Assignment Seventeen - Opinion (State, National, or International Issue)

 No Politics at the Dinner Table

"No politics at the dinner table" is a phrase I had heard more than once growing up, and still hear it every once and a while these days, especially around the holidays. When you think about politics you probably picture the big man in office or who is voting for what party, but political opinions run much deeper than parties and presidents. For most it is nearly impossible to separate opinion and fact when it comes to politics, and honestly I don't think you should have to. Some political topics just require a bit of an opinionated standpoint. Topics such as Gun Control and Animal Rights are fairly controversial and are often argued with the heart rather than the mind. 

These topics are not taken lightly and shouldn't be, as each controversial issue affects people personally and can change the way society moves, when one side is taken more seriously than the other. Gun Control has been a heated debate topic for years, and is one that remains prominent as each election rolls around. Even the presidential candidates know its a touchy subject. With "mass shootings and other acts of gun violence [killing] nearly 40,000 people every year in the U.S.," change is desired and fought for by the American people. This debate "hinges on interpretations of the Second Amendment", which is the "right to keep and bear arms." Gun control advocates are seeking stricter gun control laws "including more background checks, regulations on assault weapons, and banning high-capacity magazines." Opinionated arguments often originate from those who do not want their personal guns taken away, but with the right amount of research they will realize that is not the goal. Regulation and reform is desired to keep our children and friends safe from the harms of gun violence.

 

Not to bring politics to the dinner table, but in my opinion the topic of gun control needs more attention, and needs it now. Our teachers, students, and friends need protection from loose gun laws and I believe change is on the way. As a person who likes to look at things from all sides I am aware that my peers use guns for hunting and recreational activities and I believe they have every right to, but automatic weapons are dangerous and unnecessary for everyday life. With just a little more attention to gun control laws, lives could be saved and weekend hunters could still freely do as they please. While this is all just my opinion, sometimes it is okay to being politics to the dinner table.