America is stuck at a crossroads in its long, contentious relationship with firearms.

We have reached the point where we can continue down the same path of how guns are viewed and regulated at the national and at state levels – a path that includes occasional and incomprehensible mass shootings – or take another direction toward change.

The problem is we’re not sure what changes to make. As much as we talk about gun violence in this country, we don’t have enough information on how to prevent it.

Yes, we need to talk about it more. And yes, this is the time to talk about it.

The gun debate has roared back into the national consciousness in the wake of 17 murders at a high school in Parkland, Florida, by one deeply troubled young man. Teenagers who witnessed the tragedy are leading the call for immediate action to strengthen gun control.

At the same time, legislative efforts are underway in Colorado and elsewhere to loosen restrictions on carrying concealed weapons. There are renewed calls to stop designating schools as “gun-free zones.”

Read more at coloradoan.com.