Gun Violence: A Perpetual Epidemic Overshadowed by Election Season

Increased Mass Shootings Amid Political Debates

Despite the critical issues dominating the political arena during the 2024 presidential campaign, a significant concern evidently remains largely neglected: gun violence in the United States. From the first presidential debate held on June 28 to the vice-presidential debate on October 1, at least 134 people have tragically lost their lives in 148 mass shootings all over the nation, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

The Overshadowing of Gun Violence Prevention

Unfortunately, amid disputes over the economy, abortion rights, political turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine, multiple assassination attempts on former President Trump, and the political shift leading to Vice President Kamala Harris being named the Democratic nominee, the pressing issue of gun violence prevention has surprisingly been overlooked by most. Nicole Hockley, CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, an organization committed to curbing gun violence, opines, “Gun violence is still one of the most important issues facing our country. We still have an ongoing epidemic.”

The Battle between Gun Rights and Gun Control

Although gun violence prevention is ranked eighth in importance among voters, a significant majority of Americans believe that current gun laws should be stricter and acquiring a gun is too easy. Notably, these views sharply contrast with claims from candidates during the debates, particularly those from Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, both nationally endorsed by the National Rifle Association.

The Engaged Youth: A Generation Demanding Change

Interestingly, this pressing issue carries particular weight among the younger generation, many of whom have experienced a lifetime of school lockdowns and active shooter drills. Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, observes, “This is a top issue for all voters and for young people, this hits them because they are the lockdown generation.”

Seeking Common Ground on Gun Laws

Arguably, gun violence prevention transcends politics, as the overwhelming majority would prefer mentally ill individuals to be barred from purchasing guns and for the legal age to buy guns to be raised. Nicole Hockley even proposes that the right to live to your full potential is a human right.
Despite the glaringly stark viewpoints on gun control and gun rights, there seems to be broad agreement on the necessity to enact reasonable measures to combat this ongoing epidemic of gun violence.

In Conclusion: Addressing the Epidemic of Gun Violence

With an alarming number of lives lost to gun violence, it is inevitable that the pendulum swings back to highlight this pressing issue. As the debate on gun control and rights continues, the echoes of gunfire reverberate through every corner of our nation. The democratic process empowers each citizen to cast a vote in determining the direction our country takes in addressing this seemingly perpetual epidemic. Unquestionably, the time to act is now.

Originally Post From https://southernillinoisnow.com/2024/10/26/gun-violence-still-a-big-issue-despite-flurry-of-election-topics-advocates-say/

Unmasking the Unsettling Reality of Gun Violence amidst Election Buzz