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Most of the world thinks Americans are gun-mad because any mention of gun regulation or control is met with such wild accusations. I know that at least part of the reason is because the NRA and other special interest groups go out of their way to stir the pot but there is also a fundamental fear in this country of someone trying to take away all firearms. President Obama issued an executive order that really didn't add much to the existing gun regulations but tries to beef up existing law. As a result, half the country is going mental on Facebook. As an American citizen who believes in the 2nd amendment - that we have the right to bear arms - I just don't understand why anyone would mind better background checks and ensuring that people have to at least show they know how to safely use a gun. A big thing that people sputter about is saying 'criminals do not obey laws so how do stricter gun laws help?' - those people are either missing the point or deliberately stirring the pot. The fact is that the vast majority of guns that end up in criminal hands are bought by people who legally purchased them and then sold them to a criminal. If gun regulation helps reduce the number of guns out on the streets, isn't that a start in slowing down the horrifying number of gun deaths in this country?

I was recently reading an article about volunteering abroad. It seems that a new trend in travel is to team up with a volunteer organization, pay a fee, and go to an exotic location to volunteer. Your fees pay for your room and board with a host family or hostel. By doing this you can completely immerse yourself in the customs and culture of an area, all the while giving back to the local community. I think it is an exciting idea! What do you think about volunteering abroad as part of your next vacation plan?