The Washington Post published an article titled “The Blast Effect” with animated depictions of the damage caused by the projectile from an AR-style rifle to the human body. However, we must consider that “The Blast Effect” is much more than just the horrific damage inflicted on the victims. It encompasses:
- The sadness that engulfs families due to the loss of their loved ones.
- The constant replaying of the “what if” scenarios by the victims’ families.
- The emotional and financial hardships that the victims’ families suffer.
- The loss of tens of thousands of loved ones who could have made significant contributions to the human race. They could have created a faster and more efficient way for us to explore our solar system, discovered the cure for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and diabetes, or slowed the aging process so that humans could be more productive for longer in their lifespan.
- The loss to families, friends, colleagues, neighborhoods, cities, states, countries, and the entire world, of living, viable human beings whose potential would never be fulfilled.
We must address the elephant in the room: guns. No amount of “thoughts and prayers” or potential economic loss to gun manufacturers or upholding the Second Amendment will resolve this crisis in our society. The solutions lie squarely with guns.
We have a choice: guns or lives.
Reference: Washington Post “The Blast Effect“