With the recent events at Northern Illinois University (NIU), many of us feel the wake of this tragedy and wonder when it will end. It has happened before; Columbine, Virginia Tech and even cases involving a child in eighth grade have been reported, all involving the misuse of handguns. It seems a little closer to home this time, though, since many students here at Monmouth College may live near Dekalb, or at least have a friend who attends NIU.

For me, it was especially hard to hear when I found out that someone from my hometown had been killed in the shootings. The funeral home I had driven by so many times was now filled with people I know, people I grew up with, mourning this senseless loss of life.

All I could think about was:what could I do? It seems so far away, so uncontrollable. But then, I heard on the news that the law in Illinois only prevents a person from purchasing a gun for five years after they have been in a mental institution.

Laws are in the works to also include information on applicants who were only outpatients. This does help, but it does not say anything about patients who have been out for over five years, or who had outside help.

That is why I propose a law that prevents anyone who has been in a mental institution, or sought psychiatric help, from carrying a gun for any amount of time. This may seem small, but any bit could help. So, I am asking for your help in drafting and signing a petition that will hopefully prevent these kinds of tragedies from getting any closer than they already have. If you would like to help, please contact me at dweber@monm.edu. 

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