Your Turn: Lawmakers must enact legislation to end reckless possession of firearms
My heart cringes, thinking about the last two months of gun violence and mass shootings.
These sad and horrific events happen at schools, shopping centers, hospitals and public events. How many innocent victims need to be slain before there is legislation in place, or an order to cease the use of military-grade firearms used by unlicensed citizens? How many more times will we fly the American flag at half-staff in memorial to victims of a mass shooting event?
I reviewed a recent article where a state legislator held up his own handgun and stated, “The Democrats are trying to take your gun rights away.” This is far from the truth. In this day and time, I strongly believe it is necessary to protect yourself and your home. I plan to complete the appropriate requirements to obtain a license to carry a firearm soon, so political affiliation has nothing to do with it.
The Washington Post records 163 mass shootings in the United States from 1967 to 2019. Between the years of 2021 and 2022, there have been 232 mass shootings in the United States. There is no Democratic nor Republican legislator trying to take your gun rights away, but having a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle or a AR-15 style rifle is questionable when possessed by civilians, unless he or she are duly and properly trained for such weapons, primarily those in the military or law enforcement fields.
State and national lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, must work together to find and enact appropriate legal protocols and laws to end the reckless possession of such firearms. A thorough review and revision of policies is most needed now. Properly revised gun control could decrease the growing gun violence by mass shooting incidents and save innocent lives. It is imperative we make America safe again.
Shandale Terrell, Ed.D., is an educator for Polk County Public Schools, a civic leader in Lakeland, Polk County and Florida.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Your Turn: Lawmakers must enact legislation to end reckless possession of firearms
