The Gun Control Debate in the United States

The Gun Control Debate in the United States
Republicans vs. Liberals
The ineffectiveness of gun control is quite evident in the United States. Gun rights have been an ongoing social battle for many years (Kopel). People will always find a way to gain access to weapons if the person wants one badly enough. The United States is fast approaching the halfway mark in favor of stricter gun laws; however, the nation still questions the effectiveness of gun control. Republicans support the right to own, use, and carry guns as stated in the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution (Kopel). Republicans also believe it is an individual’s right to protect family and property through gun ownership. Gun laws should be left to the individual states

There have been previous laws like The Brady Law instituted in 1993 that made a federal background check a requirement before an individual could purchase a gun (Kleck). Federal background checks are still being used today and the Legislature has agreed to pass an amendment that provides more funding for even stronger background checks. In 1994 President Clinton passed a law that banned semi-automatic weapons for civilian use (Kleck). This is still an ongoing issue today because semi-automatic weapons are readily available and have yet to be banned. There is no question that both parties are searching for answers, but the question remains how will the House make all Americans

Citizens need to stand up and not take the blame for other individuals who choose to inflict harm. Law-abiding citizens should not be penalized for the actions of a few deranged people. It is true some weapons do not belong in the hands of untrained people, and the National Rifle Association has been instrumental in pushing for responsibility and safety on the part of gun owners without imposing too much on the Second Amendment right (Kopel). Critics such as David DeGrazia of George Washington University argue that private ownership of handguns leads to more social harms than it prevents (Hsiao and Bernstein). David DeGrazia proposes a moderate control of guns meaning that only individuals with a need for self-protection be allowed to own a gun and only after a complete course in safety (Hsiao and Berstein). DeGrazia also believes that owning a gun increases the likelihood that a person will be killed in their own home whether accidentally or intentionally (Hsiao and Berstein). The Democratic Party believes that stricter background checks will deter guns from being purchased by the wrong people. That might be true, but will it stop a violent person from committing a