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Gun Control Bad

1154 Words5 Pages

Many people may believe that the level of development in society is fast approaching a golden era, where a majority of conflicts will be resolved as a result of the growing awareness of societal problems and the assertiveness of people around the world. Unfortunately, due to the growing gaps between societal ideals and reality, society continues to be swamped with numerous social, political, and economic issues that negatively impact a significant number of people and their communities today. These issues arise due to a variety of factors, sometimes beyond society’s control, which results in great confusion about what is right and wrong, and if there is anything possible at all to resolve these conflicts. Specifically in the United States, …show more content…

This term can also be used to describe other related matters, such as limitations on the various types of ammunition or technological developments for different kinds of firearms. Current state and federal gun laws constrain certain civilians from owning firearms; specifically those with criminal records, mental illnesses, or drug/ alcohol addictions, as well as immigrants without legal status, and veterans who left the military with dishonor (Charles). These gun laws also require that only licensed gun dealers may sell guns, and must “conduct background checks of their customers through F.B.I run databases” to ensure that their customers are not prohibited from obtaining certain forms of firearms (“Gun Control”). Advocates believe that these laws enhance the safety of Americans and reduce the likelihood of violent crimes committed with the possession of guns. However, opponents such as the National Rifle Association, argue that fewer restrictions on guns protect an individual’s right to self defense, as implied in the second amendment, and result in safer communities (“Gun Control”). In recent years, as shown through the media, the debate on the creation of gun laws has …show more content…

While opposers of gun control legislation believe that an increase in possession of guns reduce crimes and violence, statistics have revealed a strikingly positive correlation between possession of guns and violent crimes. The U.S. may only have 4.4% of the world’s population, but it has 42% of all civilian owned guns (Kodjack). There is a gun for almost every citizen, with “approximately 300 million firearms held by citizens in their homes” (Kodjak). These statistics have created great suspicion about the reliability of legislative regulations in restricting the citizens’ ability to obtain firearms, and reducing gun violence. Critics of the NRA’s activities have identified loopholes, or ways to illegally get by, certain gun laws. Private collectors can buy guns from an unlicensed seller, without having a background check that ensures the eligibility of the purchase (“Guns in”). This jeopardizes public safety as it allows citizens and felons with mental illnesses or instability, to easily purchase guns from unlicensed sellers, even if they are forbidden by law from doing so. With a lack of gun control laws in the regulation of firearm purchases or sales, “about one fifth of the total gun sales are purchased from unlicensed sellers”, which increases the chances of firearms ending up in the

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