By Kyle W. Bell | Political Contributor

The nation has turned its collective attention to the issue of gun violence in the wake of the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, where twenty children and six staff members were gunned down in cold blood. The past several weeks have been dominated by headlines involving gun violence: five more shootings have occurred on campuses across the country since Newtown. While mass shootings receive a bulk of the media's attention, over one-thousand Americans unnoticed by cameras have lost their lives in a month's time.

We are becoming all too accustomed to these tragedies. Whether it is the unrelenting bloodshed in the streets of Chicago or the mass shooting in Tucson where Congresswoman Giffords miraculously survived a gunshot to the head but where six others lost their lives, including a nine year old, gun violence continues. The horrific mass shooting in Aurora where a man armed with body armor set off tear gas grenades and unloaded an assault rifle, brutally murdering twelve and shooting fifty-eight others who were simply waiting to watch the latest Batman movie, is tragic. It seems that there is a new event every week.

To be sure, our country has a proud tradition of gun ownership dating back to before the American Revolution. I come from a gun state, Indiana, where law-abiding citizens use guns for recreational use and self-defense. However, just as we have adapted our laws to reflect the changing times on other issues, such as the threats of global terrorism, we also must modernize our gun laws to reflect the realities on the ground today. We cannot ignore the vast technological advancements that have taken place since the 1700s. Back then a one-shot musket was no guarantee of a kill, even with a precise aim. In the time of our founders, it would have taken well over ten seconds just to reload a single round, even for a well-trained member of the Continental Army.

Today, we find ourselves with weapons that are truly awe-inspiring — and not in a good way. The Bushmaster assault weapon used at Sandy Hook Elementary is capable of firing hundreds of rounds in a minute. It was designed for the battlefields of Afghanistan, not for the hallways of an elementary school.

We should not pretend that military-style weapons should be in the hands of civilians. These are machines of death, not of play or self-defense. The only civilian who truly needs these weapons is someone who means to do a great deal of harm in a fast, efficient manner without regard for life.

While there are plenty of common sense approaches that we can take to reduce gun violence, it will be an undoubtedly difficult political pursuit. Some powerful organizations with vested financial interests in selling these highly destructive weapons have attempted to sensationalize the issue by claiming that gun safety advocates support taking away all guns and abolishing the Second Amendment as we know it. Conspiracy theorists, with millions of views on YouTube, have even gone to the extreme of claiming that Sandy Hook was a hoax designed by the government to take away people’s guns. This could not be further from the truth. We can and should protect the Second Amendment while also coming to the realization that this is not the 1780s. The founders never intended for us to unleash firepower onto our streets that frankly would be more lethal than any weapons they could have ever imagined.

Gun advocates have also put up the ridiculous argument that new gun laws will not prevent every mass shooting or act of violence on the street, thus making the proposed laws unworthy of consideration. Clearly new gun laws will not end all acts of gun violence. In the same way that our government's counter-terrorism efforts are not a fail-safe against all potential terrorist attacks, the purpose of these laws is to prevent and minimize the massacre of our people while maintaining our rights as citizens.

Assault weapons are not the only issues at hand. There were over 30,000 gun-related deaths in the U.S. in 2010 of which there were 11,078 murders. We cannot simply turn a blind eye to this fact. Some would rather pretend that things like violent video games are the culprit or as some have rather comically argued, that America does not have enough guns. Contrary to these claims, the high gun ownership rate in the United States, surpassed by no one else in the world, enables not only violent criminals to wantonly murder, but contributes to a staggeringly high suicide count.

The proof is in the numbers. Slovenia and Norway had only 2 gun murders. Two! Before you say, “Well, that’s because they’re so small” in terms of population, Norway only has .05 gun murders per 100,000 people compared to nearly 3 per 100,000 in the U.S. And it’s not a difference due to culture, except perhaps gun culture. England and Wales have fewer than 50 gun murders per year at a rate of .07 per 100,000 people. The British have the same movies, music and video games that we do in the United States, leaving the violent media blame game without a basis in reality.

There’s only one logical conclusion: lax gun laws and easily accessible firearms enable mass shootings and allow for an inextricably high murder rate to take place in the United States.

So what do we do about it? Responsible gun ownership should be a requisite for owning a gun. Proper gun training should be mandatory. Likewise, one cannot expect a person with a felony to be a responsible gun owner. Felons, criminals and terrorists should never have access to any weapons whatsoever. And while we cannot completely dry up the black market of gun sales to these groups, we can certainly make it more difficult and expensive by properly funding vigorous law enforcement efforts, saving countless lives in the process.

