Gun Control; is a topic of widespread concern, especially in the United States of America. It is no surprise that the aforementioned topic is prone to raising the tension in a room, making otherwise mediocre conversations heated and wild. Everyone has strong feelings and opinions on the subject. We are here to discuss an unbiased view on gun control.
Although many people contribute a vast amount of gun-related homicides to mass shootings, you would be surprised to know that most gun-related deaths are attributed to suicide. However, it is no surprise that the intensity of mass shootings has increased from 1999 to 2019. With the support for stricter gun laws being held by almost 50 percent of the population, one does argue why it is not enforced as fervently as it is preached. Recent developments regarding gun laws have only seen Assault weapons (with limited exceptions) banned in some states, with Minnesota still not prohibiting the usage of such unnecessary firepower.
The root of this matter sums from how you interpret the second amendment, specifically the part that says, “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.” It is no surprise that mass murders related to gun violence are so frequent in the states that only the most heinous of them are mentioned in the mass media aka mass shootings, school shootings, etc. Some examples of recent mass shootings are the Orlando nightclub in 2016, the infamous Columbine school shooting, and the El Paso, Texas mass shooting in 2018. Gun control is still very loose as just recently, Georgia became one of the 25 states in the United States that passed a law that states no permit is required to conceal and carry a firearm. This decision was backed by the NRA (National Rifle Association), which continues to be a big player in this debate, influencing congress due to its substantial budget and power.
Although Pro-Firearms supporters of guns argue it is vital for people to defend themselves against violence or life-threatening situations, rifles, automatic firearms, and shotguns can be considered overkill for the job at hand. Handguns with limited magazines are also as good for the job as any rifle, meanwhile being less effective in the hands of a mass shooter. An extensive background check also remains absent for most firearm owners, thus making it easier for mentally deranged individuals to obtain a firearm.
By providing extensive freedom over firearms to the people, the United States of America has effectively become the leading candidate in the world for gun-related homicides. That figure appears to be climbing. With internet anonymity granting un-restricted usage to guns, gun control laws remaining lax with many loopholes, and rifles like the AR-15 still out on the streets, one can only imagine when the next mass shooting will occur and where.
References:
Authors at BBC, Americas Gun Culture : In Seven Charts, BBC News Network, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41488081
Brain Duignan, Gun Control In The U.S, Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/story/gun-control-in-the-us