Quick and Dirty: The Gun Control Debate

by | Jul 11, 2018 | Education, Guest Posts, Opinion | 3 comments

Every time there’s a shooting the debate about gun control is reignited. But what is the debate really? For some it seems like common sense to limit types of guns or the number of bullets a gun can hold, while others explain that guns are more than a right, they’re the only way we can protect ourselves in this crazy world we all live in. Gun control debates, as we experience them today, date all the way back to the 1960s when gun rights came to the forefront of a national political issue.

The first modern gun-control laws which were passed in the 1930’s targeted machine guns, like the “Tommy Gun” used by Prohibition-era gangsters. Later, more laws were put in place in the late 1980’s and early 90’s that further restricted machine guns and other weapons and an established a background check system as well, and additional laws have been added over time since then. The political debate, though, has been raging since the 1960’s and has culminated in multi-million dollar lobbying campaigns seen today.

The Quick and Dirty

Against Gun Control:

Why's it bad?

It makes good people, victims by taking away their ability to defend themselves and others

What it doesn't do:

Doesn’t Disarm Criminals

The Argument Against:

Arguments come down to the principals of law and practicality. Individuals cite law and liberty as rights granted to them that “shall not be infringed” and from the practicality side weapons statistically make society safer.

For Gun Control:

Why's it good?

Gets guns out of the hands of criminals and lowers gun-related deaths

What it doesn't do:

Take away 2nd Amendment Rights

The Argument For:

They believe fewer guns, better records on who has them, restrictions on purchases, possession, and storage would still allow law-abiding citizens to own guns while bringing the number of gun-related deaths way down.
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.
The 2nd Amendment of the United States Constitution

How individuals interpret the Second Amendment separates those that believe there should be more gun control and those that believe you are taking their rights away. The interesting thing is that a February 2018 Poll from Quinnipiac University indicates a growing desire for more gun control with 66% of American voters saying they support stricter gun laws. 

Many state and local government bodies are pushing their own legislative efforts to regulate what they believe to be “problems” with gun ownership; ranging from banning trigger modifiers used by the disabled, to limits on how many bullets your firearm can hold at one time, to outright bans of a style or look of a rifle. But not all legislative measures are prohibitive! In fact, some states are taking the opposite approach in their efforts by allowing for more protection to gun owners via self-defense and carry-friendly laws. 

While there’s many moving parts to this complicated issue, the debate (at least on a high-level) rages on, and we’d like to hear from you! To get involved in the discussion, leave a comment below, or better yet – join our chatroom

Join in the Conversation!

discord-yellow_icon

We want to hear from you!

Join us on Discord - it's FREE.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.