This past Sunday, December 14th was the two year anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy that took the lives of twenty children and six adults. This past week, the parents of ten children who were killed in the attack, and one teacher who survived, have filed a lawsuit against the companies behind the production and distribution of the Bushmaster AR-15 rifle, the gun that was used by the shooter, Adam Lanza. This wrongful death lawsuit argues that this weapon was used to take many lives during that short time that it was in use, and is a military weapon, too powerful to be sold to everyday Americans. While the outcome of the lawsuit is to come, the parents have brought up the important issue of gun regulation in the United States.

It seems that over the years, Americans have become increasingly numb to the tragedies taking place in their own nation. This is because of how common it is to hear about gun-related deaths and violence in this country. The events that take place at schools or other public locations are the ones that garner the most attention, but even then, after a few weeks, the outrage at the event peters off and is then pushed to the back of everyone’s mind until the anniversary comes around.

There should be no indifference whatsoever. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention there are 31,672 deaths every year involving guns. This is far higher than most other modern nations. While all of these deaths may not be caused by violence, or take place at schools, it is certainly high enough to be extremely concerning. It would seem that stricter gun regulation is the obvious answer, but that is not the case.

As United States citizens it is our constitutional right to bear arms, which makes gun regulation difficult. Not only is amending the Constitution a difficult process, but many people still support this right. Although in a country that is supposed to be as safe as the United States, it seems unnecessary for everyday people to own guns in such large numbers. This only allows dangerous individuals in our society easier access to items that can be used to seriously harm others. While banning guns entirely in the United States might never occur, restricting access to guns at least for some individuals in our society such as convicted felons, could be the step towards a safer future. But until then, how many more events like Sandy Hook must occur before any change is made?