Knapp
English 1A
5/26/13
With the topic of gun control and regulation comes countless arguments stemming from all directions. From some, a need to protect the rights of Americans under the second amendment, and from others, the desire to protect their families and live in a less armed country. From the drafting of the constitution, gun control has been a topic for discussion. Many feel that the right to own a weapon of their choice is written in the constitution, while others say it doesn't apply to heavy weaponry.....
In a country that is split for the regulation of arms, comes debates and speculation about the best course of action. In light of recent events, regulation has become the hype of the news and a call for action that continues to spread over all forms of social media. There seems to only be one detail that both the "for gun regulation" and "anti gun regulation" parties have in common, that something needs to change. The purpose of gun regulation is an attempt to create a "safer nation" with less inward violence. This is not done simply with the removal of guns, but takes far more effort.
Something that everyone can agree on, is that gun owners should be educated. Not only on the proper use of weaponry, but proper storage, safety awareness, rules and regulations of gun ranges, as well as the responsibility that comes with gun ownership.
There are many however, that believe the freedom to own weapons is an unalienable right. That their right to own and operate weapons is written in the constitution, and any law that prohibits them from using and carrying their weapons is infringing on the 2nd 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). While this counterargument is valid, it does not take into account that the Bill of Rights, which was written over 300 years ago, has always been subject to interpretation from an ever changing government. For example, the eight amendment clearly states "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." However people are still put to death for crimes. Some people feel this clearly violates the "cruel and unusual punishment" section of the amendment. Laws are always subject to interpretation. Perhaps if the founding fathers could see what the semi-automatic weapons of today are capable of doing, they may have been more clearer on the second amendment.
Another argument against gun regulation, states that taking guns off of the streets will not make them disappear, it will only increase illegal gun smuggling and place more cash and guns in the hands of criminals. While this point is valid, we have to think of the greater good in the end. Lets use methamphetamines for example. If it was legal for meth to be sold in supermarkets. How many new citizens will become meth addicts? How much more meth would be created and sold in our society? A lot like methamphetamines, guns will never fully disappear, no matter how illegal we make them. A lot of gun related accidents happen when kids find guns. More regulation leads to an overall decrease of guns in homes, which creates a ripple effect of less gun related accidents.
So many Americans feel very passionately about gun regulation one way or the other, that it seems only a compromise, or middle ground, would make both sides moderately happy. A prevention of future gun violence lies in education, reform, and regulation. First we need to have all gun owners registered and educated about proper use and storage. This could be done by implementing a gun regulation law, that would require all assault weapons to be banned for citizens who do not possess the required permit (such as retired military personal) Only certain citizens would able to obtain this permit after mandatory instructional classes, and basic psychic exam. Background checks are mandatory for all gun owners. New guns (non assault) may be obtained with a license, after a 14 day waiting period. All guns need to be registered with the ATF. Its up to the country to decide how this would play out. Problems will continue to arise, and arguments will continue to be made. Problems like making assault weapons illegal would also take them out of the hands of well adjusted citizens. And making them illegal would create the daunting task of removing them from the hands of current gun owning citizens. This would prove quite a problem as there are people that would and are willing to fight rather than give up their guns.
#1 gun control is a heavy subject.
...needs to be regulated
...educated
...family safety in mind
#2 anti gun control arguments
...2nd amendment - up for interpretation (just like the rest of them)
...taking them off the streets wont make them disappear
...only increase gun smuggling
#3 what should we do?
educate
gun classes, permits
veteran permits
gun permit regulation.
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