Gun Laws

Persuasive Essay

That by updating gun restriction laws will help make the world a better place.

Recent events throughout the world have reignited the highly controversial debate about gun control. There have been far too many human casualties caused by those in the possession of firearms. It seems that the vent of violence aided by the usage of guns is becoming an increasingly common event. There is an enormous difference of opinion not only across communities but across countries as well.

In April 1999, the Columbine Massacre resulted in the deaths of 14 students (including the two gunmen) and a teacher. Shortly afterwards, a bill was put forward to ultimately amend the acting gun laws, to include tough provisions on back round checks and safety locks. However, the bill was a lost cause due to the power the NRA held over the American Government. The Pro gun rights groups have contributed more than $17 million to federal candidates and party committees, and therefore hold a very influential reign over the White House by using financial manipulation. The NRA's view on the Columbine Massacre was this: On the Second Amendment to the Constitution, which protects "the right for all people to bear arms".

A similar situation occurred in Tasmania, Australia. A man went on a killing rampage at the popular tourist destination, Port Arthur, he killed a total of 35 people and many more were injured. The whole nation went into shock over the unexpected events that are now known as 'The Port Arthur Massacre'. How was a man of that mental instability even able to get his hands on a weapon capable of such destruction? Twelve days after the massacre, the Australian State and Federal Governments agreed to enact wide-ranging new gun control laws to curb firearm-related death and injury. Close to a million guns were bought-back from owners and destroyed. Since then there has been a decrease of almost 30% in the number of homicides by firearms.

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