Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers at Anti Essays

Gun control is undoubtedly an issue that most Americans have been exposed to.

In 1989, guns killed 11,832 Americans. The National Rifle Association (NRA) members

believe that it is their constitutional right to own guns, stating that guns are not the root of

the crime problem in the United States. Gun control activists like the members of the

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) argue that guns are responsible for the majority

of violent crimes that take place. They wish to instill many types of bans and waiting

periods on firearms, making it nearly impossible to obtain a handgun. In fact, in 1993 the

Brady Bill, which mandates a waiting period on buying firearms, was passed. Their

arguments range from protecting children to saying that guns are diseases, but when one

looks at the facts, though, the arguments of gun control advocates seem irrelevant and it

becomes clear that guns should not be controlled.

Gun ownership by private citizens is protected under the 2nd Amendment. It

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.” The forefathers of

our country meant for the people to own and use firearms, and any law or control on that

right would be unconstitutional. Gun control activists essentially believe the Second

Amendment guarantees only to its militia the right of arms, but the “Gun control

proponents have yet to identify even a single quote from one of the founders to support

their claim” (Silver 78). The 2nd Amendment supports gun owners, and hard

evidence that it does otherwise is nonexistent.

Gun control advocates have been lobbying for 7...