The only way that we can fully prevent these transactions from occurring is by instituting universal background checks. In the same way that a teacher has to undergo a background check to be around children, purchasing a gun should be contingent upon a clean criminal record. Under current law, a person even with a violent felony can purchase any gun of their choosing at a gun show or through a private sale. It is estimated that up to forty percent of gun sales occur through these means. This loophole is simply not acceptable. It puts the lives of our citizens at risk. Closing it should be a top priority of Congress.

Finally, the issue of mental illness has been given scant attention in recent years. Congress has an obligation to examine America’s mental health system in a serious, thoughtful and thorough fashion. Just walk the streets of some of our biggest cities and you will see how poorly we have neglected to treat mental illness. Many people suffering from mental illness find themselves homeless, including tens of thousands of veterans. Not only will better funding for mental health prevent future gun violence, it will also help individuals with mental illness live more fulfilling lives.

All of these approaches are enormously popular with the American people. According to a Washington Post poll taken on January 10-13, which mirrors other recent polls taken on the subject, 88 percent of Americans support requiring background checks at gun shows; 76 percent support requiring a background check on anyone purchasing ammunition; 71 percent support creating a federal database to track the sale of all guns; 65 percent support banning high-capacity clips; and 58 percent support banning assault weapons. These are all measures that would enhance public safety with wide support from voters, not only protecting the lives of children, but also police officers, firefighters and others who put their lives on the line for us every day.

America needs a comprehensive approach to solving this critical issue. It is incomprehensible to think that we would allow violent criminals to purchase a gun thanks to a lack of universal background checks. It is equally appalling that assault weapons, such as the Bushmaster and others like it, are allowed on the streets of Newtown, Chicago or any other city. And of course the lack of mental health funding is not only a safety issue, but a moral one as well. To simply throw our hands up and pretend that we cannot solve this issue in a responsible way is ludicrous. We have the solutions right in front of us. Let's bring an end to this violent chapter in our nation’s history. Smart gun safety laws not only protect our most vulnerable, they protect our rights as responsible citizens.

Kyle W. Bell is an author and blogger with a B.A. in Political Science from Indiana University South Bend. He is the author of Operation Bald Eagle and other works of both fiction and non-fiction sold through major online retailers. His political commentary can be found at Kylebell.com.

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director

I sat in a tiny room with blue walls hearing my student mispronounce a variety of words. Pim, one of the refugee students I work with, was asking me a question dealing with his vocabulary lesson. His current chapter, "Growing Up: Memories", dealt with words describing life in a distant past. Memoirs, remembrance, and gratitude were some of the words Pim needed to memorize and assimilate into his lexicon.

One of the words, gratitude, stood in my mind. As I sat with Pim helping him form proper sentences utilizing his newly-acquired vocabulary, I couldn't help but think about the passing of a dear friend and professional acquaintance, Steve Starr.

Steve Starr, a freelance photographer based in Chicago, was known throughout the fashion and socialite scene and loved by those he beautifully captured through his lens. A well-known man of both wit and integrity, he passed away Monday after collapsing on a sidewalk outside of the Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. According to varying sources, he was grabbing a bite with some friends shortly before suffering a heart attack.

I stared at the piece of paper where Pim was writing 4 sentences with the words memoirs and remembrance. He looked over and asked if I had some sample sentences to share with him. I nodded my head and read aloud two of the sentences I wrote:

"Memoirs are used to capture the experiences that influence are lives. A moment of remembrance is meant to honor the people, places, and things we cherish most, like those that have entered the next life."

Pim looked at me, smiled, and went back to writing his sentences.

Starr was 65 years-young when he parted this earth. I believe the word remembrance is quite fitting for a man like Steve. The things I remember about the pal I referred to as Steve-O Estrella (Spanish for "star") are the ways in which he would smile in that sly way of his only to pull out his camera 3 seconds later and take one of the most intriguing pictures of his subject possible. During the Fashion of the Opera event in October, Steve and I shared a moment while sipping champagne. "You know, I really don't care to be a celebrity," he mentioned while tipping his signature hat. "People always want to make you big, but the only person that can make you grow is yourself."

These words are some I carry with me as I place a picture of him on my ofrenda, an alter honoring those who've passed. The Mexican tradition states that during El Día de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead - individuals and families organize an alter with quintessential things that their loved ones enjoyed, such as flowers, a piece of chocolate, fruit, or jewelery. Photographs as well as food, water, and items representing activities they enjoyed are also placed on the alter. The belief is that these goods and elements will guide the dead through mictlan - the land of the dead - and into the next life.

