I’m distracted today. I sat down to work on some articles about health and wellness topics, yet I can’t stop thinking about the horrendous shooting in Orlando that happened less than 14 hours ago (as I write this).

The reaction from people range from “prayers for the families” or “I’ve got my guns ready dammit!”

I believe we all have a right to own guns. People should be able to defend themselves. But what is the purpose of assault weapons (automatic and semiautomatic) in the hands of everyday citizens?

The Orlando shooter legally bought two guns this past week: a handgun and an AR-15 that was used in the shooting. WTF does he need – or anyone else need for that matter – an AR-15 rifle for?  And he was previously flagged and questioned by the FBI three times but that information does not show up on a background check. Why not?

Is an attempt to ban certain types of guns the right thing to do? Is doing nothing and keeping the status quo the right thing to do?

For our children’s future we have to take some action. I believe updating the gun laws to not allow assault weapon sales is the right thing. This has been brought up before and Congress has done squat. Absolutely nothing.

In my opinion, the mass killings are a symptom of a social illness…an overwhelming anger in our society.

How many more people have to die?

Here are some gun control facts to get a better understanding of the history.

Here’s a great in-depth article about why other countries think America has a gun problem.

It starts with leadership. Please contact your local representative(s) to discuss this issue and give your input. We need to work together to create an environment where incidents like this don’t happen.

It’s for our health and well-being. And it’s the right thing to do.  #PrayersForOrlando