It’s almost impossible to look at the news and not see updates on a horrible tragedy that occurred while we were going about our everyday lives. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed the rise of internet and smartphone use, allowing access to this devastation right at our fingertips. Constantly.

Tragedy struck in Las Vegas this month when a gunman opened fire on a concert killing at least 58 people and injuring 489.

While there has been much discussion about whether this event should be called the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history, an even larger debate has been sparked amongst media outlets,  government figures, and the general public: gun control.

The shooter in Las Vegas was found dead in his hotel room with 23 weapons. Later, when his house was searched, 19 more were found, bringing his arsenal up to 42 weapons.

At what point does the right to own guns for protection cross a line?

When mass shootings occur, fear sweeps the nation. Schools and public spaces buff up security while we mourn for those lost in such horrifying events. Our safest places become possible targets in our minds. However, conversations fade as the country moves on. No action is taken to prevent this cycle of violence, loss, and grief. That must stop.

According to the New York Times, mass shootings happen on average more than once per day per year. A mass shooting is defined by an attack that leaves four or more people dead. That means over four people are killed a day by mass shooters; this doesn’t include gun accidents or shootings that kill less than four people.

As bodies from mass shootings pile up, so does the evidence that we need to fix our current gun laws.

After tragedies like Las Vegas, it’s easy to form an opinion surrounding gun control because of how they tug at the heart. Grief and sympathy are necessary but not enough. Be emotionally reactive, but also intelligently proactive.

Find out more about state and federal gun laws. Then, write a letter to your state and federal legislators to keep conversations about this issue prioritized in their work.

Advocate to unify gun control laws across the country and shut down loopholes like those at gun shows.

Although the Second Amendment rights are important, when will our legislation align with current gun technology?

Wouldn’t it be nice to turn on the news and not hear about the next mass shooting tragedy because we’ve advocated for laws that prevented it?

This editorial was printed in the October issue of The Rubicon.

The Editorial Cartoon was syndicated from Southwest Shadow.