Colorado Shooting Justice/ Challenge to Presidential Candidates

Our hearts have gone out to those affected in the wake of the recent tragedy in Colorado. We may know who committed the crime, but no reason will ever be justifiable. Time will pass, but the stolen lives of the victims can play a role in the future.

As is common with such horrific rampages, we cannot help but ponder what –if any- preventive actions could have been taken. The debate here is lively, with many believing this instance, and others like it, lack a pattern and thus cannot be prevented. The events may be random and relatively few in proportion to the safety we usually encounter in our daily lives, but these mass shootings are not a mere generational event, an unheard-of travesty. Fort Hood, Virginia Tech, and now Colorado are all examples of mass shootings that have occurred since the turn of the 21st century, and various others exist beside them, unfortunately.

As it stands currently, no limit exists on the amount of guns or ammunition available to our citizens. Does this mean we must accept the threat of individuals taking innocent lives whenever they should choose to? Every life is precious and should be protected as such.

Allowing weapons to repeatedly fall into the hands of dangerous individuals is certainly not something that should be tolerated. Our country would be wise to re-evaluate how citizens attain firearms, considering that it could save countless lives.

Gun control has provoked abundant controversy in the political realm. Many Americans feel defensive about altering gun control policies in fear that their second amendment right will be somehow inhibited. The second amendment gives each citizen of the USA the fundamental right to bear arms and this petition does not believe it should be tampered with. This petition proposes new procedures that will coincide with our constitution’s beliefs. Nevertheless, all Americans also share the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and a ruthless gunmen should not infringe on these in any way.

Anyone who possesses or has experience with firearms is aware of their power and the responsibility of their usage. A breathalyzer can keep an inebriated driver off the road and save a life. Maybe it has saved yours or someone you love. You never know. The same principle applies to wielding a weapon. Precautionary measures can stop unnecessary disasters, and the same relates to guns.

The heartbreaking injustice that occurred in Colorado cannot be undone, but it can rest as the foundation for safety in our further generations. Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have both given their condolences, but not addressed future measures to be undertaken. This brings me to my proposition: I challenge 2012 Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to discuss and introduce ideas on new policies in their campaigns that will provide greater security in firearm/ammunition distribution.

Any candidate can offer condolences; only an innovative leader can respond in a concerned and timely manner to satisfy his commitment to our country. It is simple to ask only one of the men to do so, but this incident is something each should address in the hopes of leading our nation.