What if guns were Tide pods?
How many children are supposed to die in order for people to maintain an irrational fantasy that they could be a “good guy with a gun?”
Our right to survive a day at school will always outweigh their right to own any kind of gun they want. Our Founding Fathers used guns that fired one or two rounds per minute. The AR-15 can shoot at least 45 rounds a minute. Times have changed. Guns have changed. It only makes sense that our gun laws change with them.
A couple weeks ago, teenagers around the country began eating Tide pods as an Internet challenge. Many got sick and some even died. Stores began making them harder to purchase, even though most people have enough sense not to eat laundry detergent. They did that because it’s the sensible thing to do.
Ten or so people died from eating Tide pods. More than 56,000 people were killed by guns in the last three years, including 2,710 children under 12. Why can’t we use that same logic on a much larger scale?
We have to forget our differences and unite to save thousands of lives. And sending thoughts and prayers doesn’t begin to compare to policy and change.
Caroline Yandell
Sophomore, Sayre School
Lexington
What about a compromise?
The Parkland school shootings have again thrown the gun debate back into the spotlight where there seems to be little or no compromise.
Those in favor of stricter gun laws make compelling arguments that individuals should not be allowed to purchase guns until at least the age 21. We have all known immature individuals younger than 21 that we felt should not be allowed to purchase a weapon, particularly not an assault rifle. On the other hand, pro-gun advocates argue that because we allow an 18 year old to join the military, we cannot deny them the right to buy a gun, which is another compelling argument.
How about we compromise?
If you are willing to join the military, which means you have undergone the training and evaluation that military enlistment entails, then sure, you have earned the right to purchase a gun. Otherwise no, not until you are 21, and certainly not an assault weapon.
I know that won't solve the problems, but at least that gives you a more time to mature. Despite what our Declaration of Independence states, I think it is “self evident” that we are all created equal when it comes to maturity and mental stability.
Darrell Taulbee
Lexington
Ban and confiscate
Most states require background checks, banning the mentally ill or felons from having a weapon. This should include
