The Fight Over Gun Control
The debate on whether guns should be legal in the United States.
Intro: the topic of gun control has been a growing debate among politicians as of late. The Second amendment states that “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to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” (Bill of Rights), but many people are questioning whether this is an outdated way of thinking, fueled by the rise of gun involved murder and accidents, it is no wonder why this is so.
The Bill of Rights was written in the 1700’s, when every able bodied male had the obligation to serve in his residing state’s military, so it only made sense that everyone should have a gun in the event that the nation was under attack. In contrast, the modern military consists of only a small percentage of the population, whose members joined by free will. Still, the vast majority has access to firearms.
This is where the problem arises. Presently, anybody over the age of 18 who passes a background check may own a gun. But it doesn’t take a rough or troubled background for a person to attempt murder (or suicide). Gun involved violence is seemingly so common, that the television displays it regularly, and sometimes even comically. It is no wonder the question of whether to allow people to own guns has risen, but is it really that good of an idea to remove them?
Let’s assume firearms became illegal to own. Every law abiding citizen would comply, but what of the criminals and lawless men? The birth of another law would have no effect on them, since they don’t heed any of the others. This is the biggest problem with the removal of firearms. Crime rates will not drop because of their being outlawed, but instead, opposite will happen. Scott McPherson from the Philadelphia tribune stated, “…armed citizens discourage crime, and disarmed people are easy prey for violent thugs.” [Philadelphia tribune]. Without side arms to protect themselves, the vast majority of us who obey laws will be vulnerable to the influence of those who still wield the illegal weapons.
One of the largest groups guilty of this behavior would be gangs. Guns, drugs, and money are the three drives of gang members, and illegal activity is a proud policy. Even if we could take their guns away, there is always that supplier, (importing weapons illegal to the public even now), who will import this contraband for a hefty profit. On top of that, the creativity of this subculture is shockingly immense when it comes to these three “virtues”. Zip-guns are prime examples of this. They can be constructed from a wide range of materials. Anything from a child’s cap gun, to piping and a spark can be converted into a lethal weapon. Outlawing firearms would not diminish this activity, but instead, expose the population to it. America should be spending time eliminating illegal importation, as it is a more suitable cause of violence [Philadelphia tribune]
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Post CommentDrew Diligence
On October 25, 2008 at 4:13 am
Like every other gun nut you seem to find logic in the illogical. Other societies operate just fine without guns. Their streets are not overrun with gun toting bad guys and their crime rates are a lot lower than ours.
In England the police do not carry guns, and yet they have no problem dealing with the criminal element there.
The fact that guns are so readily available means that the black market in guns has proliferated. Its easy to steal guns when everyone has one.
America enjoys the highest rate of gun related homicide in the world. If Columbine, and Virginia Tech, are not enough to convince you that guns kill people then what is?
You quote the Declaration of independence, inaccurately, “To ensure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone”. How much life, liberty and happiness did those dead kids at Columbine and Virginia Tech get?
What’s so bad about not having a gun?
Amend the constitution and outlaw gun ownership.
Dan D Man
On February 6, 2009 at 4:47 am
Ive got to say that i agreee with Drew Diligence on this one. OK so the problem has arisen from an out of date piece of legislation but it still cant be adhered to and the high rate of gun crime continue. Ban all firearms. If anyone is caught in possesion of a firearm its a mandatory 5 year sentence and if the gun is loaded then you should be up on attempted murder charges. What else is a gun used for?
Mr Ghaz
On February 8, 2009 at 9:00 am
Excellent! very informative and well-written article. Must read. Thanks for sharing
Steven H
On February 21, 2009 at 2:27 pm
The point of the essay, which I fear you have overlooked, was not to say that a plethora of gun toting maniacs is okay, but to raise awareness of the causes, and take evasive maneuvers.
Drew, don\’t quote the first amendment as a weapon against my argument without using the WHOLE amendment. True, the amendment states life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but it includes FOR ALL people, not just a selective few. For a gun owner, recreational use of a fire-arm does follow under the catagory of \’pursuit of happiness\’.
I wanted to bring up the point that it isn\’t the armed populace responsible for these murders. Its the emotionally unstable that are to blame for these actions. If you research the matter, you will find that Seung-Hui Cho had a history of severe anxiety disorder, and was known for stalking girls.
The columbine kids had a known history of violence, and there was a police investigation launched a few years before where the students made death threats, listed weapons collected, and gave instructions to make bombs. They believe that violent video games and movies (Doom in particular), and their social clique were key causes.
As says the Second Amendment, \”Every able bodied person\” has the right to bear arms. We need to change the meaning of the amendment, not eliminate it. The definition of able bodied person should include mental, physical, and financial stability. I.E. you wouldn\’t give a gun to someone with a history of depression, and you wouldn\’t give a gun to someone without a stable job. The solution is not taking them away (which is impossible) but becoming more selective about who gets them.
\”Like every other gun nut you seem to find logic in the illogical\” Drew, be reasonable. You have no idea where I am, what my bias may be, or if I even own a gun.
I do NOT own a gun. I shot one once when I was little. Accusations and hasty generalizations are not a good basis for an argument, and name calling is not so helpful either. I am still open to persuasion (I came in to the essay undecided on where I stood).
Dan, guns are for killing. that was their purpose when they were invented, and that is what they are used for now. The general population uses weapons as a form of self defense (a scare tactic to ensure safety at home) while others use them for HUNTING. The use of long arms is mainly to shoot large game, in which the hunter will convert the kill into food for him/her and his/her family, as is required by the state (meaning they should not let the game go to waste).
Guns don\’t kill people. People kill people. A gun is just an extension of the persons wishes, and a means of accomplishing them.
Two of the biggest massacres in school history could have been avoided, but weren\’t, and I blame lax gun control and inforcement.
The thing about banning guns is this: in order for power to remain with the people, by the people, and for the people, it is necessary for them to have some control. Take that away, and the government can become tainted. We are still a young nation, so we have not experienced true tyranny, but when the government has total power over the people, such events are more likely to happen. the people have the right to bear arms and to vote, both of which are what ensures this nation runs as an uncorrupted democracy.
Phillip Torsrud
On November 3, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Intersting article. Please read my blog Concealed Carry and check out my website http://www.politicsandjustice.com.
G
On April 5, 2011 at 2:21 am
I CANT EVEN READ THIS GARBAGE, HAVE FUN IN YOUR FANTASY LAND ON THE INTERNET FUELED BY HOPES, DREAMS, LOLLY POPS AND GUM DROPS.
Fool Proof
On May 14, 2011 at 1:16 am
^
ROFL!!!