assault rifles have a single purpose; to kill as many human beings as possible in the shortest period of time. They are not used for hunting, and inefficient as a form of self protection.

In just six months 101 men, women, and children had their lives taken from them by three loan gunmen. Each man legally purchased assault rifles to commit murders in Las Vegas, a church in a small Texas town, and a high school in Florida. It is accurate to say that without these military weapons dozens of these individuals would still be alive.

Our nation’s biggest evil is undoubtedly the gun lobby. The NRA is the worst of the worst. They have no interest in saving innocent lives or the second amendment. Their only goal is to increase the profits of gun manufacturers and gun sellers.

All lobbies are evil and must be removed from our political system. They represent big business. The working class has no lobbyists. This is a violation of the 14^th amendment. We, the majority, are experiencing discrimination. Our legislators constantly sell their votes to these lobbyists.

Any Congressman or Senator who takes campaign funds from the NRA must not receive your vote. Time for change; time for our government to adhere to the wishes of the people and serve the majority.

A final note. I am so proud to live in a nation where our young men and women are fighting for their beliefs. March 24^th will become an important day in our nation’s history.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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Photo courtesy of Lorie Shaull

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