Another shooting, more lives lost, but year after year, congress fails at passing meaningful gun reform. How many more lives have to be lost to make a change? Every year, we see new headlines about gun violence in schools, claiming the lives of the innocent and leaving families devastated.

Despite all this, we see the same debate repeatedly, you see lawmakers offering thoughts and prayers instead of taking real action. While the majority of Americans agree we should have stronger gun laws, the political system remains stuck in a stalemate. The question is not just about the things we are losing, but the things we are letting continue.

The Unthinkable Has Become Routine

There have already been three tragic school shootings this year that resulted in injury or death, 39 last year, 28 in 2023, 51 in 2022, 10 in 2020, and 24 in 2019 and 2018. The failure to act has real-life consequences. It's more than just a statistic, these are real communities that have been torn apart by tragedy.

These shootings leave lasting scars on students, teachers, family, and friends. Survivors have to live with the fear of violence due to a place where they are supposed to be safe. Active shooter drills have become routine in schools, preparing students and staff for the unimaginable, and the sad fact is, it is no longer the Unimaginable instead it´s ¨when¨. This is the dark reality of American students, who now live in a world where violence lurks around every corner.

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Why Reform Isn't Happening

Despite the significant support for stronger gun laws and reform, congress has failed time and time again to pass meaningful legislation. The public opinion is crystal clear, a 2021 Gallup poll showed that 57% of Americans support stricter gun laws, and 80% agree with universal background checks. But yet, lawmakers give out their thoughts and prayers every time a shooting occurs. Why does this happen?

The answer to that question lies in the power of lobbying groups such as the National Rifle Association(NRA), which spends millions of dollars every year to influence lawmakers to stop any attempts on gun control legislation. Groups like the NRA create a political atmosphere where special interests are prioritized over the safety of others. Meanwhile, elected officials remain hesitant to act, out of fear of backlash from these lobbying groups which could hurt re-election likelihood.

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The Partisan Divide on Gun Control

Typically, democrats advocate for stricter gun laws, believing that they will lead to fewer mass shootings and gun violence. They support policies such as universal background checks, weapon bans, and red-flag laws that allow the temporary removal of weapons from an individual labeled dangerous. For many, the argument is rooted in public safety, and the responsibility to protect citizens, especially children, from harm.

On the other side, Republicans typically oppose strict gun laws, citing the Second Amendment as a basic right. Many Republicans argue that putting more guns in the hands of responsible individuals will lower crime rates, they often see gun control laws as a personal threat to their rights and freedom.

Over the years, gun control has gone from being a bipartisan concern to fully separating the two parties. The NRA has become a major political source predominately in the republican party. Their significant lobbying power has shaped debates over gun control.

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State vs. Federal Action

At the national level, gun regulation is fairly weak. The Gun Control Act of 1968 set a base by prohibiting felons and certain individuals from accessing a firearm, which is very similar to red flag laws. The Brandy Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, introduced background checks but did not require one for private or online purchases. And more recently, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, expanded background checks for buyers under the age of 21 and encouraged red flag laws, but it fell short.

While federal action is limited, some states have taken matters into their own hands. California, New York, and Illinois have enforced strict measures, ranging from a waiting period to allow background checks, to weapon bans. While others, like Arizona, Texas, and Florida, have run the opposite direction, they have enacted permitless carry laws and have expanded gun rights.

However, state-level action also comes with its risk, states with stricter gun laws and regulations often have to face the trouble of weapons being purchased in nearby states with less strict regulations and being brought back, possibly even sold, this is called Gun Trafficking. A handful of states may face federal pushback in court, with judges ruling it is violating to gun rights. State Preemption Laws prevent local governments from passing strict regulations even if the city wants to enforce more regulations.

Can Gun Reform Ever Happen?

While all of this has slowed down legislative action, it is still possible for Gun Reform to happen in the United States. The road to Meaningful reform is bumpy but it is not out of reach as long as we try, we need to start asking ourselves If were are going to let the lives lost continue to be a statistic instead of the face of change.