The International Association of Chiefs of Police issued a report Wednesday, calling for a ban on assault weapons, arguing it will make officers safer by reducing the ``firepower available to criminals.'' http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/332417_guns20.html
The following day in Florida a Miami-Dade police officer was killed and three others wounded at the scene of a traffic stop by an assailant using a highpowered assault rifle. He bought this weapon legally, although with a fake ID
According to the NRA, the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals the right to own and carry guns. They believe that once started federal regulations will continue to increase until eventually law-abiding citizens will not be allowed to own guns of any kind, which they believe violates their Constitutional rights. They also believe that if law-abiding citizens have guns, they are safer from criminals, which causes crime rates to drop.
However, organizations such as the Brady Center, argues that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee individuals the right to own and carry guns. They urge for more gun control because they believe the more people have guns, the more deaths and injuries from guns occur.
Does America need more gun control laws?
82 comments:
the right to bear arms i think if you are a usa citizen and you have a license you should be aloud to own any kind of gun that u want to own period it doesnt have any thing to do with cops getting shot cuz if they will shoot innocent people then they willl break the law and get guns anyway nomatter what
I think assualt weapons should be banned. No one needs a high powered rifle to protect their home. Cops carrying 9mm are no match against them. When the constitution was written(1787)the country was brand new and still under attack from the British and French and anyone else who was around at that time, it made sense that all its citizens armed themselves. i'm not saying we shouldn't be allowed to buy guns, but do the Ak47 and M16 need to be on the menu?
Even if America had more gun control laws, a criminal is a criminal. It would drive the access of guns underground. My point being, even if we had stronger gun control laws, criminals would somehow still be able to get their hands on a gun. It is unconstitutional to take away this right from Americans, what if an armed criminal broke in your home and lunged toward you with a gun....and then you couldn't protect yourself because your right to bear arms was taken away. I hate to see cops getting shot - but - I do not believe stronger gun laws would control criminal acts against them.
I agree with Mexiii. The 2nd Amendment states: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. When the Bill of Rights was written times were much different. The country was young, just getting over a war and trying to get its footing. The colonies had some sort of regular armies but mostly was state militias. I think the writers of the Bill of Rights wanted to make sure that states would ways be able to protect themselves from what ever forces confronted them. I do not think that they meant that anyone that wanted, could go our and buy an automatic assault weapon such as a M16 or Ak47. I think reasonable gun control laws are necessary to reduce the level of gun violence in this country
Here is my disagreement. I never understood the need to bear arms in the 20th century and after that. When the constitution was drafted , the republic was fragile, I grant you that.
Then it became a way of life.
Alright, the argument is: If a criminal enters your house, you should be able to defend yourself. Correct. What are the chances that I will see him first and run for my gun? Do I keep my gun safe or my kids can findit? And what about my mental state? Suppose I really get mad at the neighbor.... I see red.... do I reach for the darn thing?
I see people carry guns in the Mall. What on earth for? In case there is a hold up? Do they know how dangerous it is to shoot through a crowd at someone you think is the robber?
Having said all that, I admit that the majority of criminals arrested in this country have acquired their guns through illegal means.... so gun control becomes irrelevant.
The way I see it, it was a bad idea, it produced more violence, it cultivated a mentality of "frontier", but now even if we change it, it is way too late.
That is only my opinion however. I want to hear your disagreements.
I look forward to hearing them.
And then I am back with more ammunition! :))))))
I think as an american we have that right to own firearms. As far as unregestered guns its just going to happen as long as guns are around, cops have guns and they shotpeople sometimes the right people some times innocent bystanders sometimes people that "fit the profile", considering where this took place thats all I here about crooked cops. I work in a juvenille detention facility with much of the population coming for miami-dade and thats all they talk about shoot outs with cops.
Danatrose
I am glad we have someone who is working at a juvenile detention center and can give us an inside opinion.
When you say they only talk about the shoot-outs, in what context do they do that?
There are frequent confrontations or they mean something else?
Did those kids carry guns by the way when they were arrested?
Yes gun laws need to be more strict. I understand that they are somewhat tight but as this proves some things still slip through the cracks. Innocent people are using their lifes because people are getting their hands on guns.
Of course!!!!
In my country this is a great problem!!!!
A hug from Argentina! :)
I am teacher, too. Mi pupils are 7 years olds! :)))
I love them!
Guns don't kill people. People kill people. I think individuals who choose to own a gun in their have their reasons. I know someone who was stalked and threatened to be killed. She has two small children and her husband works in another state and comes home every 2 weeks for 3 days. I think she is protecting herself in this matter. I think if you DO own a gun or WANT to own a gun, places that sell guns should do a background check on the individual making a purchase. I think there are some people that should NEVER be aloud to even hold a gun, and other just want simple protection.
