The number of school children that have died as a result of being shot is larger than the number of American military personnel killed this year. That is a shocking statement, but it is true -- as the chart above from the Washington Post shows.
As The Hill reports, there have been 29 school children killed while only 13 service members have been killed (8 of them in a single helicopter crash). This doesn't mean it is more dangerous to go to school than serve in the military. But it does mean that going to school is far more dangerous for a child than it should be.
Whether we want to admit it or not, we have a serious problem of gun violence in the United States -- both in our schools and outside of them. I think most Americans are starting to realize that, and they want something done about it. An overwhelming percentage of Americans want the loopholes in the gun background check law closed. And a smaller, but still substantial majority would like for military-style assault weapons to be banned.
Unfortunately, our Republican-controlled Congress doesn't agree. They won't even let any new gun laws be debated in Congress. They seemed to have decided that the money they receive from the NRA and other gun groups is more important than saving the lives of American children (or adults).
We can fix that this coming November. All it will take is for Americans to take a few minutes to vote.