Since mid-August of this year, 182 people have died in what are labeled as mass shootings. According to the definition supplied by the FBI, a mass shooting entails 4 or more people being injured by gunfire during related events – either by the same shooter or associated by geographic or other factors. Let the number sink in for just a moment. That means more than just 182 people who have died due to gun violence. That means that more than a hundred families are forced to mourn the loss of their husbands, wives, sons, daughters and cherished friends. Lives are forever changed and dreams are shattered. Is this what the 2nd Amendment really meant?
Just this past week, on December 7, 2017, there was a short blurb about yet another school shooting. Two students and the shooter died in this particular incident. This means that three more families were forced into a time of grief as the rest of the nation gears up to celebrate Christmas and the season dedicated to Peace and Good Will towards men.
What may be an even great tragedy is that this latest school shooting did not make National news other than a blip at the bottom of most station outlets. It seems we have become immune to the tragedy of others. The idea that our children may die simply for attending class no longer seems to merit our attention. It was just a few short years ago that 20 little ones were massacred as they sat in their school on a mid-December morn. That horrific event was followed by an outcry to finally do something about the gun violence in America. But all for naught, as the powerful gun lobby in this country brought enough pressure to thwart any meaningful action that may have lead to saved lives in the future. Instead, the debate turned to troubled young men who are on prescription medications for mood disorders.
In October, the month was heralded by a hail of gunfire and the blood of 59 victims whose only crime was attending a country music festival. This time, the killer was not a young person on anti-depressants; but rather, an angry and bitter individual who decided to bring death and destruction simply because he had the right to purchase an enormous stockpile of weapons. Just a few short weeks later, the military admitted that there was a foul-up in paperwork that allowed an unstable individual to purchase firearms. This man then decided to take out his rage and frustration on innocent victims who had gathered to worship God in a small country church. Is this what was meant by the 2nd Amendment?
Our Founding Fathers wanted to ensure that the new nation and her citizens could defend themselves from enemies and government tyranny. That is why they protected the rights of citizens to form a well-armed militia. Did the 2nd Amendment grant the right to kill innocent victims? Is that what it really meant?
Writer Bio: Angela Mose
I am a mom of 7 who has successfully homeschooled for 20 years. I was married for more than 25 years and have recently started my life over. I have a passion for writing and music and when the two can be combined, it is utopia. A Maryland native, I am planning to relocate north in the near future and will continue to strive to learn and experience new things on a regular basis. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home while exploring new ways to increase my knowledge and skills and help improve the lives of those around me.
