Gun Control
Gun Control: The Battle Rages On
Abstract
This paper discusses and is centered around the on-going debate over gun control, I directly address how each major political party views this subject and what I believe the United States Government should do to be able to best combat this tremendous issue. I use research from multiple sources that contrast each side of the argument and give an overall insight into the world of modernized gun control.
Gun Control: The Battle Rages On
With the Second Amendment giving American citizens the rights to bear arms, and approximately fifty percent of Americans owning some form of a firearm, issues involving the ownership and possession of guns have led to heated debates in American society. Most notably is the issue of gun control. Many feel that the some form of gun regulation is necessary in order to lower the level of gun related violence in the country. On the other hand, the opponents of gun control feel that it would be an infringement on their second amendment rights. The outcome and extent of gun control has strong political implications because it basically determines the present day meaning of the Second Amendment. While each side has strong points to their arguments, one quote by writer Michael Warfel basically sums up the need for gun control. He writes, “An individual’s right to own and bear arms must be balanced by the greater social needs of a society” (Warfel, 2000, p. 18). Today, based on the number of crimes and violent acts committed with guns, society needs more gun control.
Issues and policies relating to gun control in the United States date back to the late 1800s where the supreme court made the decision that the “Right of bearing arms for a lawful purpose is not a right granted by the Constitution” followed up with a decision that states are “free to regulate the rights of citizens to bear arms” (Maguire, 1994, p. 60). Later in the 1930’s President Roosevelt tried to pass legislation
Abstract
This paper discusses and is centered around the on-going debate over gun control, I directly address how each major political party views this subject and what I believe the United States Government should do to be able to best combat this tremendous issue. I use research from multiple sources that contrast each side of the argument and give an overall insight into the world of modernized gun control.
Gun Control: The Battle Rages On
With the Second Amendment giving American citizens the rights to bear arms, and approximately fifty percent of Americans owning some form of a firearm, issues involving the ownership and possession of guns have led to heated debates in American society. Most notably is the issue of gun control. Many feel that the some form of gun regulation is necessary in order to lower the level of gun related violence in the country. On the other hand, the opponents of gun control feel that it would be an infringement on their second amendment rights. The outcome and extent of gun control has strong political implications because it basically determines the present day meaning of the Second Amendment. While each side has strong points to their arguments, one quote by writer Michael Warfel basically sums up the need for gun control. He writes, “An individual’s right to own and bear arms must be balanced by the greater social needs of a society” (Warfel, 2000, p. 18). Today, based on the number of crimes and violent acts committed with guns, society needs more gun control.
Issues and policies relating to gun control in the United States date back to the late 1800s where the supreme court made the decision that the “Right of bearing arms for a lawful purpose is not a right granted by the Constitution” followed up with a decision that states are “free to regulate the rights of citizens to bear arms” (Maguire, 1994, p. 60). Later in the 1930’s President Roosevelt tried to pass legislation
References: Maguire, S & Wren, B (1994). Torn By the Issues: An Unbiased Review of the Watershed Issues in American Life. . Santa Barbara, California: Fithian Press. Warfel, M W (2000, April 15). Why Gun Control?. America, , 18-21. Rosen, G (2000, September). "Yes and No to Gun Control.". Commentary, , 47-54.