A Quick Look AtThe Controversial Topic

Do gun control laws lead to a less violent country or does it leave law abiding citizens unprotected from violent criminals? Do we need stricter gun control laws? Are the laws already in place being enforced? As of 2009 the U.S. population was at 307 million.[1] According to the gun manufacturers, there are about 300 million firearms owned by citizens as of 2010. Of those 300 million, about 100 million are handguns.[2] So we can see that 100 million hand guns can become a problem if the wrong hands get a hold on them. But can anyone buy a gun? Well obviously someone who is not a citizen cannot, but the list does not stop there. A convicted felon, a fugitive, the mentally disabled, etc., just to name a few, are those categorized as not being able to own a firearm.[3] Even if someone qualifies for example, in certain states like California, there must be a background check and they must have obtained a Handgun Safety Certificate. I just recently went and took the test, and successfully passed. California requires that the individual taking the test receive at least 75% (23 out of 30 questions correct).

Even though there are all these restrictions, somehow weapons seem to land on the hands of the criminal. There is a two side supporter section for this gun control topic. There are those who believe that guns kill people, but there are also those who believe that guns do not kill people, but rather the person shooting the weapon does. This controversial topic can seem at times very black and white with no gray area. We constantly think of not wanting criminals to have the option of having weapons, but at the same time most of us would not want to see ourselves helpless without protection against the criminals. Most Americans will choose to live in fear with guns rather than to live in fear without guns. It all comes down to where we, as a society, draw the line. However, that decision is not as easy as flipping a coin and having it decide for us.

If we really think about it, this nation’s early history is filled with guns. As early as the conquest of the native indigenous people of this land, guns were in play. In those days, it seemed as if though only power was considered to be justice. Americans had to protect themselves and their freedom. Americans reached out for guns in the belief that the power the weapon held was justice, consequently only creating a more subconscious anxiety amongst each other. So we can see by this nation’s history how firearms have been instilled in the people and how weapons reflect an image of protection and power. This is why I find it hard to believe that stricter gun laws will actually be put in place. In the blogs to come I will provide information which show both sides of the spectrum. I will further try my best to explain the controversial topic on whether or not the Second Amendment was meant only for the militia, or now known as the National Guard, or for an individual citizen.

[1] Dataset: "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008." U.S. Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html

[2] Web page: "Firearms Fact Card, 2010." National Rifle Association http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?ID=83

[3] Web page: "Identify Prohibited Persons." Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. http://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/identify-prohibited-persons.html

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