Gun violence has become an out-of-control epidemic. Defunding police departments is not the way to go. Police are currently stretched to the limit. Each shooting requires a rapid response, and lengthy investigations are needed when suspects are not immediately identified.
I propose a six-step plan toward ending escalating violence that threatens every community across America: 1.) Increase the number of counselors in our nation's schools. (Addressing violent tendencies early is important.); 2.) Increase the size of community service bureaus within police departments to meet with individuals/families and address neighborhood safety concerns; 3.) Implement a nationwide ban of assault rifles, including stiff fines and jail sentences for violations of the ban; 4.) Increase the level of investigations done by the FBI and the Bureau of Tobacco and Firearms to stop the flow of illegal gun trafficking. (Trafficking illegal guns across state lines is a federal offense.) 5.) Continue to monitor the level of lead paint in older homes. (There is a proven correlation between the presence of lead in the brain and violent tendencies.); 6.) Write letters to members of the House and Senate, urging common-sense gun laws that don't infringe upon the 2nd Amendment. (It is doubtful GOP members of the House or Senate will consider any gun laws, but giving up on legislation is not an option when lives are at risk.).
Sadly, gun violence has always been present in the U.S. However, the present numbers are unprecedented. It is almost impossible for the U.S. to be a positive influence in the world when there is so much violence on our streets. We must do better as a society.
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