Valley Forum: Common sense solutions to gun violence

Valley youth calls for rational measures to mitigate tragedy|

My name is Tiernan Colby, I am age 13 and concerned about the growing incidents of gun violence across the country.

The pattern of gun violence over the last few years follows a similar cycle. A shooting happens. Many are killed. There are demands for action. People argue about it. Little or nothing is done. People move on.

Another mass shooting occurs. This repeats.

Over the last years, the frequency and severity of fatal gun shootings have increased. I am writing to propose solutions to this problem. Although there is no perfect solution, there are ways to reduce gun violence.

I believe that the process of purchasing a gun should be altered. Potential gun buyers should be required to always go through background checks. This is a common-sense idea that could cause fewer fatal shootings. Handgun buyers should also be required to complete a gun training program in order to make sure that they are competent with their weapon. I also believe that there should be a 30 day wait period for all non-handgun purchases.

Additionally, there should be restrictions on the amount of ammunition one can buy at one time.

In my opinion, most automatic firearms except for handguns should belong in the military or special law enforcement only, as well as large-capacity magazines. In day-to-day life, there is no practical need for large automatic firearms.

Another possibility is to research ID technology for firearms. If we can unlock our phones with our fingerprints, then we can potentially apply that to firearms.

We have the technology, so we can use it to save lives. Having ID technology could also cut down on accidental or unintentional gun deaths.

These are all possible solutions to this terrible problem.

Tiernan Colby is 13 and lives in Glen Ellen.

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