Problems with Gun Control

When a problem arises, people are most likely to asses the situation, find what is causing the complication, and then take actions to exterminate the cause of the problem. In recent years problems with gun control have risen and politicians, in addition to the general public, seem to lack an understanding of the true problem. However, it is undeniable that the rate of gun violence has risen, and many debates have taken place on whether guns should be take away from the public.

Those who support gun control laws firmly believe that if the legislation could revisit and improve the restrictions needed to obtain a gun, crimes related to guns would decrease, however this is not the case. Legislation should not impose gun control laws for the reasons that it infringes upon the second amendment, encourages the public to resort to unlawful methods to obtain guns, and punishes the innocent by taking away a form of self defense.

In the beginning, many were content with the framework of the new government system created during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia (Office of the Historian). However, some were cautious as a result of the hardships they endured during the American Revolution, a war fought to guarantee the rights of the American citizens from the Britain monarchy (Britannica). The pain and loss Americas faced was too great and the new governmental system was too similar to a monarchy. As a result, a rift between the members of the constitutional convention arose and conflict developed. However this tear was quickly mended by, “... James Madison who submitted twelve amendments to Congress” (USHistory). By submitting these amendments, James Madison was able to appease both sides and allowed the new government system to stay structured while maintaining the rights that Americans fought for.

However, the most important right that was immediately ratified was the Second Amendment which allowed for, “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” (HRLibrary). By ratifying the second amendment, the topic of gun laws commenced. The second amendment gives people the right to bear arms and expresses, “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” (U.S. Constitution). This amendment explicitly states and implies that it is the inalienable right of people to keep and bear arms, and should therefore be a right that can not be taken away by the government. By implementing gun control laws, the government would violate the natural born right of the citizen to own a gun. If the government starts to infringe on the rights of citizens starting with the second amendment, will they repeal every amendment associated with tragedies? This is not the method that will help decrease the amount of gun violence in America, and will cause riots and revolts instead. Especially since guns were used to protect American citizens at a fragile time during the American Revolution, it gives more reason to allow citizens own the right to have guns. It is the pride of America and puts citizens at ease, knowing they can protect themselves from tyrannical governments and dangerous situations. If the government decides to reevaluate and repeal the second amendment, it would be a clear violation of people’s inalienable rights. Even if the government were to take our rights of gun ownership, criminals or even people who mean to do harm will undoubtedly find ways to obtain what they want. Whether it be through the black market or even through a gun retailer, there are many unlawful methods people can utilize in order to obtain a gun.

The California Firearms Laws Summary states that any person convicted of a felony has a lifetime prohibition from owning a firearm (Penal Code Section 29905). Criminals clearly disregard laws, so even though it is illegal for a felon to own a firearm, felons still obtain and use guns illegally. Just because there is more gun laws does not mean criminals will follow them, therefore more gun control will not solve violence issues. If the criminals obtain guns with the intention of inflicting harm on others, the victims will not have a form of self defense to protect them from the assailant. This causes an unfair advantage in favor of the criminals, and would surely lead to increased levels of crime. Even if the actual sale is prohibited, the transfer of the gun cannot be regulated. Consider a twenty-five year old man or woman who buys a gun, he or she could give the gun to her brother when she is out of town or to a neighbor for protection. Background checks would be ineffective in such cases.

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