Gun Control Strict

It is said that if a word is said too many times, it loses it’s meaning.This can apply to phrases as well, phrases such as, “Breaking news, another mass shooting in America.” It is almost frightening how acts of violence like Columbine and Orlando have become a common occurrence in the United States. Even more frightening is the fact that the American populace seems to have become desensitized to seeing such headlines in the news. Yet no matter how many of these shootings take place, the government rarely makes any significant changes to the nation's laws regarding gun control to prevent similar catastrophes in the future. Gun control in America should be more strict because stricter laws prevent gun deaths, current laws are not that effective,

“A growing body of evidence from academics, advocacy groups and others supports the link between gun restrictions and a reduction in violence.” (Lichtblau) In fact, a recent study from the Center of American Progress concludes that gun fatalities in states with weaker gun laws are over three times as high as those in states with rougher restrictions. (Lichtblau) These findings were reviewed by an expert in gun violence at John Hopkins University by the name of Daniel Webster. Webster concluded that the study’s methods were significantly sound and expanded upon previous research regarding the issue. (Lichtblau) A great example of this correlation between gun violence and weak laws would be Missouri. The state had loosened its laws in 2007, by eliminating the requirement for handgun purchasers to get a permit by passing a background check. This was followed by an 18% increase in the states homicide rate over the next six years, almost 50% higher than the national average. (When People Choose Gun Control) On the other end of that spectrum, Japan, who has some of the strictest gun regulations in the world, had only a total of twelve gun related deaths in 2013. (Fifield) This Japanese considered this an issue, as the previous year saw only three related gun deaths, all of which were related to the Japanese mafia.

90% of Americans support federal background checks. (Background-Check Vote Compounds Senate’s Shame) Universal background checks are even supported among a majority of Republicans, gun owners, and NRA members. (VerBurggen) This support for stricter laws is found in less gun restricted states as well. In September, Missouri legislators overrode the governor's veto to allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit, training, or background checks. (When People Choose Gun Control) This was all done despite 86% of voters being in favor of stricter laws. (When People Choose Gun Control)
It is strange how there is still a large sense of opposition to pro-gun measures, yet they are still passed by congress and legislation. Despite the facts, despite the need, and despite the desire for better gun control in America, the gun lobby still goes strong. While many states have passed laws that have better protected it’s people from firearms, we still have a long way to go. Congress needs to realise that our laws have a negative effect on this country. If they do not, headlines will continue to read, “Breaking News, another mass shooting in