Sticking to guns proves difficult in cycle of violence

Art+by+Anna+Gorman+

Art by Anna Gorman

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These three core values serve as the foundation for U.S. citizens to live a life of prosperity and safety. However, it is impossible to attain these values if the basis of our nation’s belief system sits upon an outdated right which grants individuals the right to bear arms. Our nation’s system does just the opposite of those rights; it infringes upon the people’s rights and it threatens the unalienable rights the government is supposed to protect: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Sure, the United States emphasizes the freedom of an individual under the Constitution and their right to protect themselves against possible dangers in civilization. Just think: how can the freedom found in modern society possibly be compared to the idea of freedom established over 200 years ago? Benjamin Franklin did not think an AR-15 rifle, which fires at a rate of 138 rounds per minute, would be considered a “firearm” and would be used to secure the right of the people and the state. The 2nd Amendment was written quite a long time before revolvers were even invented. Consequently, the exact opposite of the desired outcome has been achieved.

Now, more than ever, Americans live in a constant fear of shooters and their motives. The idea of safety has completely vanished and the common use of the gun is to inflict violence upon others, not to protect them.

Nowadays, the media mentions the same tragic occurrence of a group of school children or worshippers in a church, appearing as targets in the shooter’s eyes. Mass shootings have been a problem since 1949 and yet, citizens still wait for any signs of progress. Times have changed. People have changed. We no longer live in a world where the possibility of one man killing over 50 people with a single was out of the question. The only way to stop a gunman is with a gun. This is an ultimate suicide pact that will lead to more bloodshed and the vicious cycle of violence never ceases.

The Second Amendment must be repealed-the innocent lives of Americans across the country lie at stake.