Arguably one of the most controversial topics of debate in American history is the matter of gun control in the United States. This debate dates back to the writing of the Constitution, where the American forefathers felt it was necessary to ensure that the citizens of this country would be able to defend themselves, and has developed over the course of two centuries to where we are presently. While liberals push for stricter gun laws and a more stringent process to purchase firearms, conservatives fight back using the 2nd amendment and Supreme Court rulings as their basis for justification for less gun control. The real issue of the matter is that people are concerned for their safety; some think that with guns being legal murder and crime rates will spiral out of control, while others believe that if guns are outlawed that citizens are at more of a risk because they cannot protect themselves. The real solution to this issue is not necessarily more gun control laws, but better processes, …show more content…
The simple truth of the matter is that if someone wants to harm others, they will find a way. A study of mass shootings from 1982 to 2012 showed that 49 out of 62 shooters actually obtained their guns legally. This shows that even when laws are in place and most follow those laws, criminals still obtaining their weapons. These gun control laws do not even sway convicted felons from obtaining firearms. In 2012, over 5,000 convicted felons were charged with possession of a firearm and are sentences to imprisonment. The problem with creating stricter gun laws is that by doing so the process of purchasing guns becomes harder for those law abiding citizens who would use their guns for self-defense and sport. While the intention may be to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms and weapons, it simply does not happen, criminals find a way and law-abiding citizens are at a higher