15 Surprising Things Harder to Get Than a Gun

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In the summer of 2016, a man named Jake Thompson bought the assault rifles he used in a tragic shooting just days before the attack. He waltzed right into a local gun shop and, without breaking a sweat, passed the required background check. This individual, known for a history of violence and troubling behavior, also had previous investigations by the FBI for potential terrorist connections. It’s mind-boggling to think that someone like Jake could acquire a firearm so easily, while I had to jump through hoops for weeks to secure my passport! Honestly, I’d find it easier to locate a matching sock in my laundry than to grab an AR-15 at that same shop.

In fact, a reporter for the Daily News timed herself buying an AR-15, and it took her a mere seven minutes! I’ve spent more time searching for diapers at the store with my kids than it took her to purchase that weapon. Regardless of where you stand on gun ownership, can we all agree it shouldn’t be this easy for anyone to access such powerful firearms? Let’s take a look at a handful of everyday items that are tougher to get than a gun.

  1. Cold Medicine (Pseudoephedrine)
    Once upon a time, you could buy as much Sudafed as you wanted. But, due to its use in meth production, the government stepped in and put strict limits on its availability.
  2. Lawn Darts
    You might remember Jarts, the lawn darts that tragically caused the deaths of two children. They were banned immediately, because, well, when kids die, something has to change.
  3. Health Insurance
    A while back, my family had to apply for Medicaid after my partner lost his job. The process involved endless paperwork and phone calls. It took weeks to guarantee basic health care for my little ones.
  4. A Drivable Car
    You can’t take a car on the road without license plates, up-to-date insurance, and a valid driver’s license. It’s common sense—cars can be dangerous! But, sure, anyone can safely handle a gun, right?
  5. Fireworks
    To set off display fireworks legally, you need a Federal explosives license. The application process is long, tedious, and includes fingerprinting. Setting off aerial bombs that might not harm anyone is taken very seriously.
  6. Birth Control Pills
    You still need a prescription from a healthcare provider for these, which is a bit ridiculous.
  7. My Kid’s Asthma Medications
    After seven phone calls and two weeks of waiting, I finally secured my child’s asthma medication—just so he can breathe properly!
  8. Kinder Surprise Eggs
    Did you know these chocolate eggs were banned in the U.S. because of the tiny toys inside? Apparently, they’re available globally but not here due to choking hazards.
  9. A Kitten
    Thinking of adopting a kitten? Better be ready for some serious scrutiny! You might have to provide references and even undergo a home visit.
  10. A Reliable Babysitter
    I have a very short list of people I trust to babysit my kids—it’s practically non-existent!
  11. An Abortion
    Most states mandate a 24-hour waiting period, along with counseling and an ultrasound. It’s my body, my choice—but apparently not my timeline.
  12. Roquefort Cheese
    Certain European cheeses are banned in the U.S. due to health concerns, thanks to the FDA’s strict regulations. You might even find them on the “cheese black market”—yes, that’s a real thing!
  13. Timely Cable Installation
    You could wait an eternity for the cable company to show up. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost my cool waiting for them.
  14. Hamilton Tickets
    Getting tickets to this Broadway show? Nearly impossible!
  15. Beer on Sunday Mornings
    Many states still enforce laws that restrict liquor sales on Sundays, remnants of colonial “Blue Laws.” Maybe it’s time we rethink their place in modern society.

If it were up to me, I’d eliminate all firearms from existence. But I understand that’s not realistic. Still, it seems only logical to put stringent checks in place to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands—especially for those who might pose a danger to society. Gun reform is a pressing human rights issue we can’t afford to ignore. As a parent and a concerned citizen, I refuse to sit back while these dangerous gaps in gun regulation persist.

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Summary

It’s astonishing how many everyday items are harder to obtain than a firearm, from cold medicine to reliable babysitters. Gun ownership should come with serious accountability to ensure that weapons don’t end up in the hands of those who could misuse them.