'Gun-free zones' reflect political gambling in the U.S.

On Thursday, a distinctive "gun-free zone" sign has been put on Times Square by the New York government to enforce a gun control law, effective on the same day.

According to this law, citizens are banned from carrying firearms in "sensitive locations" including parks, schools and public transit in the state of New York. It also tightens the permit standards of concealed handgun and increases the quality of training for those purchasing guns.

This law, however, reflects the fight between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court, leaning towards Republicans, overthrew a piece of law on gun control in New York, which states gun holders need to prove their "justified reason" for carrying a weapon in public. Five other states with a similar law were also affected by this ruling.

Kathleen Hochul, governor of New York and Democrat, said on August 26 that she and Democratic senators from the New York State Legislature took several actions on the second week after ruling, including creating "sensitive locations" to promote gun control. Similar actions were also taken by Democratic-controlled states like Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Earlier this month, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a measure that would require gun permit applicants to undergo personal interviews with a licensing authority.

New Jersey now requires people to get training before receiving a permit and requires new residents to register guns brought in from out of state.

Following this year's shooting in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Republican governor Greg Abbott still refuses to raise the minimum age for gun purchases, a topic proposed by victims' families on Wednesday, saying such measures are "unconstitutional".

Mutual attacks and sabotage between the two parties have become the normality after massive shootings, the Washington Post said on Thursday, but thousands of Americans are the ones who suffer from gun violence.

According to data statistics from Gun Violence Archive, more than 29,700 casualties and 26,500 injures happened due to gun violence in the U.S. so far this year.