Keith Reed
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 I have never had that big a problem with guns. That is because I was never a victim of gun violence or a mass shooting.

I had not even touched a gun in my life until this winter. During that experience, thanks to a great friend, I shot at targets and learned how to use the gamut of weapons available. Through this experience, I learned about the recreational aspect that I have never known about the weapons. The constant resurgence of mass shootings complicates the idea and reality of the ownership of firearms.

On Feb. 20, Uber driver Jason Brian Dalton allegedly shot and killed six people while injuring two more in Kalamazoo. No motive for his actions has been found yet, but friends of the family said he was quiet, nice, and liked guns. It is troubling that one of his descriptions after having heard of a mass shooting was his affinity for weapons.

It has been said that there should be more restrictions put upon guns. I am here to say something similar, but I would also like to advance the point. There should be very stringent specifications regarding those who can legally carry a weapon. These specifications are already in existence, somewhat. I believe that in the process of registering for firearm licenses, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System database should include those who have been diagnosed as mentally ill and unfit for possessing firearms.

The issue with this proposal is that there are many people who suffer in silence. That is why with every application for a firearm, there should be a professional psychological evaluation by two board-certified pre-eminent psychologists in their city or state. Also, when someone is purchasing any firearm accessories, the background-check system should be contacted, if it has not been already.   

The sanctions that I would like to see placed on the licenses to acquire firearms appear immense, but those who are already in compliance with the law would not have any trouble submitting to these tests. This is beneficial for every party involved, because the gun owners who are doing right would not be stigmatized as much and the public could have peace of mind.

I (as well as many of my contemporaries) would like to stop hearing about mass shootings. The Gun Violence Archive released statistics compiled from 2015’s shootings; in that year, some 13,286 people were killed in the United States by firearms. This number is equivalent to an entire mid-size city in Iowa, Indianola to be specific. This number is entirely too high, and the laws on firearms need to change.

I should not have to look at the news and find out that there is another mass shooting in a town or state close to me. No one’s life should be cut short because of someone who is not mentally fit to possess firearms. No family should have to experience what so many families have already had to go through by losing someone in this manner. I feel that the restrictions I have detailed would benefit and enhance the security surrounding weapons and licenses.