The right to bear arms to protect yourself if necessary is an important one.

Here is where the rest of the world disagrees with you. All of Europe & Oceania disagree with you. We are just as free, but don't have the right to bear arms and guess what - nobody is complaining.

And yes, there are much bigger issues, but the impact of mass shootings is big too. It creates paranoia & fear.

And doesn't that say enough about how not great the USA is, that when 17 kids are murdered, it's still not even close to "the biggest issue"? What about Sandy Hook? All over the news, worldwide, and your Gov did fuck all.

Sorry, but if everybody (developed nations) is pointing a finger at you (USA) and saying you're crazy for thinking the 2nd amendment is instrumental in preserving freedom, perhaps you need to reevaluate your perspective and bias.

How free are you really, if you need to own guns to feel free?