By NICHOLAS NEGRON

Staff Writer

On Nov. 24, a man was killed and three others were injured in a shooting at Rocks Nightclub in downtown Albany. The gay club was hosting a private, non-lgbt related party. This tragedy follows the Nov. 12 Crossgates Mall shooting, also in Albany.

It’s becoming routine to report such violence. Americans become angry. Politicians’ propose change. Change doesn’t happen. People continue living their lives.

It’s easy to disassociate yourself, your family and your community from any tragedy heard on the news. It’s only when the tragic headline reflects your local school, mall or club do you truly recognize the social unrest caused by these shootings.

I’m finding it difficult to feel safe in Albany. I’m finding it challenging to remain comfortable at such an uncertain time. Our parents weren’t worried about rogue shooters or planned attacks when they saw “Rocky” at the movie theater in 1976. Now in 2016, I worry for myself and my friends as we go to see the new Marvel flick.

The news is in a constant state of shock. America doesn’t have time to digest the latest tragedy or scandal. We’re bombarded with sadness. We post long, heartfelt messages on social media because we think that’s all we can do.

Some might say to take more action. Sadly, when multiple gun bills are defeated in Congress, that call to action lessens. It’s like no one is listening to us. What’s worse is that some Americans share the convoluted ideology of the National Rifle Association and other lobbyist groups.

“Guns don’t kill people. People kill people,” they say.

This nauseating rhetoric is spread with the NRA’s $300 million revenue. If the NRA really cared about America, they would put funding into mental health care programs. They would work to a solution, instead of funding the problem.

It seems like any unsolvable issue in this country turns to “conversation.” Our politicians, pundits and journalists urge us to have this American conversation on gun control. This dialogue turns into battle on daytime talk shows and in cable politics. The results of this national discourse are numerous failed attempts at reforming gun laws. As a 21-year old citizen, I panic for our country.

I ask Americans to look at your sons and daughters, your mother and father, your pastor and your best friend. Now turn on the news and wait for an inevitable report on gun violence. Swap the victim’s name and face with that of your loved one. Do you want to see their name in these headlines? Do you want to get “the call” midway through watching that very same news report? Does it change your opinion?

Gun violence has ripped this country apart. According to Mass Shooting Tracker, 559 people have been killed from the 438 mass shootings of 2016. This doesn’t account for those injured, and those who have been killed or injured by individual gun violence. The only way to change America is through changing the opinions of others; because lawmakers won’t listen to us unless the country has a united front.

The conversation that we’re having must turn from a bitter standstill to a compassionate understanding. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening anytime soon. The results of this presidential election aren’t giving me any sense of security or hope for change.