Background checks on gun owners save lives

Matthew Mata and Erika Gonzalez participate in a memorial service for the victims of Sunday's church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. The suspected gunman had a history of domestic violence and sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law, a member of the church, before the attack in which he fired at least 450 rounds at helpless worshippers, authorities said Monday. Despite the shooter’s crimes, he was still allowed to buy a gun. JAY JANNER AP

52,744 incidents. 13,254 deaths. 27,125 injuries. All these numbers have one common factor; guns.

We live in a society where hearing about a tragedy involving a gun is becoming a regular occurrence. Yet nothing is being done about it. Many point out that we already have a background system, however they fail to mention the amount of loopholes in that system.

Others mention the Second Amendment; the right to bear arms, but the Supreme Court has ruled and established that certain rights may be denied if it is in the public interest. This further helps to ensure the life, liberty, and property of citizens.

We are not trying to take away guns; we are trying to ensure that a gun will be denied to someone who is unfit to own one. Background checks save lives and by pushing helping Congress to vote for better gun control, we help save people.

Madison Nichols, Fresno

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Background checks on gun owners save lives."

Get unlimited digital access

#ReadLocal