Gun violence is the national emergency- Iowa echo letter opinion

Gun violence in the U.S. in 2017, killed 39,773 people. In fact, stopping gun violence is truly the US national emergency.

This represents a total of 12 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest level in 20 years.

From a global perspective, Japan reports 0.2 deaths per 100,000, 0.9 in Germany and 2.1 in Canada.
Gun violence has a $2.8 billion impact on our economy.

The emotional trauma, resulting from gun violence, has taken a significant toll on families, communities and on our nation’s mental health system.

Law enforcement officials are trained and retrained in the use of firearms. After a police-involved shooting, there is an investigation. Officers then receive support to deal with the trauma experienced from the shooting.

Law enforcement officials are the "good guys" with guns.

Our laws need to protect them, so that they can continue to serve and protect us. But, sadly, they are increasingly at risk of being shot and killed by individuals who should not have guns.

We cannot control angry people with guns. However, we can control their access to guns, through our legislative process. Legislation needs to be in place to require that those wishing to purchase guns receive thorough training and extensive vetting.

Iowa's Senate is looking to repeal gun background checks and potentially provide unchecked sales of hand-guns to dangerous people. Iowa need reasonable gun laws to protect children and communities. Please call and write to government officials and tell them to support gun background checks.

Gun violence is America's national emergency.

Jeanne Wolf,  Davenport, Iowa