Gun Control Issue in the United States Essay Example

Analyzing the Topic

Gun control is an emotive issue in the United States. The United States Constitution gives the American citizens the rights to bear arms. However, the recent mass killings have ignited a debate as to whether it is time to amend the constitution. Critiques of the amendment fear the anti-gun lobbies want to take away their constitutional rights. However, the anti-gun camp is of the opinion that there should be some regulation when it comes to the selling and licensing of guns. Some weapons according to this group should not be sold to the public. They also believe there should be an extensive background check on individuals who want to buy guns.

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What I think about the topic

I think the topic of gun control is one that should be analyzed because of its significance to the American culture. The rise in gun violence in the streets and in the schools has made me interested in analyzing the topic. There are those that are pro-gun while others are against gun control. Despite the different sides that people are in this issue. I believe it is an interesting topic that I can research. I would also like to understand the history of the gun culture and how gun control debate has been addressed over the years in America.

Introduction

Guns have been a part of American culture and society for hundreds of years. The forefathers ensured every American would have the right to own a gun by amending it to the American constitution. The second amendment allowed the citizens to own guns for protection or for hunting. Although the guns were also supposed to be used against a tyrannical government, this never came to pass. Since independence, Americans have enjoyed this right. However, the recent mass shootings in the streets of America and in schools have ignited debate about gun control. The high numbers of school children killed and civilians have raised the question whether it is time gun control was put in place.

There should be legislation that prohibits the sale of certain guns such as semi-automatic rifles to reduce the number of people killed with these weapons.

The second amendment

The Second Amendment in the United States Constitution gives every American citizen the right to bear arms. However, this right is not unlimited and the government has the powers to take always an individual's gun. There have been instances where people who are mentally ill have accessed guns. These firearms were then used to commit atrocities in the schools, churches and in the streets of America.it is therefore prudent for the government to have measures that would tame the use of weapons. People who are mentally ill should not be allowed to have guns. Their right to own a firearm should not override other people's right to life. A clear balance should, therefore, be drawn as to when a person can have a gun and at what time the government can take the gun away for the sake of the public.

Limiting the number of guns owned

The unlimited number of guns that is in the hands of civilians pose a danger to the lives of Americans. A report after the 2016 shooting found that a suspected terrorist had access to guns. The number of guns that the individuals had and the bullets was enough to cause a significant damage. Such people should never be able to own guns. They should also not be in a position to own such a large amount of weaponry. The initial intention of the forefathers was not for people to have an unlimited number of weapons. The US does not have an enemy that warrants such an arsenal. People should only be allowed to buy the bare minimum.

Comparison with other countries

Just like the United States, people are allowed to have guns. However, the country has more stringent rules than the United States. A person is not allowed to have handguns unless one has a special permit. Additionally, people are supposed to keep their guns in safe and secure places. Countries such as Singapore has some of the strictest rules before one can own a gun. The punishment of using an unlicensed gun in Singapore is death. The country, unlike the US, has very few gun-related deaths. The United Stated can copy some of the nations that have been able to tame gun violence by introducing gun control measures such as those in Australia, Canada or the United Kingdom

Conclusion

The debate on gun violence will continue in the US in the foreseeable future. As long as people keep dying in the hands of guns, the debate will not cease. It will be critical for the nation, however, to come up with solutions that address the challenges that face the country. Although the country has its constitution, both parties can benefit by coming together and looking for a solution that would end the gun violence in the country. A compromise can be reached where both parties would be happy with the results and the country can be safe from the mayhem caused by guns.