Every year more than 36,000 American lives are lost due to gun violence in the US, which boils down to a tragic average of 96 gun deaths a day. These casualties due to guns range from accidents and suicides to horrific mass shootings. No other nation in the world experiences this level of gun violence. That is simply because other free nations have much stricter gun laws in order to avoid such tragedies.

  On too many occasions innocent lives have been taken due to gun violence. This has been an issue since 1999 when 13 lives were lost at Columbine High School in Colorado. Years pass but not much change occured; in December of 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, the lives of 20 children between six and seven years old were lost, as well as six adult staff members. One may think that following an attack of such size and devastation the US would take action, but no. A more recent travesty occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 1, 2017. A gunman opened fire on a hotel  killing more than 50 people and injuring about 200 others.

While I acknowledge that guns do not commit murder, I believe they are way too easy to get. Approximately 300 million guns are owned in America. With such a large population of gun owners, too many of which are not responsible enough to be in possession of a firearm, the odds that these guns will be used resulting in tragedy is too high.

  There have been 30 mass shootings so far in 2018, and we are only 73 days into the year. This is unacceptable, and it will not just go away. America needs to come together as a union and take charge. Many protests have taken place as a result of these mass shootings, including a nationwide school walkout which took place today. At 10 am, students walked out of class for 17 minutes in honor of those killed in the massacre in Florida at Parkland High School earlier this year and to protest gun violence in general.

   Japan has nearly eradicated gun violence with their strict gun laws. Handguns are completely banned; only shotguns and air rifles are permitted. Buying a gun in Japan takes patience and determination. Citizens attempting to buy firearms are required to attend an all-day class, take a written exam, and pass a shooting-range test with a mark of at least 95%. Applicants must also pass mental health and drug tests. Criminal records are checked, and police look for links to extremist groups. Not only do they check their background, but also their relatives and even work colleagues. Gun owners are legally obligated to notify police of where their gun and ammunition are stored, which must be stored separately under lock and key. Police also inspect guns once a year, and after three years, gun licenses expire. To renew licenses, gun owners have to attend the course and pass the tests again. This explains why mass shootings in Japan are extremely rare.

   Sophomore Harper Jewell Morgan passionately stated, “This isn’t about politics; this is about our safety. With Gun reform we can try to cut these tragedies. There is so much change that needs to happen, and students are not leaving anytime soon. Every voice counts, and our voices will be heard. Change will happen.”

  I do not expect the US to mirror Japan’s gun laws, but it is a good idea to look at some of our neighboring countries as an example. The United States must enforce tougher gun laws across the board, starting with policies requiring thorough background checks on all gun sales. Citizens with histories of violent behavior, severe mental illness, and substance abuse should not be allowed to legally purchase firearms. America has been accomplishing extraordinary things since our very first fight for independence, so I know we are fully capable of putting an end to this epidemic.