Stay active to create good gun laws

President Barack Obama stated in a recent speech, “By now, it's well known that 90 percent of the American people support universal background checks that make it harder for a dangerous person to buy a gun. We're talking about convicted felons, people convicted of domestic violence, people with a severe mental illness. Ninety percent of Americans support that idea. Most Americans think that's already the law.”

As the Second Amendment states the right to bear arms, gun safety legislation should be enacted to advocate for the best interests of its citizens, which is the safety of its citizens.

Serving as examples are: the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007 where a gunman shot and killed 32 people and the case, United States of America v. John Andrew Mudlock, where the defendant was convicted of breaching a Tennessee court's restraining order by acquiring firearms. The punishment was 42 months' imprisonment.

Taking measures to enhance the protection of our citizens with gun safety legislation is of critical importance in Congress today.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Chicago supports gun control and is hopeful for stringent gun laws. She advocates for worldwide background checks on gun acquisitions, including a prohibition on assault-style weaponry.

It is vital to keep updated with bills legislators are voting on for reform, acknowledge their favor, and draft convincing letters in motion to sway their vote. As Dr. King stated, “Only in darkness, can we see the stars.” Only as citizens who offer support and have faith in their leaders, can we hope to see a better future in gun legislation.

Nikoleta Lelis

Northbrook