Gun Violence in America

Chicago is know for its striking architecture, signature deep dish pizza, blues music, and colossal homicide rate. Many Chicago neighborhoods are often compared to as a war zone due to the devastating murders that occur everyday from gun violence. West Garfield Park has a homicide rate of 116.7 per capita, compared to the murder rate of 90 in Honduras, the murder capital of the world. Chicago has even been given the nickname "Chiraq" because of the bloodshed and innocent deaths that happen everyday, similar to the war in Iraq. The violence in Chicago will never be put to rest unless gun control laws are passed.

Guns are used to kill. If guns control laws are enacted and enforced, then violence will decrease and lives will be saved. If others have access to guns, they are more likely to hurt you or others, than if their access to guns is restricted. Recently, a Loyola University Chicago student was shot and put into critical condition while walking in Rogers Park in Chicago. The student was injured in a random drive-by shooting and was not the intended target. In 2012, a 7-year-old girl was gunned down while selling lemonade outside her house in West Chicago. Incidents like these highlight how problematic guns are. Everyday innocent lives are ended, not because they're affiliated with gangs or other provoking organizations, but simply because they are at the wrong place at the wrong time. Along with a decrease in murder and injuries, mass shootings will become history if there is gun control. America has been plagued with mass shootings in the past few years; it seems like every week there is a new devastating headline. The obvious solution to this epidemic is to ban guns or restrict access to such weapons. Enforcing gun control will create a safer and more secure environment in America.

The United States has the highest gun ownership rate in the world, with 88.8 guns owned per 100 people. The U.S also has the highest firearm-homicide rate, a clear relationship between gun related deaths and gun ownership. Given these statistics, I don't understand why the U.S doesn't enact gun laws immediately. Lives are at risk every day because of ignorant and careless people who misuse their privilege of owning a gun. I think enough is enough, how many more people need to be killed, families torn apart in order for others to realize that guns are the real culprit?