I’m a gun owner because California is a community property state. I’ve never held a gun in my hand and I have no desire to feel the supposed rush of shooting one. But it is our 2nd Amendment right to own guns and according to CNN, 3% of Americans own 95% of them. I wonder if the rest of the world thinks we’re a bit crazy, given all the mass shootings by Americans exercising their right to purchase firearms and our unwillingness to do anything about it beyond offering thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. I have a few solutions, but I’m doubtful this Congress will do anything to address the root of the problem. I suppose we can call it progress that Congress is willing to at least consider banning the bump stock part that turns a semi-automatic weapon into an automatic. I’m glad that might be happening. I’m also glad that full out machine guns are illegal. But for me, that doesn’t even begin to address the real problem.
The problem is a complete lack of accountability, particularly for white Americans. It would be suicide for black and brown folks to walk around carrying guns, even in open carry states. Without guns, the color of our skin makes us a threat to many. Imagine us with guns? So, this whole gun thing is about white folks and their 2nd Amendment rights.
My solution doesn’t involve depriving law-abiding Americans of their guns. I propose that we treat would be gun owners the way we treat would be automobile drivers. Gun owners should have to pass a gun safety and mental stability test periodically to be licensed to own guns and to purchase ammunition. Additionally, they should be required to carry insurance to cover anyone who might be hurt by their use of their firearm. This seems reasonable to me and I’ve voiced my opinion to lawmakers in emails this week.
Until there are more of us demanding reasonable gun regulation than there are loud mouth NRA threats and campaign donations, nothing will change. Call, write, or email your lawmakers. It’s not hard and they need to hear our demands or nothing will change. And I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty weary of offering up thoughts and prayers every few months and not seeing anything change.
Wisdom.