On the altar I arranged for Steve, I have a photograph of him, a small plastic camera, a bottle of water, and a shot of tequila. During Lily's Talent Agency's 30th Anniversary rendezvous at The Drake last week, he'd confessed his love for Mexican culture, cuisine, and, particularly, tequila. "When I have my event on the 12th, you need to bring the good (tequila)," he mentioned to me over a glass of wine. "None of that stuff that college kids drink - I want to feel like I'm in Mexico drinking the good stuff." While I can't say that we had the chance to savor finely distilled tequila together, I've made it a point to fill his shot glass every evening with a fresh dose of the fine Mexican elixir.

"Jorge, I'm finished," Pim shyly mentioned. "Can I read you my sentences?"

I nodded.

"I have gratitude for good friends and loving family. I grow up in Cambodia and know memoirs of my mother, who writes every day in her journal. One day, she read to me about growing up very poor in the country, but has remembrance for her father who died coming to America."

I smiled, added a few words of wisdom, and dismissed Pim from our session. "Did I do good, Mr. Jorge? I feel I'm getting better in English."

Pim is a great student: full of life and ambition. What I remember most about that session with him are those three words he used: memoirs, remembrance, gratitude. I share with my industry peers the diverse emotions the unexpected passing of our friend Steve Starr has fostered. Nevertheless, I know that Steve-O wouldn't want us to consider his passing a tragedy. Instead, he would urge us to celebrate and basque "in the light" as he would often say while making one look absolutely divine.

An avid lover of all-things glamor, fashion, and celebutante, Steve was the type of guy who knew how to make you smile. He captured the beauty in those around him and sought to create harmony in the often complex and ever-changing world of fashion, design, art decor, and politics.

A private family-exclusive burial will be held for him in the next few days.

I know in my heart that Steve is watching over each and every one of the folks he's touched with his charisma, joie de vivre, and positive energy. While we've lost a dear friend, we've gained an angel that serves as inspiration to do good in such a diverse, high-energy industry.

Last night, I opened up my favorite tequila hailing from my grandparent's home state of Guanajuato, poured two shots, and smiled as I looked at Steve's glamor shot - black suit, unbuttoned white shirt, camera-ready. I took a deep breath, held one shot in my hand, and gently placed the other right next to the camera on his alter. I exhaled.

¡Pa'rriba, pa'abajo, pa'l centro, y pa' dentro! (Upwards, downwards, to the center, and down it goes!)

This one is for you, Steve Estrella. Salud, amigo.

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director

In solidarity with the teachers from the Chicago Public Schools who officially went on strike this morning, I think about my own parents and their diligence within the CPS system. For many years, they both went to work with smiles on their faces, purchased school materials and goods out of pocket because "no budget" was allocated, dealt with 1st generation Americans, students with limited English capacity, and those in special education.

While my father is now a community liaison, businessman, and activist, he still stands in solidarity with my mother, a current educator, and fervid believer in social justice. Monday through Friday, she is the wonderful teacher with a variety of cute outfits who introduces concepts in English and Spanish while serving as a role model for our future generations.

My mother, a role model for the community and myself, is nothing short of someone I admire because of the heart she places into her work. With a compassionate heart and a sharp mind, mom regularly strives to foster a strong sense of self and community among her elementary school students. Whether it is learning the importance of the 4th of July or debating whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable, she is a passionate educator who sees her job as more than a profession. Her role as an educator, as my mom sees it, is really about giving back. As mom likes to put it, "social responsibility will change the world". I wholeheartedly believe her.

The hundreds of educators currently on strike in Chicago reflect more than a system gone wrong: it is a sign of the times. With a changing student population and a new decade 2 years young, the strike is a symbol of so many of the changes our society hopes to implement. Whether we are talking about the type of education our children need or the importance of the Spanish-language in public schools (and society), we are living in a time of change and it is our duty as citizens to facilitate this transition.

What's more, our own mayor, Rahm Emanuel, is regularly making our educators' lives more challenging. While there are many positive things Emanuel has done for Chicago, if you haven't walked in a teacher's warm, fuzzy shoes you don't have the right to make policy when you've not done the work.

As our current president speaks of "going forward, not backward", let's keep this in mind as we commute to work, school, or place of recreation. Give a helping hand to the teacher next door, offer an ear and receive wisdom. Like Sandy Cakes of Panaderia Azucar in Chicago, one can donate generous gifts of food and beverages to sooth our fellow (wo)man's constitutional right to protest.

Let's do this, friends, community members, and advocates of social change. Support the teacher next door - the agent of change for your child's future . I support our Chicago Public School teachers' right to protest and seek their rights as professionals, educators, and public figures in our communities. 

Si se puede: Yes we can.

by Jorge Zavala
Managing Editor
Twitter: @ProfZavala, #Zavala4CHGO

After my interview two weeks ago with attorney Benjamin Crump, the lawyer representing Trayvon Martin-young man assassinated by George Zimmerman,  I consider what he said in our conversation: no one should be above the law. Besides the Martin-Zimmerman case, an example of such would be the antitrust case against Carlos Slim.

