WR 122
Final Paper
Mary Bentson
7 June 2012
Gun Control: Is it a Good Thing?
Contrary to what many people may have seen on bumper stickers, gun control does not refer to using two hands. The legal definition of gun control is: having laws that aim to restrict or regulate the sale, purchase, or possession of firearms through licensing, registration, or identification requirements. A large number of American households or residents, approximately 40-45% of them, own at least one firearm (Agresti, James, and Smith, Reid). No matter how you look at it guns have, and will always be, around; whether they are used in the military or for personal use. However, many people have lost interest in gun activities, such as hunting and target …show more content…
It’s goal originally, was to improve the marksmanship of the troops by “promoting and encouraging rifle shooting” (A Brief History of the NRA). It’s goals expanded eventually to not only improving marksmanship for troops but also promoting firearms training and education for citizens. In the early 1900’s it began promoting the shooting sports among America’s youth and established rifle clubs at all major colleges, universities and military academies. Today youth programs are still a cornerstone of the NRA (A Brief History of the NRA). In 1949 it created the first hunter education program and has helped make hunting one of the safest sports in existence. They have also been involved in the training of law enforcement officers. Beginning in 1960 the NRA became the only national trainer of law enforcement officers with their Police Firearms Certification Program (A Brief History of the NRA). The NRA is well-known for being against gun control. No matter whether or not one agrees with their philosophy, it is still a fact that the NRA has done a lot to reduce accidental gun deaths and injuries by their focus on firearms education and training. Of the nearly 4 million NRA members, George Stephanopoulos said “Let me make one small vote for the NRA. They’re good citizens. They call their Congressmen. They write. They vote. They contribute” (A Brief History of the NRA). This comment indicates that they go through the proper channels to make their point and to be heard. We can all do this, no matter what our position is on gun control. In that way the subject is thoroughly debated and laws won’t be passed too quickly without studying what the consequences might