Last week I had dinner with a few of my sorority sisters. During our series of group text messages to finalize our plans to meet, one of my friends reminded us to be on guard, because there had been an upsurge in car burglaries and other crimes in the Broad Ripple area. Another friend replied by telling one of our proud gun-toting sisters to be sure to bring her gun so she can protect us. We exchanged a series of comical emojis and commenced with our individual lives.
When we all met for dinner later that evening, the first question that arose was directed to our sister who carries a gun almost everywhere.
“Did you bring your piece?” one of us asked. Shortly thereafter, the last guest arrived, and before she even sat down she asked, “You have your gun?”
Our no-holds-barred sister tapped her right side and said, “I got it. It’s right here.”
It was a light-hearted moment, and we all laughed.
My sister — the one who carries a gun — is incredibly sensible, level headed and does not succumb to drama or tense situations. I trust her ability to responsibly carry a gun. And if Indiana required mental evaluations prior to issuing gun licenses, I am confident my friend would pass with flying colors.
But the sad reality is, not everyone is as rational as my friend. And while my sisters and I laughed as we joked about her carrying a gun, the increase in gun violence is no laughing matter.
Here are some startling facts to consider:
- Every day, 89 people in the U.S. die from gun violence.
- Every day, 297 people in this country are shot in murders, suicides and suicides attempts, unintentional shootings and police intervention. At Recorder press time, Indianapolis had 105 criminal homicides for the year, and a majority of them were via gunshot.
- Annually, 2,677 children die from gun violence in the U.S.
- Annually, 32,514 people in America die from gun violence.
If I didn’t know any better, I would think these statistics were reflective of some underdeveloped country — certainly not one of the world’s most premier countries.
Simply put, America’s gun culture is out of control. If it weren’t, we wouldn’t have the overabundance of mass shootings and random homicides that have become all too normal and accepted in today’s society.
I have been thinking a lot about best friends Mikayla Mitchell, 18, and 17-year-old Coriana Johnson. The two were gunned down in a parked car Oct. 5.
Friends and family say Mitchell and Johnson were good girls who, despite their circumstances, wanted a better life and worked hard to encourage other teens. The duo were mentors at G.L.A.M., a local organization designed to empower young girls and encourage them to overcome adversities.
The girls’ violent deaths were most likely at the hands of an individual(s) who directly or indirectly obtained guns from the type of dealer who represents only 5 percent of gun dealers, yet supplies more than 90 percent of all guns used in crimes.
Stopping bad-apple gun dealers will reduce gun violence. So will requiring more extensive background checks to be performed prior to granting gun permits. At least then, we will eliminate mentally ill individuals as well as serious aggressors such as domestic abusers.
Every state in America requires each person to pass a driving proficiency exam before they are issued a driver’s license. Why can’t we mandate the same thing for someone who wants legal access to guns? Isn’t that added step in the gun-permit process worth saving the lives of the more than 32,000 people per year who die from gun violence?
Political season is upon us. Candidates are vying for votes — they are in our neighborhoods, they frequent our barbershops and beauty salons, and they even infiltrate our churches. The public needs to ask candidates tough questions that garner quantifiable answers, such as their stance on gun control.
I understand people stand on the Second Amendment and want to protect themselves. It’s important to note that gun control is not about eliminating the public’s access to guns; it’s about ensuring that those of us who carry guns are of sound mind.
I implore political leaders to take action to reduce this crisis. You should demand the same thing.
