by Mallory Carlson ’19

On May 6, Cory Booker, one of the many Democrats vying for the spot of Democratic presidential candidate, unveiled a comprehensive proposal for gun control reform. The 14-part plan, parts of which are among the more progressive of any of his fellow candidates, includes measures like a proposal for a new licensing program that would put into place new minimum standards that all gun owners need to meet (these standards would be items like a background check and a requirement to complete a gun safety course).

It seems somewhat ridiculous that this plan is being regarded as very bold or risky. While not every single detail in the plan is necessarily a must-have, requirements like a background check or submitting fingerprints seem like not only good ideas, but things that should be mandatory. With shootings occurring as frequently as they do, extensive gun control measures like this should be the simple answer to what has come to be a very complicated issue. “My plan to address gun violence is simple–we will make it harder for people who should not have a gun to get one,” Senator Booker said. And that is exactly the leadership this country needs.