Gun Control?

Gun control is once again a very lively topic in America. Last week, another tragic shooting occurred with many innocent victims who did not deserve to die such a tragic and pre-mature death. This shooting has sparked thousands of high school students across the nation to press for more gun control measures. Measures that many believe will help curtail the tragic number of shootings that we see in this country. Although, I greatly respect the teens and their passion for the issue (it's nice to see teens politically involved and not eating Tide pods). However, this debate is nothing new. Unfortunately, instead of coming together to try and figure out a rational solution to this problem, both parties will find a way to over dramatize this and ensure that little to no action will be taken. But here are a few thoughts that I have on the issue. 

To my friends on the Right,

I ask the following question, "When is the right time to talk about gun violence in America?" We must admit that there is a problem before we can talk about a solution to that problem. Many on the right cry for increased border security after a tragedy in which an illegal immigrant kills a US citizen, or for enhanced vetting after an attack by a professing Muslim. So why is after a mass shooting the wrong time to talk about gun violence? In two months, after many have all but forgotten about this tragedy, will that be the right time to talk? I dare say that if the topic is brought up, the Right will be less likely to talk about the issue than they are today.

To my friends on the Left,

Gun control in America is simply different than it is in any other country. America is unique is several different manners. Unlike any other country, America has a long and cherished history of gun ownership, with that right enshrined in the 2nd Amendment. An outright ban on firearms would be a direct assault on the Constitution. The path to eliminating the 2nd Amendment is nearly impossible. There's no way that 3/4 of the states would vote to eliminate the right to keep and bear arms. Therefore, whether you like it or not, many Americans will continue to own firearms.

America is also unique in the amount of guns its people possess. Americans collectively own approximately 300 million guns. No amount of gun confiscation could ever eliminate guns from American households. Also, placing bans on "assault rifles" is not feasible for the same reasons. It would take a massive military directive to confiscate all of these weapons, which is not going to happen without massive bloodshed. Whether you like it or not, guns are here to stay, and they are an integral part of many American's lives.

Finally, if you wish to take appropriate and needed actions towards effective gun control measures, please stop sensationalizing everything when it comes to guns. AR-15s just look cool; someone can kill just as many or more people with a handgun, shotgun, or hunting rifle. I would even suggest that you go out and fire one, it's quite enjoyable for recreation.

To my friends on both sides of the aisle,

I am firm defender of the Constitution. It was what makes our country unique; and quite honestly, better than every other country on this planet. The right to bear arms is part of that Constitution and deserves to be defended. However, most of the rights guaranteed in the Constitution are not absolute rights. Each right has limitations placed on it. For example, through the First Amendment, I have the freedom of speech. However, that freedom does not give me the right to lie and publicly defame you, that is called slander and is not permitted. By the First Amendment, I also have the freedom of religion. However, I do not have the right to commit polygamy or sacrifice animals, even if my religion requires that I do so. Most of our cherished rights and freedoms come with limitations. The same is true regarding the Second Amendment, there can be limitations placed on that right that does not negate or diminish that right.

My solution,

My solution takes a bit of explanation for this issue is complex. I have done extensive research on the issue and I can say that there are legitimate cases on both sides. And that statistics really don't give definitive answers one way or another. With that being said, I am for enhanced "gun control" laws, with certain limitations. Remember, gun control, does not mean gun confiscation. Nor does passing some common sense reforms put us on a slippery slope to a Communistic dictatorship. In case you weren't reading, gun confiscation is never going to happen in America, or at least not anytime in the next few centuries.

Here are the reforms that I support for enhanced gun control:

1. Enhanced background screening and extended waiting period for purchase of a firearm.

Suicides outnumber homicides in America by 200%. That means that twice the amount of people commit suicide each year than the number of people who are killed by other Americans.
Suicide rate in America are steadily on the rise. In 2014, over 42,000 Americans ended their own lives. This is a travesty that is not talked about enough in the gun control argument. About 50% of suicides in America are committed using a gun. A gun is a very easy tool to use to commit suicide. It is quick, painless, and provides a nearly certain death. Very few people survive a suicide attempt of a gunshot to the head. Guns are used in suicide attempts only about 6-7% of the time; however, they are responsible for over 50% of all successful suicide attempts. Suicide is a mental health issue. We need to do better at curtailing this. Therefore, enhanced measures need to be taken to ensure that mentally ill people do not have access to firearms.

2. Mandatory safety courses and competency requirements.

When I was 15, I got my hunting license. In order to get my hunting license, I had to pass a competency test. Not only did I have a written test that I had to pass; but I also had to display competency with several different kinds of firearms. Why should that requirement change when I only want to purchase a gun? Similarly, a few months later, I also had to pass a written test and display my competency to operate a motor vehicle. (Side note, if driving a car is a privilege, than walking down the street or riding a bike is also a privilege. You have the freedom to move about freely in this country. A car is a means to accomplish that freedom. Therefore, driving a car is not a privilege.) Why should we not display competency to own and operate a firearm? There are hundreds of deaths each year due to accidents with firearms. I'm willing to take a test to show my competency to own a firearm if it means that someone else may live.

3. Banning bump stocks and other such devices.

I highly commend President Trump for his stance on this issue. Having a device that modifies a weapon to fire 400-800 rounds a minute, makes that device usable for one thing - mass killing.

Do I think that these measures will eliminate all shootings? Absolutely not. But although we may not be able to save all lives, we should seek measures that will save some lives. If a slight inconvenience to me means that my neighbor won't die tomorrow, then I support it 100%. Human life is too valuable to waste.