In our country nearly one half of households own a gun and nearly thirty thousand people die each year from gun shot related wounds (Smock 151). It is because of statistics like these that gun control has become one of the most heated issues that our country is currently facing. While it is obvious that guns are dangerous weapons that must be used responsibly, many people are debating whether or not stricter laws should be put in to place in an attempt to lower the harms caused by guns. Many states and cities across the nation have already established laws that have made it harder for people to get their hands on guns. Many extremists have even asked for guns to be completely taken out of the hands of everyday citizens.
That is a part of our freedom. But at what point does a citizen deserve to lose that freedom? Criminals have such easy access to firearms just based on the fact that it is so easy to buy one. Gary Kleck, author of “Point Blank: Handgun Violence In America” states “Probably fewer than two percent of handguns and well under one percent of all guns will ever be involved in a violent crime. Thus, the problem of criminal gun violence is concentrated within a very small subset of gun owners, indicating that gun control aimed at the general population faces a serious needle-in-the-haystack problem.” The vast majority of citizens buying firearms are only doing it merely for their own protection.
They are concerned that each step toward greater gun control will lead to the eventual confiscation of all firearms. Gun control opponent groups spend far more than gun control supporters on campaign contributions. Opponents of gun control, including the National Rifle Association, better known as the NRA, argue that the "right to bear arms" is guaranteed in the second amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and licensing restrictions penalize law-abiding citizens while in no way preventing criminal use of handguns. As the National Rifle Association puts it, “Guns Don’t kill People—People Do.” It is also argued that by making it difficult for guns to be bought and registered for the American public there is a threat to the personal safety of American families
About nineteen children are hurt from guns every day, where twelve children are injured and seven children are killed. These are only just children. Imagine how many people become victims of gun violence every day. There is a lot of debate between whether or not more laws should be passed to control the ownership and manufacturing of guns in the United States. Can gun control laws reduce the amount of gun violence?
There are people who are mentally ill that are able to purchase guns with the intent of killing people. Laws for purchasing guns should be strengthened. A simple background check should not be the only thing in the way of a person purchasing weapons. The National Rifle Association was founded in 1871 as a sporting and hunting association, they supported most gun control regulation for its first 100 years. Now the National Rifle Association members are in favor requiring an extensive background check, and “69 percent support requiring all gun sellers at gun shows to conduct criminal background checks of the people buying guns; 59 percent favor mandatory registration of handguns; and 77 percent favor a waiting period for the purchase of a handgun.” All of these are would make it harder for people to purchase guns and allow proper documentation for every gun.
His research says that possession of firearms shows no evidence of “more guns less crime”. Research on firearm possession and risk of violent death is reviewed. Also that having guns in the home can also facilitate suicides or homicides and the increased risk of violent deaths. Since guns do not have the ability to load themselves and find a target, every person has to make a conscious decision to commit a crime using a gun. With the new concealed weapons law passed in Illinois, criminals must think about if wonder if their next victim will be carrying a concealed weapon or not.
Unfortunately these catastrophes are becoming more and more frequent. In their immediate aftermath people come out and want to ban guns. On the other side, pro-gun advocates fight tooth and nail to protect the rights of themselves and other gun owners. Ultimately very little gets accomplished. We as a society need to take steps to drastically reduce the number of acts of violence committed with guns.
Gun control has been a controversial issue in America for many decades, especially the debate concerning the most effective ways to reduce gun violence. We hear stories everyday of homicides, suicides, firearm accidents, and mass shootings resulting in more than 100,000 people being injured or killed per year. In the political arena, there are opposing views on the laws needed to reduce this gun violence epidemic. There is too much political arguing that causes Congressional gridlock, when what is important is to stop fighting each other and start fighting for the common good of the people. Many concerned citizens just want the political arguing to stop and to work together, not for political gain, but for the crucial purpose of saving lives.
How Many Deaths Are Enough? The number of shootings every year is unbelievably high, and even more shocking is the number of people killed by guns. Carrying guns in the US is a very bad idea, especially with reference to this article. Having a gun for protection of oneself might make you feel safe in a dangerous area but unfortunately far too many people abuse the property of a gun. This way, the number of shootings every year will continually increase and keep making the US a less safe place to live.
Over the last decade our Countries gun violence has increased dramatically. Each year the percentages keep rising. The Gun Violence Archive numbers say that in 2017, gun homicides are rising faster in some cities than they are falling in others. Something needs to happen with gun control. In author Paul Waldman article it stated that “Over 30,000 Americans dead every year, and tens of thousands more maimed and paralyzed.” Our country has a very bad reputation on how dangerous and violent we are.