In the wake of tragic events, such as the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, where the assailant acquired assault rifles in mere days, it raises a critical question: How is it possible for someone with a troubling history to obtain a gun so easily, while everyday items require far more effort? The case of Omar Smith, who was known to authorities for violent behavior yet passed background checks with no issues, is shocking. This disparity makes one wonder why getting a passport took me three weeks, while buying a semi-automatic weapon was as quick as a trip to the grocery store.
A journalist from the Philadelphia Post even timed her AR-15 purchase, clocking in at just seven minutes. That’s less time than it takes me to wrangle my kids through a CVS for diapers and snacks. While we might not see eye to eye on gun ownership, we can agree that acquiring such potent weaponry should not be this straightforward. Here are some everyday items that are surprisingly harder to get than a gun.
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Once available freely, this cold medicine is now heavily regulated due to its use in meth production, requiring strict limits for purchase.
- Lawn Darts: The Jarts brand was banned after tragic accidents involving children, showing that when lives are lost, action is taken.
- Health Insurance: Navigating the Medicaid application process took my family weeks of calls and paperwork after my partner lost his job, just to secure basic healthcare for our kids.
- A Drivable Car: You can’t legally drive without registration, insurance, and a license. Cars are dangerous without regulation, so why aren’t guns treated similarly?
- Fireworks: To use display fireworks, you must obtain a Federal explosives license, a process that involves extensive application and even fingerprinting.
- Birth Control Pills: A doctor’s prescription is still necessary to acquire these essential medications.
- Asthma Medications for My Kids: It took seven calls and two weeks just to get a refill on vital asthma medication for my child.
- Kinder Surprise Eggs: These popular treats were banned in the U.S. due to choking hazards, even though they’re easily found worldwide.
- Adopting a Kitten: The process involves background checks and home visits, making it significantly more challenging than purchasing a firearm.
- Finding a Reliable Babysitter: Trusting someone with your children requires extensive vetting, far more than what’s needed for gun ownership.
- An Abortion: Many states enforce a waiting period and counseling, complicating access to this essential healthcare service.
- Roquefort Cheese: Certain European cheeses are illegal in the U.S. due to safety concerns, making them harder to obtain than firearms.
- Timely Cable Installation: Scheduling cable service can be more of a hassle than acquiring a gun, often involving frustrating delays.
- Hamilton Tickets: Securing a seat for this hit musical is nearly impossible for most fans, requiring persistence and luck.
- Beer on Sunday Mornings: Many states have Blue Laws that restrict alcohol sales on Sundays, a remnant of colonial religious observance.
If I had my way, I’d see all firearms removed from existence, but I understand the complexities involved. However, it’s evident that we need stringent checks to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing weapons that can wreak havoc. Gun reform is a pressing human rights issue, and as a concerned parent, I refuse to remain silent while this continues unchecked.
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Summary
This article discusses the shocking ease of acquiring firearms compared to other everyday items that are significantly harder to obtain, illustrating the need for stricter regulations on gun ownership while highlighting the challenges faced in securing essential goods and services.