Why the U.S. needs Gun ControlWhen people talk about gun control it becomes such a broad topic of discussion that nothing is ever done. Gun control is commonly thought of as getting the guns out of the hands of the criminals but in all actuality the guns need to be taken out of the hands of the American public. This is because guns, especially handguns, present a great danger to the American public because of misuse and negligence. This negligence and misuse can lead to accidental shootings and suicide. What gun control should do is limit the number of guns produced especially handguns.In The NRA is Right Josh Sugarmann argues Handguns are the number one weapon for both murder and suicide and are second only to auto accidents as the leading cause of death due to injury(186). Sugarmann believes that all handguns should be banned from the American public. He believes this because handguns do more harm than good in any situation but especially when attacked by an assailant. Plus, uneducated people commonly misuse guns and that is why handguns are clearly dangerous and even deadly. Handguns undoubtedly present a hazardous risk to the American public.Handguns are a detriment to the American public because of their availability, their compactness, and their lethality.
Banning or limiting handguns in the United States would help lower not only crime rates but suicide rates as well. Handguns play a significant part in suicide because of their availability. In Domestic Disarmament Ruth Rosen states Four out of five U.S. Citizens surveyed believe that the easy availability of guns has contributed to an atmosphere of violence(177). Banning handguns would cut down on this atmosphere of violence. As stated in the NRA is Right According to the American Association of Suicidology, the suicide rate for 15-to 24-year-olds increased 150 percent. The report linked the rise in murders and suicides among the young to the increased use of firearms primarily handguns(187). If a handgun is not available for someone who is going to try and kill himself or herself then the chance of that person being successful are greatly reduced. So it is our job, as Americans to get the guns out of circulation so more people cant hurt themselves.
Handguns are an epidemic in this country because of their lethality. Handguns kill nearly 69,000 Americans(187) according to Sugarmann. If a person is going to attempt suicide then the logical weapon of choice is a handgun because it packs a big punch. It is a far more effective choice then taking pills or using razor blades. Dr. Robert Markush of the University of Alabama writes High suicide rates seem to occur where highly lethal suicidal methods are not only available but also where they are culturally acceptable(qtd. in Sugarman 187). In the U.S. handguns are culturally acceptable because the America public doesnt want to give up their second amendment rights.