Athena:
I see your point about the timing of reaching for your gun and the issue of where to keep it so children do are not able to get their hands on it and harm themselves. But there have been cases where people were able to protect themselves from intruders, or not even: violent abusive husbands that were living with them, as they were acting in self defense.
As far as getting mad at someone and your mental state - I will speak for myself - I know right from wrong and I know I would not carry out a malicious criminal act against someone that got me mad.... No matter what.
I do agree that guns like M16's and AK47's shouldn't be accessible, these should be reserved for the military or SWAT team.
Well, I do believe in our rights as Americans. But just as the discussion about the government listening to your conversations. If you don't have anything to hide, then why should you worry about it. I personally don't own a gun and probably never will. I think there are other ways of protecting ourselves. But then you have to think about the criminals as well. I do think that the laws should be stricter, but as someone else pointed out, they would find another way to get the guns. Just like marijuana. It is illegal, but people still make it and sell it. If our society had not become so smart about all the bad things then we wouldn't have any problems. But what I have noticed is that a lot of people spend more time thinking about how to get away with things that are illegal than how to make an honest living. I think we should try the stricter laws and see what happens.
I believe that America does need more gun control laws because the ones that are set in place now people do not follow. If more laws were set then crime rates would go down and less people would be getting murdered by bullets. I think that guns should still be allowed to be owned but with strict rules and regulations. I believe that when it comes down to whether or not someone can own a specific kind of gun is pointless. Any gun is deadly, although some stronger than others. If people are purchasing the more "dangerous" guns then there should be different percations when issuing them to people. It is a persons rigt to own a protection device but it is not someone's right to use that device to help them take out their anger!
I agree with scarpenter, even if we push for the guns to be illegal people will still find a way to get them, and plus what about all the guns that are already in America. The government can not expect to take out every single gun that a civilian owns. I also agree with their point on how people cannot make an honest living, so American might as well try the strict laws to see how people react. Some people may realize that you cannot live your whole life disobeying the law and getting away with it.
Most criminals today that deal with weapons, primarily guns have ways to go around having to buy any type of gun with a legal ID.
Many criminals recieve there guns from other sources that recieve them in the black market.
yes i believe high powered rifles shouldnt be allowed,and doing this might lower the crime rate by a hair, but in in order to stop this problem you have to stop the key criminal.
"you should be aloud to own any kind of gun that u want to own period"
i dont agree with ths statement "diana25" made. Mainly because a "regular" citizin,(non military or police) doesn't have a reason to own a high powered gun. Its not like your in "grand theft auto" and need to complete some missions to proceed to the next level!!!
common sense here, if you have the erge to shoot a high powered weapon then join the military and help out our country, or just go get some help :)
If you go to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports you will see that 42% of all murders are committed by people known to you. Also firearms were the weapons of choice in
nearly two-thirds of all murders, and handguns
I start from this argument. If those family members or friends who committed murder did not have guns, would the attack result in death? At times yes, but I suspect often not because we all know a bullet travels faster than a fist.
Furthermore Kellermann, AL, Rivara, FP, Rushforth published an article in New England Journal of Medicine, "Gun ownership as a risk factor for homicide in the home." in which they showed that the presence of a gun in the home tripled the risk of homicide in the home. They also published “Suicide in the home in relation to gun ownership” and there the conclusion was that the presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of suicide fivefold.
Now, you say it may protect me against an intruder. Or won’t it? Depends on who sees whom first, correct? And since most break-ins take place at night, chances are he will be the one to shoot first.
That is how I perceive it anyway. And my policy on the matter is that if an intruder enters my house, I pretend I don’t wake up.
The counter- argument here is that many murders are committed by illegally obtained guns anyway. However, this is a misconception to a certain extent, because all these illegal guns were legally purchased the first time and after that they found their way into the dark paths of the underground market. The gun used to kill President Kennedy was legally ordered through an ad in the Rifleman, the NRA magazine. The gun which killed in 1994 Luis Donaldo Colosio, the Mexican presidential candidate originated from a California gunshop. Patrick Purdy, who killed five Cambodian children in a schoolyard had bought his gun legally.
Where the illegality comes into play? Many gun sellers sell illegally. Researchers from the School's Center for Gun Policy and Research have explained how: There are sales that either go unrecorded, or when a person fails to pass a federal background check relies on another individual for the purchase.
