After the funeral for Amerie Jo Garza, 10, the first student from Robb Elementary School to be buried after the Uvalde mass shooting, I decided to apply for a delivery job at my local Domino’s. Despite not having professional driving experience and being out of the job market since turning 70, I felt confident in my chances of being hired. I have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and my own car. With a clean record since my last citation over a decade ago, I was surprised when the manager mentioned I would need to pass a corporate background check before being hired, even if I aced the interview. The process would take two days.
Encountering roadblocks, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on deterrence. It’s important to have safeguards in place, especially in the aftermath of tragedies like Uvalde, Lewiston, Buffalo, Las Vegas, Newtown, and many others, to regulate the operation of potentially dangerous machinery.
Unable to start at Domino’s immediately, I called a nearby Papa John’s to inquire about their hiring process. The assistant manager focused more on my availability for a daytime shift rather than background checks and invited me for an interview the same day.
While it’s encouraging to be recognized for your skills and offered immediate employment, it’s concerning when the hiring standards are low. This particular Papa John’s seemed to have minimal requirements, similar to the federal laws surrounding the purchase and possession of firearms.
Legally, there are limitations on the vehicles I can drive with my license, which includes our Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid and Acura RSX, as well as other non-commercial vehicles. It does not permit me to operate commercial vehicles like school buses or dump trucks, which require specialized training and a commercial driver’s license.
Reflecting on the lack of regulations for drivers compared to the stringent gun laws, I consulted with a constitutional law professor about the differences in approach. While the Constitution offers little guidance on compelling state interests and individual rights, there are clear restrictions in place for other personal freedoms in the name of public safety.
Considering the need for nuanced regulations on firearms, similar to those for motorized vehicles, I pondered the possibilities for stricter gun reform legislation. Lengthening the waiting period for firearm purchases, conducting thorough background and mental health checks, and limiting the amount of ammunition in a clip could potentially prevent tragedies like the one at Robb Elementary.
Addressing the argument that proposed gun control measures wouldn’t prevent violent crimes, it’s essential to consider the potential impact of simple roadblocks like waiting periods on preventing impulsive acts of violence.
Author Ron Berler advocates for increased regulation on firearms in his piece originally published in the Houston Chronicle.
