GUN CONTROL

GUN CONTROL

——Be against it or be a part of it?

Gun control has never been a more and more serious problem in America. Particularly after the increasing notorious shooting incidents nationwide over the recent years. When it comes to gun control, different people comp up with different views, which can be attributed to the two camps: be against it or be a part of it.

  Firstly, let’s look at the opposition. “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-American Constitution”. That’s the roots of the gun rights, also the legal foundation which NRA relies on. Every time a related reform for gun control emerges, the Second Amendment serves as a justification for the NRA to convince people to oppose the reform. Furthermore, pursuing freedom is a way of life in American culture. Though it is in the cost of occasionally violence incidents, using guns for hunting sporting and self-defense is a symbol of freedom. Among the gun owners, 74% believe the right to own guns is essential to their personal freedom and only 29% think gun laws should be stricter.

  However, the proposition holds more reasons to make the public believe gun control can not wait any longer. “If it bleeds, it leads”. Gun control campaign follows every mass killing. The terrible fact does remind the United States that gun control is imperative. In 2017, Las Vegas lost 59 lives because of the gun fires, more than 500 people are injured. In Orlando 2016, 49 dead. There’s more horrible data: 268 people are shot by guns each day in America, around 90 are killed. In the face of such a pressing situation, the government has taken some measures that proved to be effective. President Clinton created a national system of background checks as regards gun purchases. President Obama tried getting legislation for tougher gun controls. These regulations and restrictions are wise and inspiring. However, as we said above, the hardest part of gun control is the changing minds-a cultural shift, a belief that laws are more effective than guns. From this perspective, proponents of gun control still have a long way to go.

  The key to solve this problem is finding common ground. When it comes to gun control, there’s so much common ground such as keeping guns out of dangerous hands-90% of Americans support expanding Brady background checks. Data like this gives us faith to believe people are capable to prevent the tragedy from happening again.