Gun control laws are a hot topic in today’s news. From political campaigns to opponents and supporters, they have been on the front lines of disputes for some time now. Most of this is due to the rise in gun violence, especially in mass shootings. Data has shown that both more restrictive gun laws are linked to a decrease in gun violence and that states with fewer gun control laws also observed a lower gun related crime rate. Gun violence has always been a problem. However, it has been on the rise in recent years and this has struck fear into the hearts of many Americans. “Over the past decade in America, more than 100,000 people have been killed as a result of gun violence” (FACT SHEET). More and more people are becoming worried that if there are not stricter gun control laws that this increase in gun related violence will cause a rise in gun related deaths. Opponents to gun control laws feel that they restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens and responsible gun owners. They contradict basic rights given by the Constitution. The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to keep “ a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” (Gun Control). By taking away these rights, American citizens are left defenseless against threats to themselves or their families. Guns allow more than just a way of violence; they are also a means of protection. “Americans use guns for protection from criminals more than 2.5 million times annually” (Kleck). They are also used both in hunting and other recreational sports, which are regulated by laws both of the state and the federal government's. Tom Toles on gun control
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Proponents argue that they are being enacted to stop future gun crimes from happening. In the United States, there are “88.8 guns per 100 people, or about 270,000,000 guns, which is the highest total and per capita number in the world. 22% of Americans own one or more guns” (Gun Control).
Most studies done within the past twenty years have shown that with their implementation there has been limited effect on decreasing gun violence incidences. Gun control laws are only going to show effectiveness if they are completely enforced. “Bans often include "grandfather" provisions, allowing ownership of an item if it is acquired before the ban, complicating an assessment of causality” (Hahn).
While some gun control laws are effective in reducing gun violence, others seem unnecessary and too restrictive. Law-abiding American citizens should not have their rights taken away because others could not follow the law. “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people” (Gun Control). Politicians target guns as the reason for mass shootings and the cause of so many deaths when they are rallying support for gun control laws, when, in fact, it is not the fault of the gun for the event of the crime. The gun does not make the decision to shoot at another person. Those who commit the crimes are responsible for it and should have to suffer the consequences. Responsible gun owners are suffering for the actions of criminals and others who commit wrongdoings. The real problem lies with how do you prevent criminals and other such persons from wanting to harm
Proponents argue that they are being enacted to stop future gun crimes from happening. In the United States, there are “88.8 guns per 100 people, or about 270,000,000 guns, which is the highest total and per capita number in the world. 22% of Americans own one or more guns” (Gun Control).
Most studies done within the past twenty years have shown that with their implementation there has been limited effect on decreasing gun violence incidences. Gun control laws are only going to show effectiveness if they are completely enforced. “Bans often include "grandfather" provisions, allowing ownership of an item if it is acquired before the ban, complicating an assessment of causality” (Hahn).
While some gun control laws are effective in reducing gun violence, others seem unnecessary and too restrictive. Law-abiding American citizens should not have their rights taken away because others could not follow the law. “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people” (Gun Control). Politicians target guns as the reason for mass shootings and the cause of so many deaths when they are rallying support for gun control laws, when, in fact, it is not the fault of the gun for the event of the crime. The gun does not make the decision to shoot at another person. Those who commit the crimes are responsible for it and should have to suffer the consequences. Responsible gun owners are suffering for the actions of criminals and others who commit wrongdoings. The real problem lies with how do you prevent criminals and other such persons from wanting to harm