Gun Control

Gun control has been an issue for years. From 895 A.D. to1968 there was a constant battle for the right to bear arms. Throughout the years, a lot of citizens were against having guns and, slowly but surely, guns were allowed. On June 5, 1968, the right to bear arms was amended to the Constitution. Is this a good thing for young people? Old people? Middle-aged homemakers? This controversy grows as more incidents involving guns happen in the United States. While guns give people a sense of security, there are people who abuse this privilege.

Each year, congress debates whether or not to change the gun laws. Can you blame them? In 2007, a huge massacre involving one gunman took the lives of thirty-two college students. The Virginia Tech massacre will be remembered in history forever, as well as the minds of congressmen. Congress members are constantly debating whether or not to keep the laws because of incidents like this. Individuals, like the gunman at the Virginia Tech massacre, are constantly abusing the privilege leaving congressmen completely at awe. "In the end, Congress does not change the law because it is just 'not that easy'" (Forlenza).

Congress did try to stop gun consumers from getting out of hand. In 1968, they also passed a law which made it mandatory that each potential consumer must follow the strict registration requirements to obtain a gun. These requirements stated that anyone who wanted to purchase a gun must register their gun to the government. This simple step lets the government know who has a gun and who does not. It also "prohibits mail-order sales and the interstate sales of firearms, prohibits transfers to minors, limits access to "new" assault weapons, and sets forth penalties and licensing requirements for manufacturers, importers, and dealers" (Policy Almanac).

Passing this law looked very good for the Congressmen. The average decrease of homicides in the United States dropped a dramatic 47% after passing that law. However rebellions, as they always do, found a way around these strict registration requirements. As the internet became more popular in the late 1990's, the homicide statistics went up again about 20% (Gillespie).

One can compare these restrictions to the Prohibition Act that was passed in the early turn of the Century. There was a ban on alcohol, yet people managed to find ways around it. During this time, "Underground Bars" were established. Same goes for the Gun Control Act; individuals will find a way to conquer the strict registration requirements and continue to illegally bare arms. "The internet is a huge source for anything illegal" (Forlenza)

Gun control supporters argue that the law does not stop criminals from illegally obtaining a gun. In relation to the Virginia Tech massacre, the gunman went to a local shop in Virginia and bought a gun. He also purchased another gun over the internet's black market. "No one could

stop him because no one knew about it" (Pravkewitz). The only thing that could have stopped him, or anyone else for that matter, are the federal agents of this country. These advocates believe that guns should be completely prohibited except for policemen and the dedicated military.

I found that the individuals who oppose the gun laws are the ones who enjoy hunting. Hunting is a hobby for many people, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, who is to say that Hunter Bob will not go out into a high school and shoot little children? There are limitations, as mentioned before, on the gun restrictions. For example, one cannot obtain a gun that is more than a 9mm. A 9mm gun is considered a lethal weapon because it can kill a person right on the spot. Policemen and military men are the only ones allowed to 'legally' obtain these guns. The only problem with giving a gun to a hunter or a policeman is who will find that gun when the they are not present? This is a question that must be asked everyday.

In recent years, two-million handguns (this includes guns for military and policemen), along with one million rifles (for hunters) were manufactured. The average retail price for a gun is $50 and can range to $1,500. Think about it, I can purchase a $50 hand gun with a job at McDonald's. In 2000, 12,943 homicides were reported; 79% were handgun murders. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the number of homicides from the age of 14-17 increased 294%. 294%! This is a huge statistic, why do the congressmen have such a hard time changing the law? (Policy Almanac)

A big reason why Congressmen have yet to change the law is because the United States is considered a free land. With all the laws, we are slowly losing our freedom. Our country thrives

on money, and the only way to get money is for people to immigrate to the United States. "Immigrants do not want to come to this country if they can't sneeze when they want to! Breathe when I say 'okay'? I think not" (Pravkewitz). Having a gun is the all-American way of living. Hunters, policemen and military workers all go out there to try to make the world a better place. For example, a hunter goes out to hunt for ducks each day because he knows that he is helping the country. A policeman can save a life with a gun, policemen symbol safety which is what Americans want to feel. Military men are constantly out there on the front line protecting our country from threats. It is the all-American way and one of the last things we have that symbolizes our freedom.

Other countries do not experience this freedom. In Moroto, Africa, guns are completely banned. If a person is found with a gun, they will be banned from Africa forever.