Students walk towards the Capitol April 20, 2018.
Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

s someone born and raised abroad and now living in the United States, I never quite understood American’s devotion to guns and, by extension, to the NRA (National Rifle Association). Many Americans have this bizarre love affair with mechanical devices specifically made for killing people (guns), and believe the preposterous notion that the world will be a safer place if everyone had a gun.

Pro-gun Americans proudly point to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which they claim gives them their right to “keep and bear Arms.” But even a perusal read of this amendment by a non-lawyer like myself makes it abundantly clear that that the Framers of the amendment were referring to the rights of states to defend themselves from external aggression through the formation of “well regulated Militia(s).” Members in these militias are then given the “collective” right to bear arms under the amendment.

Unfortunately, subsequent U.S. Supreme Court decisions like the 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller, 5-4 decision, and the 2010 McDonald v. City of Chicago, (also a 5-4 decision), with strong support from the gun lobby, has muddied the waters and given the green light to those who believe individuals have a right to own guns.

The NRA and their minions want Americans to believe that guns make life safer. Unfortunately, they have been proven wrong time and time again. As we mark the 19th anniversary of the Columbine mass killing, Young Americans are finally stepping up to the plate and calling for an end to guns and the NRA. These young Americans from coast to coast have had enough of the savagery and senseless killings caused by guns.  

From a global perspective, these young students are proving to the world that America still has got what it takes to lead the free world. Because, in all honesty, what country will take what Americans say seriously, when—even with Donald Trump out of the picture—the country is constantly plagued by gun violence and its people have this strange fascination with killing one another (which is what the current gun culture connotes).

Students at Roosevelt High School take part in a protest against gun violence Wednesday, March 14, 2018, in Seattle. Photo: Manuel Valdez / AP Photo

I take my hat off to all those who joined the marches and demonstrations against the NRA and the out-of-control gun culture that is destroying America. America can do a lot more for the world and this young generation will lead it to even greater heights. Published 4/21/18