“To address gun violence in the United States, stricter enforcement of gun regulations is crucial.”
Violence and crime are an unavoidable part of contemporary society, stemming from intrinsic human traits such as hatred, jealousy, and chaos. The existence of firearms further compounds this problem by offering a feeling of safety for certain individuals while leaving others exposed. The ongoing issue of gun control has been a subject of ongoing discussion and is expected to persist in the times ahead. Nonetheless, finding a resolution that guarantees the safety of every person remains a difficult task.
Advocates for unlimited gun ownership claim that carrying a concealed weapon can increase safety and have an indirect positive effect on society. They argue that individuals such as cab drivers and drug dealers, who carry guns, offer protection to their unarmed peers (Lott 18). However, this viewpoint raises concerns about the compliance of drug dealers with gun laws due to their involvement in illegal activities like drug trafficking. Although the need for firearms among drug dealers may be doubtful, the reason is clear – most instances of violence are connected to substance abuse associated with drugs and alcohol (Write 313).
Carrying a concealed weapon offers a feeling of safety and defense for those who feel exposed and threatened. Erika Schwartz, the second-place winner in the 1997 Miss America competition, chose to carry a gun following her involvement in a carjacking incident. Similarly, many women choose to carry firearms out of concern for sexual assault. Laurence Rockefeller also carries a gun because he often carries large sums of money and believes it will safeguard him from possible robberies (Lott 23).
Proponents of no gun control contend that the current regulations, including a waiting period to allow individuals with violent intentions to cool down, are entirely ineffective. Detractors argue that individuals who leave a contentious situation, travel to a firearms retailer, buy a weapon, load it with ammunition, and then come back to murder their intended target cannot be deemed impulsive in their actions (Sullum).
Gun regulation hampers the self-defense capabilities of law-abiding citizens, while felons and criminals remain resolute in acquiring firearms for their sinister purposes irrespective of existing gun regulations.
The aim of stricter gun regulation is to remove guns from public spaces and ensure that only deserving and qualified individuals can possess them. This effort sends a strong message disapproving the use of firearms for conflict resolution. Recently, Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, implemented a successful buy-back program resulting in over 2,300 guns being surrendered. This initiative has gained popularity in America, leading other cities like New York and Minneapolis to consider similar measures (Thurman).
In an ideal world, the absence of violence, guns, and worry would prevail. However, America does not exist in this ideal state. As a result, measures need to be implemented to attain such a world. Gun regulation does not imply complete eradication of guns nor guarantee safety for everyone, but rather ensures that guns are only possessed by individuals who are qualified to handle them. Currently, the issue of gun violence in society is rampant, which has led activists advocating for gun control to underscore the urgency for change.
According to Phillip Cook, an economist at Duke University, the introduction of a gun during a violent confrontation raises the likelihood of someone dying (Lott 20). This perspective supports the notion of implementing more rigorous gun control measures. Even if an individual legally procures a concealed weapon and subsequently engages in an argument three months later, there is no guarantee that they will not lose control and start firing bullets. It is essential to address and acknowledge this highly plausible scenario. Allowing ordinary individuals to carry concealed weapons entails placing significant trust in American society.
The message delivered is the crucial aspect, so there should not be a worry about the importance and need for more stringent gun control.
Gun control debates stress the importance of all supporters acknowledging that, irrespective of gun buy-back schemes or permit restrictions, gun violence will persist as a significant problem in our society unless we tackle the underlying issue of education.
Peggy Noonan argues for stricter gun control measures in households with firearms and stresses the importance of parents educating their children about the potential dangers and power of guns. It is crucial to teach young minds that firearms must be handled with respect and caution due to their capacity for causing significant harm. Noonan asserts that firearms have serious consequences. Positive role models should demonstrate nonviolent conflict resolution from an early age, as children are our future, and effective communication with them is essential for ensuring a prosperous and vibrant future for everyone. While tighter regulations on guns may hinder felons from obtaining them, it does not completely prevent them from committing violent acts or stealing firearms from others.
Although gun buy-back programs are effective in removing firearms from circulation, they do not fully resolve the issue. In the previous year, the Concealed Weapons Prohibition Act sought to override laws in 31 states that permit certain individuals (who meet specific criteria) to possess handguns. This legislation grants exemptions for police officers and security guards but imposes a requirement on others to demonstrate “compelling circumstances” for obtaining a carry permit. The expansive interpretation of “compelling circumstances” benefits individuals who require protection, such as businessmen carrying large sums of money, as well as women like the Miss America runner-up who deserve the right to defend themselves against crimes like rape.
The current moment necessitates an end to the chaos, and it is crucial for American society to comprehend this.
We need to have conversations with young people, offer guidance for those who want a carry permit, and recognize that everyone has the basic rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The source of the text is an article titled “Will more guns mean less crime?” written by John R. Lott Jr., published in Consumers’ Research Magazine in December 1998, with page numbers 18-23.
The author of the article “Looking Forward” is Peggy Noonan. The article was published in Good Housekeeping in July 1998. The page number of the article is 178.
Sullum, Jacob. “Can’t Bear It.” Reason Magazine 05 Aug. 1998. 7 Sept. 1999 http://www.reason.com/sullum/080598.html.
Thurman, James N. “As more carry hidden guns, who’s safer?” The Christian Science Monitor 01 Sept. 1999. 7 Sept. 1999 http://www.csmonitor.com/durable/1999/09 /01/pls3.html.
Write, James D., Peter H. Rossi, and Kathleen Daly. Under the Gun: Weapons, Crime, and Violence in America. New York: Aldine Publishing Company, 1983: 313-315.
