Need for tolerant conversation on gun laws

Unfortunately, our nation has once again seen the brutal violence that comes from mass shootings.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the state of Florida was the location of the most recent tragedy where the lives of 17 students and teachers were taken from them.
The victims ranged from 14 to 49 years of age.
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, a day usually reserved for public appreciation of loved ones, the 19 year old shooter opened fire on faculty and students with a semiautomatic weapon.
This is not the first editorial written by The Falcon regarding this topic.
This is not the first editorial dedicated to gun violence written this school year by this staff.
This is not the first time our nation has grieved over the many lives lost to gun violence this year.
Sadly, we do not believe it will be the last.
Each time, however, we shy away from any honest conversation regarding the topic.
Excuses quickly arise.
Whether it is bad timing, inability to listen, lack of perspective and compromise, or simple anger, the conversation always stalls.
And while we forget tragedy after tragedy, the people who were affected first-hand are expected to heal in a nation that disregards their suffering in preference of an adequate amendment made and meant for a different era.
This is not to say that we have all the answers, if any to the conversation of gun violence and laws. But, if we never have an open, honest, raw discussion, we may never find those answers.
For once we need to look beyond ourselves and just hear each other.

Listen to the experience of the victims. Listen to the opposition.
Do not interrupt, do not insult, simply listen.

Maybe we can all finally stop feeling like we are talking to a brick wall.

There has to be an option that does not compromise rights, liberties or physical safety.

We are not asking you to prioritize someone’s beliefs over your own.

Rather, we are asking that you validate the experience and pain that hundreds have lived through.

We ask that you acknowledge the lives that have been lost.

Just stop and think outside of yourself.

It’s only a fragment of what the victims of mass shootings and gun violence deserve.
It is time to reflect and ask yourself: is this really too much to ask?