A634.8.3.RB - Gun Control: What is the Answer?
- Due Sunday by 11:59pm
- Points 100
- Submitting a website url or a file upload
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I remember watching an episode of the Simpsons years back in which the entire world decided to destroy their guns. They through all their weapons into a fire, and destroyed them. There was peace, until aliens came and attacked knowing the earth had no way of protecting itself. This episode can really make you think about gun control in a new light. Some may say, it is unlikely for aliens to attack, therefore, this idea is ridiculous and has not merit; however, the aliens could be seen as a metaphor for outsiders, or individuals that did not participate in this demonstration of peace.
Pro Guns
In my opinion, everything has its place. Guns offer protection, security, and a feeling of safety. Growing up in the North, the topic of gun control had a different impact. Guns weren't accepted as freely as they are in the South. That is, not that many people carry, and it is rare to see someone with a gun holstered to their person in public places - unless they are a member of law enforcement. That being said, guns have been a part of our culture since the constitution. According to "Warehouse.gov" (2017), "The Second Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms."(The Constitution). Knowing that everyone has the right to bear arms is a deterrent to criminals. A funny story, when my wife and I moved to Georgia, she realized that the majority of people had "right to carry" permits, and most people in GA had guns. This really impacted her, from a level of awareness. When driving, I sometimes get upset with drivers whom I feel are driving recklessly, or don't seem to know what they are doing. If I start to act on impulse she'll tell me to be careful because they may have a gun. This is funny to me, but it proves that people become more aware, and even hesitant to do immoral things if they fear for their lives. Guns are also used for recreational purposes. Hunters need these weapons to do just that - hunt. Citizens were given the right to bear arms in the 1780's, and should continue to have that right today.
Anti Guns
Years ago, our forefathers believed it was every man's right to bear arms. Times were different, and attacks were consistently coming from every direction. I was shocked to discover that Black (2013), "The original U.S. Constitution, as drafted in 1787, made no mention of gun rights and guaranteed relatively few other rights." (Gun rights in the 1780s and today). Apparently, the original Constitution gave the majority of the power to the government, and was later ratified to have the Bill of Rights we know today. Even still, the weapons they had in those times were very inferior to what we have today. If a child tried to shoot up a school with a musket, there would be no casualties; however, give a child a semi automatic weapon, and there's no knowing how many lives will be taken in this type of massacre. By guns being readily available it easier for the wrong person to get their hands on them. Having a gun gives a person the ability to take a life by just squeezing a trigger. No one should have that type of power. When issuing a driver's license, we make sure individuals are of a certain age. We also require a certain number of mandatory hours of practice, a written examination, and a driving test that have to be passed prior to being given the ability to drive. Why don't we put the same type of restrictions when giving someone a weapon?
Black, E. (2013). minnpost.com. Retrieved from https://www.minnpost.com/eric-black-ink/2013/04/gun-rights-1780s-and-today
whitehouse.gov. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/constitution
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