Dramatic incidents involving firearms in the United States are drawing more and more attention to gun control. The availability of guns leads to episodes of violence with their use. The Washington Post reports 163 incidents of mass shootings between 1967 and 2019 (Berkowitz and Alcantara). Moreover, from 2014 to 2016, the homicide rate increased by 20 percent (Cook). Concealed carrying of weapons is allowed in all states, and in some, it is permitted to do that openly. However, there are no uniform rules governing gun ownership. The essay discusses the current situation with gun control in the United States and possible measures to improve it.
Often, gun ownership is associated with safety and self-defense, which is proved by fifty-eight percent of Americans agreeing that weapons make them feel safer. However, the data refuse this position, proving that increasing the number of weapons also leads to the growth in the number of incidents with their use (Lopez). However, permitting civilians to carry weapons is regarded as a fundamental citizen’s right (Amar and Brownstein). Thus, supporters of free gun ownership argue that any restriction is a violation of constitutional rights. However, it is wrong to read the constitutional provisions as absolute. For example, the Constitution’s right to freedom of speech is also prescribed; nevertheless, in specific cases, it is limited depending on various factors (Amar and Brownstein). The freedoms described in the Constitution are often restricted when necessary to ensure the security or regulate social balance.
The public guns control debate is focused on the implementation of measures to limit the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. It is assumed that it is necessary to consider the needs of the state and public safety. It is noted that in states with restrictive laws, homicide and suicide rates are remarkably lower (Florida and Javorsky). Gun control measures already exist, but not all of them are effective. Researchers identify three types of the most effective restrictive measures: bans on violent offenders purchasing guns, “may-issue laws (freedom of action of the police when issuing permits to carry weapons), and universal background checks. These three laws, according to the researchers, have a significant statistically confirmed impact on reducing the number of incidents with the use of firearms (Florida and Javorsky). Thus, the most effective measures are based on who has access to the weapon. Simultaneously, attempts to restrict access to a particular type of weapon are of much less importance.
The statistics of the dependence of the homicide rates on the number of weapons and the impact of restrictions clarify that public concern on this issue is not unfounded. The main problem is the availability of firearms, because “it is much easier to be a legal gun owner in America than it is to be a legal driver” (Gregory and Wilson). Thus, it is necessary to complicate the procedure for obtaining a license, which, in addition, should include a training course. An increase in citizens’ education regarding weapons can be crucial because it is common to “talk about the dangers of smoking or of not wearing a seat belt in a car” (Gregory and Wilson). Many people keep weapons at home in case of self-defense, which has tragic consequences. It is also evident that investing in smart guns that can identify the owner is also obligatory. The proliferation of such technology will lower the percentage of unauthorized use of weapons. Finally, it is essential to promote the study of statistics on gun incidents and to inform the public.
The right to carry arms has been a problem in American society for a long time. Gun control is intended to stabilize the current situation in the increasing number of incidents involving the use of firearms. The proposed measures are aimed at reducing dramatic episodes; the main fact is that they work. The major challenge now is to implement restrictive laws at the federal level.
Works Cited
Amar, Vikram D., and Alan E. Brownstein. “Opinion: What the Gun Lobby Gets Wrong About the 2nd Amendment.” Los Angeles Times, 2019.
Berkowitz, Bonnie, and Chris Alcantara. “The Terrible Numbers That Grow with Each Mass Shooting.” The Washington Post, 2020.
Cook, Philip. “How Dangerous People Get Their Guns in America.” CBS NEWS, 2017.
Florida, Richard, and Nicole Javorsky. “The 3 Gun-Control Laws That Work Best in the U. S.” Bloomberg, 2019.
Gregory, Sean, and Chris Wilson. “6 Real Ways We Can Reduce Gun Violence in America” Time, 2018, Web.
Lopez, German. “Poll: Most Americans Say Guns Ownership Increases Safety. Research: Nope.” Vox, 2018.