In Chapter 12, LaFollette (2007)
discusses gun control with the traditional views that you’ve probably seen n
the news surrounding the latest shootings or school violence. There is a
fundamental question he outlines as do citizens have a moral right to bear arms,
not necessarily a constitutional one? I would answer that question as yes;
citizens have the right to defend themselves with the use of lethal force if necessary,
however, everything comes in moderation.
When you peel back the layers you’ll
find the Constitutional controversy, most notably surrounding the city of
Chicago. Which needed to make a change, but did they go overboard? I think so. Agresti
and Smith (2010) indicate through comprehensive research that “in 1982, the city of Chicago instituted a ban on handguns.
This ban barred civilians from possessing handguns except for those registered
with the city government.” This Chicago law also specified that such handguns required
to be re-registered every two years or owners would forfeit their right to
possess them. In 1994, the law was amended to require annual re-registration.
Agresti and Smith (2010) findings indicate that on June 28, 2010, the U.S.
Supreme Court ruled (5-4) that this ban is unconstitutional. On the other side of the fence you’ll find authors such as Morris (2013) who outlined 10 significant reasons in support of gun control. They order is from the low to high as they range in importance and impact to society. Varied statistics show that “More Guns Equal More Homicides” and next the “More Guns Also Equal More Suicides.” This is a sheer number game not supported with direct facts. Morris (2013) also highlights that “The Public Supports (some) Gun Control” and that “Most Massacres Utilize Legal Weapons.” Additional points highlight “Banning Them Saves Lives” and that the “although most people focus on the “bear arms” part, the real key word is “militia.” The thing is, in 1791, no-one really knew if this whole “Union” thing was going to work out and wanted a “militia” to fall back on.” The last four points are that “Assault Weapons Aren’t Sport, We Have Too Many Already, Arming Everyone Won’t Help” and that Assault Weapons Won’t Save You. This last point is true as there is going to be bad people, that do bad things and an assault weapon will likely not save you.
I fully support the use and sale of firearms and handguns; however I would compromise on mild to moderate gun control laws. I think we should have procedures in place to ensure only those who prove responsible are authorized to have them in their procession. Further, I agree in that guns don’t kill people, people kill people, and they use whatever tool, i.e. a firearm or handgun. The firearm or handgun does not talk them into killing, the person is responsible for that aspect, and the weapon is only the tool. We don’t blame hammers if the carpenters screw up the project.
Agresti J. D., Smith, R. K. (2010). Gun Control Facts. By Just Facts, September 13, 2010. Revised 2/11/13. http://justfacts.com/guncontrol.asp
LaFollette, H. (2007). Chapter 12 Gun Control. In The practice of ethics (pp. 179 - 196). Malden, Mass: Blackwell Pub.
Morris, M. (2013). 10 Arguments for Gun Control - Listverse. Retrieved from http://listverse.com/2013/04/21/10-arguments-for-gun-control/
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