Among the most astonishing statistics of our time is the fact that there are an estimated 393 million legal and illegal guns in the hands of around 346 million Americans.  And, amazingly, the weapon that was allegedly used to gun down a one percenter on the streets of NYC couldn’t be accounted for.  Early voting has the gun used to settle Luigi’s beef as one that can be made in the comforts of our very own homes through the magic of 3D printing. I am a Gen Xer, so I’d call this a zip gun.  Now, it is rebranded by the media or maybe law enforcement – a ghost gun. 

I knew three people who were gunned down in my hometown.  Two of the cases remain unsolved.  Those were a long time ago, and there weren’t cameras on the light posts, gunshot detectors, or social media to plaster the telltale eyebrows of a shooter with an accompanying $50,000.00 reward for information leading to apprehension.  Yet, as helpful as these things are, there are countless unsolved homicides in the US this year alone.  There are at least a hundred unsolved murders between the two cities, NYC and DC.  The DC website has photos of every victim, all with something in common.  Wanna guess what it is?  Their killings didn’t quite get the attention garnered by the CEO.

Right now, the Age of Luigi has everyone focused on the healthcare industry, a bureaucracy known for stifling the productivity of its consumers with long waits on hold, form filing, and copay processes for which decoder rings would be most helpful. Do they do this on purpose? Most likely. Will popping one of their leaders on the sidewalk in one of the world's most populous and surveilled cities fix it? Nope.  Will we continue getting our hundred and fifty bucks back for gym membership?  I hope so.

The firestorm that Luigi kicked off will go far beyond healthcare to something even more political: gun control.  While politicians and the NRA continue to grapple over the popularity and impact of the AR-15, who gets a license to carry and who doesn’t, and the types of ammo that should and shouldn’t be available to the public, the handgun can now be printed on an HP?  I think there are additional ripples to the Luigi thing that haven’t sunk in yet.  All the serial numbers, registrations, and ballistics tests of the last half-century will be out the window if the DIY make-a-gun-at-home thing becomes the next big thing.

In 2021, around 21,000 Americans were murdered by firearms.  Around 42,000 people died in car accidents in the very same year.  And the 42,000 deaths are the reason that we put our kids in car seats, insist that they wear their seatbelts, and before they get on the road, take driver’s education.  One more statistic to chew on, and I’ll get to the educational part of this.  There are around 288 million vehicles on the road in the US.  Let’s face the facts.  Our nation has 100,000,000 more guns than it has registered automobiles.  And that number is about to go up because it’ll be some time before we make cars in our backyards on 3D printers. 

The sheer volume of firearms in America, coupled with the advent of technologies like 3D printing, underscores the urgent need for open, honest conversations about gun safety, especially with our kids. As parents, we cannot afford to sidestep this convo. Guns aren’t a distant abstraction; they are present in many homes, communities, and, tragically, schools. To protect our children, we must equip them with the knowledge and values necessary to navigate a world where firearms are accessible and, at times, dangerously mishandled.

Start with education. Younger children need to understand the basics: never touch a gun, always inform an adult if they find one, and understand that firearms are not toys. As they grow into adolescents and teenagers, the conversation needs to evolve. Discuss the real-life consequences of gun violence, emphasizing the irreversible harm it causes to victims, families, and communities. Use real-world examples, statistics, or news stories to make the discussion relatable and impactful.

It's also important to address curiosity. Teens, in particular, may feel invincible or be drawn to the thrill of risky behavior. We gotta let them ask questions and ensure they feel safe discussing this topic without judgment. If there are firearms in the home, explain why they are there, how they are stored securely, and the rules surrounding their use. Make it non-negotiable that any firearm must be stored, unloaded, locked, and out of reach.

Equally important is fostering empathy and responsibility. Help your children understand the weight of owning or handling a firearm. This is not just a matter of individual safety but community welfare. Social media is turning Luigi into a hero – and this isn’t good for our kids folks.  Encourage them to think critically about media representations of gun use and to challenge the glorification of violence in video games, movies, and online platforms.

Finally, we have to talk to our kids about advocacy. If they ever feel unsafe due to the presence of firearms in a friend’s home or school, they have to be empowered to tell someone. They should know how to alert trusted adults or authorities in a way that prioritizes safety and resolution.

Just as we guide our children through the rules of the road before handing over the car keys, we have to consider educating them about the realities of what they now call pew pews (guns). By doing so, we are preparing them with tools to navigate a world where guns exist and empowering them to make choices that prioritize safety, respect, and empathy. The stakes are too high to ignore these conversations. Lives depend on them.