In a bizarre twist of events, the recent surge in gun violence has sparked heated debates about gun control, with attention drawn to the tragic shooting at a Christian school in Wisconsin. The shooter, a 15-year-old girl, reportedly obtained a gun illegally and used a pistol in the attack. This unfortunate incident raised eyebrows as it followed an earlier shooting involving a healthcare CEO, where a homemade gun was used, yet those cries for more stringent gun laws were nowhere to be heard. In the wake of the school shooting, President Biden leaped at the opportunity, calling for an assault weapons ban—despite the fact that the girl did not even use an assault weapon in her crime.
Just days before these events, the President had also pardoned his son, Hunter, for a gun-related crime involving a pistol. One can’t help but wonder about the inconsistencies and contradictions in the administration’s approach to gun laws. The Vice President chimed in, expressing a need for unity and the courage to tackle gun violence. But for many, her words ring hollow, especially considering that the same politicians have not taken consistent action to address the underlying issues contributing to these violent acts.
The school shooting incident has led to speculation about the young shooter, with reports surfacing that she may have authored a manifesto revealing a deeply disturbed mindset. It highlighted her extreme views about the world and her intent to harm others before ultimately choosing to end her own life. Many are questioning whether her parents were aware of the girl’s troubling behavior and mental health struggles. In light of these events, some observers are predicting that the girl’s possible use of antidepressant medication will soon be revealed, raising further questions about the role of mental health in these tragedies.
Interestingly, this incident is the second shooting at a Christian school in just two weeks. However, rather than addressing mental health or the complexities of youth behavior, calls for stricter gun control laws have taken center stage. Critics argue that simply imposing more laws on law-abiding citizens won’t stop criminals from obtaining firearms. It seems that while there are already numerous laws in place against murder and unauthorized gun possession, they are either ignored or rendered ineffective against those willing to break the law.
As the nation grapples with these issues, questions about the real root causes of gun violence remain largely unanswered. With many shooters reported to have been on or recently withdrawn from psychiatric drugs, it begs the question of why there hasn’t been a thorough and honest discussion about the impact of these medications. Despite being warned of potential side effects like suicidality and violent behavior, the prevalence of these prescriptions continues to rise and is, according to some, overshadowed by the politically charged debate over gun access.
In addition to the societal and psychological factors that contribute to gun violence, a number of states already have red flag laws meant to curb these incidents. Yet, even with these laws in place, many shooters have slipped through the cracks—often leaving those around them saying they knew something was off long before any tragedy occurred. This leaves many to ponder why more effective systems aren’t in place to hold individuals accountable before tragedies strike.
While solutions are sorely needed, it seems the conversation is stuck in the political quicksand of finger-pointing and blame. Perhaps it’s time to discuss genuine reforms that truly protect children in schools rather than simply yelling about gun bans and placing blame. With so many potential avenues for change, one has to wonder when and if those in power will stop merely reacting and start genuinely addressing the critical issues at hand. Until then, the conversations around gun control may remain as unpredictable and volatile as the violence they seek to quell.