Super billionaire and Mexico’s wealthiest resident, Carlos Slim, is facing a $1 billion fine over practices of his telecom company, Telcel. The company is charged with unfair pricing practices. Telcel is part of the “Slim monster empire” anchored by America Movil, which dominates 70 percent of Mexico’s mobile market. Carlos Slim, who owns Telcel, has been bogged down in court appeals and dispute for a year. Mexican federal competition commission, Cofeco, slapped Telcel, the cash cow of Slim giant telecoms with the record sanction in April 2011 after ruling the company charged excessive prices to wireless and wireless competitors to connect to its network.

Telcel appealed the fine and even managed to ban Cofeco’s President Eduardo Perez Motta from taking part in  a second vote, arguing that Eduardo Motta had made biased comments to the media. Cofeco said it was notifying the affected parties of its decision. If it ratifies, drops or modifies the fine against Slim, the world’s richest man would have some serious issues to consider.

While Slim remains the richest man in the world, he is not immune to the rules and regulations that govern society.

Why is it that the United States, often the nation that brags about how it defends human rights internationally, does not do anything to regulate companies such as ComEd, Nicor, Comcast, and Ford Motors, among others? Just to mention an agency, CUB (Citizens Utilities Board) is supposed to regulate ComEd and Nicor. CUB regulates the price rates of these companies yet for some reason allows them to abuse their pricing. ComEd uses Smart Grid, an instrument used to detect the occurrence of power shortages, as a means to increase pricing, stating that they need the extra money to fix their infrastructure. Smart Grid would allow ComEd to know where problems arise in their system. However, it is not the solution: it was tested in Park Ridge, Illinois and the power was gone for 3-4 days.

What ComEd needs to do is reinvest some of the profits it made over the years. ComEd needs to have its structure underground, but if it is not possible they need to update their equipment. This is not much to ask for considering how much people pay for their services. ComEd is charging an additional 97 cents per bill as of now. It does not only abuse the people with hefty charges but also has the authority to shut your service in case one doesn’t pay a bill.

ComEd does not seem to care if there is a sick relative at home who needs equipment connected to an electrical outlet or if one’s home is getting flooded and the water pump is not working because of lost electrical power. They will disconnect you. They do not claim responsibility for these and many other things. That is why we must demand that agencies like CUB regulate these companies that constantly abuse consumers. If CUB cannot do their job, it is very simple: let’s get rid of them. They are useless to us.

How can this country not do anything for its people? In the end, we are the ones that pay taxes and go out to fight for this country. Wars are not bringing about any positive changes to the local people. Instead, they leave us in debt. In legal cases, it is important that the facts are presented so that the court systems could take whatever means they consider necessary to enforce the law. As in the cases of Martin-Zimmerman and Carlos Slim, evidence needs to be placed for others to examine in order to take the most appropriate action.

Whether one is a working-class individual or the richest man in the world, it is crucial to acknowledge that we must hold everyone accountable for their actions and that no one is above the law.

by Jorge Zavala Sr.
Managing Director

I ask myself, why is it so easy to criticize someone and why is so difficult to praise them? In a debate I had with a well known columnist with regards to the 50,000 dead in Mexico due to drug trafficking violence, we had a disagreement about who the culprits were. If there were no consumers of drugs here in the U.S. then we would not have this violence in Mexico. The well known columnist tried to put the blame on President Felipe Calderon.

According to El Universal, a Mexican newspaper, the state of Nuevo Leon in Mexico confirms that the last 49 people were killed by the drug cartel Los Zetas. This group is responsible for most reason killings in the states of Veracruz, Jalisco, Michoacán and Nuevo Laredo in Nuevo Leon. The municipality of Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon has been used as a clandestine trench to bury the remains of the Golf cartel killed by the Zetas.

Based on forensic evidence, the dead’s ages ranged from 20 -30 years old. Where would we be now if President Calderon had not declared war on the Cartel’s leaders?

The United States as well as Mexico have not done enough to prevent the use of drugs or their control. These wars have been going on before Calderon came in as President. But no one knew they existed as frequent because they had never been brought out to the public. A few people affirmed that Calderon made a mistake by going after the Cartel’s leaders. This caused a war among cartels for control of the market. It is easy to criticize, talk and write but to do something to make this world you think twice before you do anything.

This criticism of Calderon confirms that the media is more interested in negative publicity that sells then positive information.

Why don’t they write or talk about all the positive things Calderon has done? In the past 12 years, people have been able to buy an automobile, buy an apartment, build thousands of miles of new roads, new hospitals, schools and many more things. Additionally, there is more freedom of speech.

Why can’t we see the two perspectives?