Impact

Every year, my family and I would pile into a minivan and drive the 30 minutes inland on Highway 101 to enjoy the yearly ritual of live music, scorching hot weather and of course, garlic fries.

Anyone who lives in and around the Bay Area knows just how beloved the Gilroy Garlic Festival is. On July 28, 2019 we were reminded once again that senseless gun violence has become so commonplace, we’re almost becoming desensitized to it.

I for one, have had enough.

While the majority of Americans support common sense gun laws, even something so simple as universal background checks is routinely blocked by lawmakers in Congress that receive money from the NRA and gun lobbyists.

The US has some of the weakest gun laws in the world and the statistics show that America far outpaces the developed world in gun deaths, largely because guns are so easily accessible. Studies have shown a correlation between fewer gun deaths and stricter gun laws, yet our country’s leaders largely continue to do nothing.

There is much work to be done.

The issue of gun violence in America has only grown. In 2019, there have already been over 250 mass shootings – more than 1 every day. The issue is complex, but I believe there are real solutions. That’s why at Halfcode, we’ve launched the AI Against Gun Violence Initiative.

It’s time we stand up and support an issue of national importance – ending gun violence in the United States by working with lawmakers to pass common sense gun laws that save lives.

It should not be easier to own a gun than to adopt a puppy. Universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and initiatives to remove guns from felons and mentally ill are policies we support.

We need to close the loophole of easy access to guns through private sales and gun shows. People who intend to harm others or themselves can readily purchase a firearm through these unregulated venues.

Our society is accustomed to sensible safety standards when it comes to driving an automobile. You have to take driver training, pass a test to become licensed and buy car insurance. Why is gun ownership not held to this same minimum standard?

Simple technology is already being used to make your iPhone safe and secure. Similar safety technology can be applied to make smart guns. And that’s why, as part of our AI Against Gun Violence Initiative, our team at Halfcode has already begun working on a project to develop exactly this type of smart technology and apply it to gun safety.

These ideas are based on common sense and we know that they will work. If we don’t work toward implementing these ideas, we will never get to the heart of the problem – that our country is profoundly affected by gun violence because there are too many guns in America.

Politicians will argue about the rights of gun owners. But what about the rights of school children, college students or families attending a concert or sporting event who are shot by a weapon that in any other country would only be in the possession of the police? When is enough, really enough?

At Halfcode, our motto is AI For Good. We believe that we have a responsibility to be socially conscious. As we continue to grow, our mission will evolve. Our resolve will grow. These are not political issues that are defined by the right or the left. These are human issues that affect us all.

I believe if you really care about something. You don’t just talk about it. You do something about it. And it’s time we stand up for an issue that matters and start working to create real change.

Richard Black
Founder Halfcode