# data[].attributes.body
This issue will never be laid to rest. While there are better methods of law to follow than the ones we use now, and other countries setting honorable examples, it would never work. As a nation, our collective goal is to overcome the argument, and put conflict in the past. However, if we continue functioning the way we are now, there will be a problem. America still will have mass shootings and avoidable gun violence. On the other hand, if we decide to make a change, there is no perfect option. There is currently and unstoppable amount of guns in the hands of citizens, legal and illegal. Either way, those individuals are capable of committing deadly crimes. Even if the government goes as far as to completely abolish firearms, there will still be the existent weapons and the black market will be stronger than ever. How do we move on? Is there a way to make everyone happy?

# data[].attributes.body
This short film follows a high school student experiencing the struggles of growing up in a world full of gun violence and dangerous school life. Click here to check out his journey.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mentally Ill People Given Easier Access To Guns

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Republicans voted to repeal a regulation requiring the Social Security Administration to share information on those with mental illnesses with the national gun background check system, CNN reported Thursday. The rule was designed to limit the availability of guns to those with a mental illness severe enough to render them unable to handle the management of their own disability benefits.

# data[].attributes.body
Evanston Township High School students organized a walkout during school on March 14, 2018 to protest school shootings and the NRA.

# data[].attributes.body
America faces a constant battle of whether or not guns should be permitted. Thus comes the essential question, do guns kill people, or is it people who kill people? It is clear that guns are the cause of firearm related fatalities because any given incident would not have been happened without the existence of guns. Even though people are the ones who pull the triggers, it is extremely common for people, especially children, to accidentally harm themselves or others.

# data[].attributes.body
by Haley Krause
Bang!

Goes another one

This precious time we have on Earth is not to be reckoned with

And everything may happen for a reason but

We’re giving out guns like toys and

Playtime has rules so that no one gets hurt.

Bang!

Goes another one

You don’t know him so you flip to the next page

But he was somebody’s brother

And maybe next time it will be your brother

Bang!

Goes another one

I want change for this twisted world to see some light

But here I am sitting in a classroom writing about it instead

Waiting for someone to bust through the door because maybe I am next

Bang!

Goes another one

We learn to trust in each other

Because humans look to each other for love

Even though we go after our dearest enemies first for blood

Bang!

Goes another one

And here we are back at the start

Where he promised not to harm anyone

But signing a piece of paper means nothing because

Bang!

We are down 17 angels once again

# data[].attributes.body
Ben Wexler’s quote about children’s rights in comparison to gun laws uses pathos to reach the reader’s vulnerability. By focusing on children, society’s most valued treasures, he makes it clear that he is passionate about his opinion. When adults are put at risk, although it can be scary, it isn’t taken as seriously as that of children. This is because youth is more vulnerable to danger than adults. Parents typically protect their kids at all costs, so this harsh quote is alarming to them. As an audience, hearing someone mention the safety of their kids being put on the line inspires them to spark change or get more involved. On the other hand, Wexler uses the word “your” in reference to gun owners. To anyone reading the tweet who actually owns a firearm, this word choice makes the interaction much more personal, calling out individuals for their chosen possession.

# data[].attributes.body
"My kids' right to survive a day at school outweighs your right to own any kind of gun you want. It just does."

# data[].attributes.headline
Why Guns Should Be Banned by Haley Krause

# data[].attributes.subject
Why Guns Should Be Banned by Haley Krause

# data[].attributes.body
People may be the ones pulling the trigger, but ultimately, if guns never existed, not a single shooting could have ever happened at all. Sometimes people have mental health illnesses that cause them to lose judgment, and when they have access to weapons such as guns, use them to harm others. “The truth is that our society is populated by an unknown number of genuine monsters-people so deranged, so evil, so possessed by voices and driven by demons that no sane person can possibly ever comprehend them,” (LaPierre 1). Even when the suspect is completely aware of their actions and the consequences, they wouldn’t have the ability to shoot if they didn’t have the weapons to do so. While it is true that they may resort to finding other ways to kill, the chance would be reduced significantly. It is also unfair to mentally ill people that they are blamed for damage they sometimes cause. “By focusing on keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill specifically—and not those who have histories of substance abuse, domestic violence, and other predictors of violent behavior—these laws perpetuate the idea that the mentally ill are an overwhelming threat” (Rapoport 3). While it is devastating what can be done with a gun and an innocent suspect, it can often be avoided. As opposed to treating certain people different than others, taking away guns all together would eliminate risk of any type of destruction by firearm.

Accidents are among one of the easiest ways to inflict death by firearm. It is no secret that there have been multiple cases of unpurposeful shootings caused by children and even adults. Unfortunately, it is  common for kids to find guns in their houses that their parents own strictly for protection if needed. Younge mentions how “[m]ost people who are killed by guns kill themselves. People who have a gun in the house are far more likely to be shot dead than those who don’t” (1). They may be playing with their friends or siblings, and think the weapon is fake or unloaded. Unfortunately, “seven children or teenagers are shot dead on average every day. Once a week a toddler injures someone with a gun” (1). This leads to people suffering from an injury or worse that would have been preventable if the family never had a gun in the first place. Additionally, houses that contain firearms are much more likely to be the location of suicides because of the accessibility of the gun.

Despite the abundance of reasoning as to why guns should be banned, some still argue that guns are an essential part of society today. In America, we have a history of fatalities due to firearms, which factors greatly into other issues such as police brutality. Yes, it is true that none of said cases would have occurred at all if guns never existed. Therefore, if we remove guns from our lives entirely, the issue would be gone completely. However, this principle is shattered by the contradiction that people simply will not listen or abide by any law that prevents them from owning guns. If we were to set this law today, all firearm owners in the country would have their weapons taken away. This doesn’t account for the fact that those who have bad intentions are likely to ignore the new policy.

Guns should not be allowed in any form because of the terrible effects they consistently have on humanity. They are responsible for an unreasonable amount of deaths because of accidents or just plain stupidity. Although it would be difficult to outlaw and filter out all guns that exist, it would be worth the positive outcome on America’s overall happiness.