Gun Control in The United States

Approximately 33,000 people are killed in gun-related incidents in the United States alone every year (ProCon.org, 2016). This is a staggering statistic, especially considering that the U.S. is just one of 195 countries in the world today. This is due to several reasons.

Firearm Regulation in America

Shootings are becoming increasingly common, and guns are becoming easier to access. The Second Amendment has reigned supreme in gun laws since the founding of America in 1776. Some believe this amendment is detrimental to the nation, advocating for stricter gun laws or even the abolition of firearms. On the other hand, there are those who argue that there are already sufficient laws regulating gun ownership and usage. These opposers suggest focusing on improving mental health care rather than limiting gun ownership. The debate on gun control is a very pressing matter.

Diverse Perspectives on Gun Control

Some advocate for stricter gun control laws, while others believe the laws should be more lenient to support self-defense and hunting. The public discourse extends beyond homicides and gun accessibility to include other issues. Currently, there are around 300 million guns distributed among millions of people and households in the U.S. (ProCon.org, 2016). Approximately one-third of American adults report owning guns. In today's world, mass shootings and terrorist attacks occur almost daily, resulting in significant loss of life. However, these tragic events have also served as learning experiences that have prompted the implementation of new restrictions. Both sides of the debate have compelling reasons for their beliefs, which ultimately trace back to the Second Amendment.

The Second Amendment: Historical Context and Modern Implications

To gun control supporters, the Second Amendment is partly to blame for gun violence in the U.S. In 1787, the U.S. Congress ratified the Constitution, which included the Bill of Rights and its first ten amendments. Among these is the Second Amendment: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed" (ProCon.org, 2016). Supporters argue that the amendment was created when the country was vulnerable and relied on private militias in lieu of a national army. They contend that the context has since changed, and the necessity for widespread gun ownership has diminished.

Arguments for and Against Gun Control

Gun control supporters argue that the Second Amendment contributes to gun violence by empowering individuals to own lethal weapons, leading to the highest gun-to-resident ratio globally at 112.6 guns per 100 people (ProCon.org, 2016). This high prevalence increases the risk of guns falling into the wrong hands. Supporters also link the amendment to the 33,000 gun-related deaths annually (ProCon.org, 2016). In contrast, opposers assert that the amendment is crucial for protecting citizens from criminals who would acquire guns illegally regardless of laws. According to the Giffords Law Center (2000), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives reported over 84,000 firearms were illegally trafficked in 2000 alone, supporting the notion that criminals bypass legal restrictions.

Focus on Mental Health

Opposers of stricter gun control laws also emphasize the importance of addressing mental health. More than two-thirds of gun deaths in America are suicides (ProCon.org, 2016). By prioritizing mental health, the suicide rate and, consequently, gun-related deaths could decrease significantly. Opposers argue that law-abiding gun owners are often overlooked, while the focus is placed on those who misuse firearms. The current legal framework requires background checks for gun purchases and special licenses for activities such as open and concealed carry. It is rare for someone who undergoes these processes to use a gun to harm others without some form of mental illness.

Conclusion

The argument for gun control is a pressing topic in America today. Supporters call for stricter laws, while opposers believe existing restrictions are sufficient and should be relaxed. This debate will shape the future of our nation and potentially the world. The outcome could significantly impact our reliance on guns for food, hunting, and protection. With 88.8 guns per person in America, nearly every family has encountered a firearm, and whether that experience was positive or negative may define our future.

References:

• ProCon.org. (2016). The Second Amendment Guaranteed a Civic Right to Be Part of the State Militia. Retrieved from https://www.procon.org
• Giffords Law Center. (2000). Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Report. Retrieved from https://giffords.org/lawcenter