SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Guns. Guns. Guns. Murder. Mayhem. And violence. It can be argued that the four words mentioned are synonymous with the United States of America.
Look at our culture. We love entertainment that deals with guns and gun culture. A quick google search of the highest grossing film in 2022 produces “Avatar: The Way of the Water.” It is the story about an oppressed people fighting against corporate greed and genocide.
The blue people in Avatar, Way of Water defend themselves with bows and arrows while the corporate mercenaries and soldiers possess advanced weaponries and guns. Lots of guns.
In real life, babies are killing babies. Take New Mexico for example. In August, an five year-old baby\ was murdered in a drive-by shooting as they slept. Five teenagers have been arrested so far in connection with the crime. Albuquerque police say the crime was committed because of a feud between the teenagers and the murdered child’s relative. Something seemingly happened at the local school and it escalated into a senseless murder.
Earlier this month, an 11 year-old child was murdered when 17 rounds were fired into the car they were riding in after a incident of suspected road rage ocuured in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The women driving the car was taken to a local hospital and treated for serious gunshot wounds.
A part of me believes that the citizen needs the right to possess a gun. We should have the right to bear arms and protect ourselves from those who would do us harm. As Police across the country find their hands tied by liberal policies that seemingly foster lawlessness and allow for criminals to commit crimes without any repercussions, what should Americans do to protect themselves?
Or what would have happened if Trump’s January 6th coup succeeded? Who would rational, law abiding citizens turn to for help and protection?
On the other hand, do normal citizens need to have access to weapons of war like the AR 15 or guns that accommodate high capacity magazines? Should we have stricter background checks before someone is able to purchase a firearm? Should a gun owner have to undergo a test to possess a firearm? Should they have re-take the test every few years? After all, we have to renew our driver’s licenses every so often. One can argue the automobile, like the gun, is a weapon that can be used to kill.
The gun is a problem that needs to be addressed in this country. Finally, there is a Governor in New Mexico that is willing to question the status quo about gun control.
Thank you, Governor Lujan Grisham for standing up.
