Guns now top accidental deaths for American children.
Guns now top accidental deaths for American children.
So, who’s the party pooper of the day? Any guesses? Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the American Academy of Pediatrics! cue applause According to our friends at The New York Times, they’ve got some mind-blowing news for us.
Hold on to your seats, folks, because this news is a rollercoaster! Brace yourselves. From 2011 to 2021, the rate of firearm fatalities among children under 18 increased by a whopping 87 percent in the good ol’ United States of America. Wait, what? Yes, you heard it right. While car accidents got their act together and reduced their death rate by almost half, firearms took the lead as the top cause of accidental death in children. Talk about a plot twist!
But that’s not all, my friends. Oh no! If you thought that was shocking, get ready for this. Firearms are now the number one cause of death among Americans under 20, excluding deaths of infants born prematurely or with congenital abnormalities. Can you believe it? In 2021 alone, a staggering 2,590 children and teenagers under the age of 18 tragically lost their lives to firearm injuries. That’s more than double the number from just a decade ago. Mind-blowing, isn’t it?
Hold up a second! Let’s put this in perspective. In other industrialized countries, guns aren’t even among the top three causes of death for children. That’s right, folks. Just let that sink in for a moment. It’s like we’re playing a twisted game of “Guess the Mortal Danger,” and guns took the crown.
Now, let’s take a step back and try to comprehend this madness. If we look at it from outer space, it’s like we’re staring at a country that’s gone off the rails. But from down here on planet Earth, it’s crystal clear – our beloved country has lost its decency and shame. Guns, my friends, are now the leading cause of accidental death among our precious children. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.
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And it gets even crazier! During this same period of skyrocketing firearm deaths among children, our political power was split down the middle between two major parties. Coincidence? I think not. It’s like a bizarre episode of “The Twilight Zone.” One Supreme Court decision established every American’s right to arm themselves like a heavy weapons platoon. And not too long after, another Supreme Court decision stripped states of their power to protect citizens by restricting their access to firearms. It’s like the universe is playing a cosmic prank on us.
But hold on tight, folks, because the courtroom drama doesn’t stop there. This November, the Court will decide whether a law disarming individuals subject to restraining orders based on domestic violence is constitutional. You’d think it’s a no-brainer, right? Well, think again. A federal law with the same purpose got struck down by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which seems like it belongs in a circus rather than the federal judiciary.
Seriously, who even debates these things? Isn’t it common sense that someone who beats their spouse shouldn’t have a gun? Isn’t it a fundamental right for a state to protect its citizens from deadly weapons? And while we’re at it, let’s not forget that the Constitution doesn’t grant an unlimited right to an individual arsenal. Newsflash, people! No Constitution designed by rational human beings would ever allow that. And surely, no Constitution designed by rational human beings would prevent its government from acting when faced with such alarming statistics. We’re not asking for a suicide pact here, but for the love of all that’s sensible, let’s not make it a homicide pact either!
Allow me to introduce you to Charles P. Pierce, the mind behind these eye-opening revelations. With four books under his belt, including the wildly popular “Idiot America,” he knows a thing or two about keeping it real. He’s been gracing the world of journalism with his presence since 1976. Did I mention he’s also a parent? Yup, this guy knows what’s up.
Let’s take a moment to digest all of this madness, my friends. It’s time to shake off our apathy, roll up our sleeves, and tackle this issue head-on. Our children deserve a brighter and safer future. Together, let’s turn the page on this dark chapter in our history and write a new one filled with humor, positivity, and common sense. Are you with me?
