Democracy is on the line in in the US. In less than a month, Americans will decide whether they’ll keep Democrats in control of the government, or hand the keys to MAGA Republicans. Either move has grave consequences for the nation.
It was like a replay of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre that killed 25 people including 20 children. In the latest attack on Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tx, an 18-year-old gun man used Ar-15 style guns to kill 19 children and two teachers.
The gunman easily purchased two high-capacity guns the moment he turned 18 because Republican politicians in Texas have loosened gun laws so much, making it very easy from anyone 18 and up in Texas to buy a gun.
Americans have waited for politicians to act, but gun violence has only gotten worse year after year. Now, there are more guns in the US than people, with many untraceable ones, known as ghost guns circling around, putting not only school children at risk but every American.
In the latest case, the gunman was so heavily armed, that even the police were hesitant in confronting him, allowing the massacre to continue for an hour. It’s unclear how the shooter met his death, but reports indicate the police fatally shot him.
News that it took an hour for the police to confront the gunman has angered people, who have taken to blame the police. But with such permissive gun laws, it’s not shocking the police would fear for their lives when confronted with such a situation.
Americans must acknowledge that Republicans and not Democrats are the problem in making gun safety laws. Any assertion blaming both sides only serves to give culpable Republicans a cover to continue with their inaction while people continue to be mowed down by gunmen, who probably would never have a gun had the laws been a little stricter.
To their credit, House Democrats passed gun-reform legislation two years ago, but Senate Republicans have refused to take it up, blocking it using the undemocratic filibuster rules in the upper chamber.
With the midterm elections just 7 months away, Americans have an opportunity to change things up. Vote out Republicans who are standing in the way of gun-law reform and support Democrats or Republicans who are willing to do something to change this uniquely American problem.
Americans must acknowledge that Republicans and not Democrats are the problem on this issue. Any assertion blaming both sides only serves to give culpable Republicans a cover to continue with their inaction while people continue to be mowed down by gunmen, who probably would never have a gun had the laws been a little stricter.
Opinion polls show a majority of Americans want some gun reforms. In particular, they want universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. Those are reasonable demands that would save lives and reduce incidents of gun violence.
It’s in our hands, Americans can choose to use their vote as a means to effect the change required to promote gun safety, or vote for Republicans giving them a free hand to continue loosening gun laws.
If we can restrict the drinking and smoking age, we can put in place gun safety laws that protect everyone from killers while allowing responsible gun owners to enjoy their 2nd Amendment rights.
The latest victims of the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Robb Elementary kids in Texas, are counting on us.