A National Public Safety Concern: Gun Violence

Introduction: The Urgency of Addressing Gun Violence in America

Today, one of the most pressing issues in America is gun violence. This has evolved from a political affair to a deeply institutionalized public outcry: a need to protect America’s children. In 2019 alone, there have been at least 255 mass shootings, averaging to no less than one mass shooting a day (Kent, 2019). Approximately 393 million Americans are gun owners, and among these gun owners, there are at least 368,000 machine guns in circulation (Ingraham, 2019). The number of deaths from mass shooting-related incidents has rapidly increased from about 200 people wounded or killed in 2015 to a spiteful 650 in 2018 (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 2018). From Sandy Hook to Dayton to El Paso to Las Vegas, gun control legislation and the national arms debate are no longer just political conversations; they represent major public safety concerns. Stricter gun enforcement and a reduction in gun violence is in America’s best interest—safeguarding national public safety.

Historical Context: Gun Ownership and Legislation

The idea of individual gun ownership and gun control legislation stems from the beliefs that govern America’s roots. Since the American Constitution was ratified in 1787, and the Bill of Rights almost half a decade later, America’s freedom bells have been rung by a unanimous impulse for independence and rights. From September 1947 until January 1949, the Freedom Train crossed the United States (U.S. National Archives, 1949). With the national red, white, and blue color scheme, the Freedom Train marked a mobile representation of America’s most notable documents and events: the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Allies’ victory in World War II, and an acquisition of global dominance in automobile transportation and telephone communication (Widmer, 1947). It was also during this time that the idea of inalienable human rights and righteous individual freedoms was slowly surfacing.

Throughout history and today, Americans have insisted on the need for freedom, independence, and equality. America’s maxim, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," defines this inexplicable American yearning to have unabridged jurisdiction over one’s rights, property, and psychological well-being. This idea, this American fantasy and reality, provides a rationale for yet another modification to the constitutional Bill of Rights in 1791: America’s Second Amendment, the “right to bear arms.” However, the constitution and interpretation of the Second Amendment continue to be a controversial and ongoing debate in the United States, particularly following a recent upsurge of mass shootings around the country.

The Debate: Gun Rights vs. Public Safety

Major gun lobbyists, including the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), support individual gun ownership, contending that the Second Amendment is indeed an unconditional, absolute right. Meanwhile, gun control advocates have stricter interpretations of America’s constitutional right to bear arms, viewing it as an obstruction to public and individual safety and well-being. The debate is not just about constitutional interpretation but also involves an examination of the societal impact of widespread gun ownership. Researchers argue that while individual rights are important, they should not outweigh the collective right to safety and security in public spaces.

Conclusion: The Role of Media and Personal Reflection

Recent events in the news and mass shooting incidents have informed me about this issue. I have been keeping up to date with sources like CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Additionally, I have been reading TIME magazine, which covers very relevant political and economic issues. I am also a fan of thrillers, which, although they portray gun violence in a very graphic sense, show the radical consequences of unregulated public gun use. This exposure has deepened my understanding of the complexities surrounding gun violence and the need for informed discourse and action.

References

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. (2018). 2018 Annual Statistical Update.

Ingraham, C. (2019). 'There are more guns than people in the United States, according to a new study of global firearm ownership'. The Washington Post.

Kent, S. (2019). 'Mass shootings in America: By the numbers'. CNN.

U.S. National Archives. (1949). The Freedom Train: A Journey Through America’s Heritage.

Widmer, T. (1947). 'The Freedom Train and America's Journey'. Smithsonian Magazine.