In the summer of 2016, a tragic event unfolded when a man named Jake Thompson carried out a mass shooting, effortlessly purchasing assault rifles just days before the incident. This shocking ease of access left many people questioning how someone with a troubling background could bypass necessary checks so quickly. For instance, it took me three weeks of stress and paperwork just to secure a passport. I often find it easier to find a comfy pair of shoes than to buy a semi-automatic weapon in a store.
In the wake of these events, a reporter from a local paper took a stopwatch to test how long it would take to buy an AR-15—the favored choice for mass shooters—and it clocked in at just seven minutes. That’s faster than it takes me to wrangle my kids while shopping for groceries. While we can have differing opinions about gun ownership, surely we can agree that acquiring such lethal weapons shouldn’t be so straightforward. Here are some everyday items that are surprisingly harder to obtain than a gun:
- Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine): Once readily available, this common cold remedy is now tightly regulated because of its use in meth production. You can’t just grab it off the shelf anymore.
- Lawn Darts: Remember those? They were banned after causing a couple of tragic accidents. Apparently, we take child safety seriously when it comes to toys.
- Health Insurance: Navigating the Medicaid application process can feel like climbing a mountain. Weeks of calls and paperwork are necessary just to secure basic healthcare for my kids.
- A Drivable Car: You can’t just hop into a vehicle without registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license. Cars are dangerous, after all. Yet, guns? Apparently, no problem.
- Fireworks: Want to shoot off some fireworks? Better be prepared for a long and detailed application process to get a Federal explosives license.
- Birth Control Pills: These still require a prescription, which is a bit more effort than simply walking into a gun shop.
- Asthma Medications for My Child: It took me several calls and two weeks just to get my child’s asthma medication—essential for his breathing.
- Kinder Surprise Eggs: These little treats may be a hit on YouTube, but they’ve been banned in the U.S. due to choking hazards. You can find them almost anywhere else in the world, though.
- Adopting a Kitten: The process involves background checks, home visits, and references. Quite a contrast to simply purchasing a firearm.
- Finding a Trustworthy Babysitter: I have a very limited list of people I trust to care for my children.
- An Abortion: Many states impose a waiting period, counseling, and even mandatory ultrasounds, making it a far more complex process than buying a gun.
- Roquefort Cheese: Certain cheeses from Europe are banned in the U.S. due to health concerns. You might even find them on the “cheese black market”!
- Timely Cable Installation: The frustration of waiting for a cable technician is real. I’ve experienced more rage waiting for them than I ever have in a gun store.
- Hamilton Tickets: Good luck trying to score those; it’s practically impossible!
- Beer on Sunday Mornings: Many states still restrict alcohol sales on Sundays due to outdated Blue Laws, making it more complicated than buying a firearm.
If it were up to me, I’d advocate for a ban on all firearms. However, I understand the complexities involved. What’s clear is that we need stringent checks to ensure weapons don’t fall into the wrong hands, especially those of suspected terrorists.
As a mother, I feel compelled to voice my concerns about gun reform. It’s a pressing issue of our time, and we can’t afford to wait any longer for change.
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Summary
This article highlights the surprising ease with which individuals can acquire firearms compared to other items that require more scrutiny and regulation. From Sudafed to health insurance, the author emphasizes the need for more stringent checks on gun purchases, advocating for responsible ownership and reform.