This has led NYC’s mayor Mike Bloomberg to co-found a bipartisan national coalition of mayors (more than 200) that will try to crack down on those who sell or use illegal guns. That has made him NRA’s number one enemy.
These are my personal thoughts. Don’t take them to heart however. It’s only my two cents…. :)))
Being that Florida is a "right to kill" state, meaning that if your life is threatened by anyone you have to right to shoot, harm, or kill them, I believe that there should be more severe gun control rules and regulations set. Statistics show that over half of the population owns a gun, and being that the average family has 2.5 kids in America there are a lot of lives at stake, especially lives that are innocent. Why take the chance of killing a loved one? Because it's safer to own a weapon in case of a robbery or being harmed by others? Well, that's what locks are for! Guns should be handled by trained professionals, not the average Joe Shmo. It's not only putting their life at risk, but the lives of everyone around them. Guns go off very easily once they're cocked- so if a child were to accidentally cock one and so much as a safety pin fell on the trigger it could fire.
And as far as it being unconstitutional to revoke the right to bare arms for just about anyone, America has to realize that the constitution was set in times of war and revolution. Being that America didn't quite have an "army" set, the average man had to fight and therefore was granted the right to own a rifle. But that's not the case now.
I just don't see the point in having a gun lying around.
"Guns don't kill people. People kill people. I think individuals who choose to own a gun in their have their reasons. I know someone who was stalked and threatened to be killed. She has two small children and her husband works in another state and comes home every 2 weeks for 3 days. I think she is protecting herself in this matter. I think if you DO own a gun or WANT to own a gun, places that sell guns should do a background check on the individual making a purchase. I think there are some people that should NEVER be aloud to even hold a gun, and other just want simple protection."
I agree with this statement here because, well look at it this way. When you're selling a gun to someone you dont know whether he's a nice citizen around the neighborhood or he's a serial rapist, and because we dont do background checks on them, since dangerous people have guns, they are likely to cause more crimes.
I think that is personally my favourite comment in this blog so far.
Also as far as assault weapons goes, I also agree that it's kind of to a point that it's literally ridiculous to use it as protection in your own home, so I also think that it's a good idea that assault weapons should be banned. If you really do need a weapon to protect yourself at all times I think using an AK-47 is going a little bit overboard. In fact, I highly think that those weapons are more likely to be used in crimes then they would actually protecting you. If you really do need a gun to protect you, a 9mm would be fine enough, but not before you get a gun license first.
Crimsonzero
I agree with you but no assault weapon will ever be banned. The National Rifle Association is way too powerful. You might want to read
THE TOP 10 NRA MYTHS ABOUT ASSAULT WEAPONS
no i dont think us needs any more gun laws
I think we do need more gun control laws. Im not saying we shouldnt have the right to own guns but criminals should not be allowed to carry guns especially if the have had a previous gun charge. If you have been arrested then you somehow disobeyed your rights so you shouldnt have the right to carry a concealed weapon.
I disagree with diana25 why would huge guns like Ak 47's be needed? There is no reason to own a gun hat big if the cops dont carry guns that big than neither should we. If someone is breaking into your house there is no reason why you wouldnt be able to shoot them with a pistol or a smaller gun than an ak 47.
If we had stronger gun control laws and criminals had a harder time buying guns then i think the crime rate would drop dramatically.
I still believe if you make stricter gun control laws - Yes - It will be harder for citizens to obtain a gun - HOWEVER - a criminal is still a criminal - They will get their hands on a gun if they wanted to. Think about the mentality and mindset of a person that would shoot a cop.... This is a person who is violent in nature. Do you really think gun control laws that were more strict would help alleviate this? I still believe that it would just drive guns underground... and in reality - probably help another group of criminals who can sell them illegally and profit financially.
My brother in law is NYPD SWAT - trust me - It sickens my stomach when I hear about cops getting shot & killed - but unfortunately- It is the reality that we face- It's like drugs - there illegal - the laws have been changed and made to be more strict over the years... but we still deal with the domino effect of it - from selling/buying/distributing drugs to robberies - to assault - to murder - We live in a society where people do what they want to do - no matter what - no matter if you try & stop them....
As far as that intruder in your home - Let's take the serial rapist that was recently caught in Tampa - If one of these women had a gun & happened to hear this man break in - The odds of him carrying out his vile act would have come to an end. I know this is just a "What If" scenario and it didn't work out this way - But -If it had been where a woman did have a gun and did hear an intruder and was able to shoot her attacker - MORE POWER TO HER.
There are so many cases where people are able to shoot intruders after breaking into their homes - even eldery women who live alone. If we change gun control laws - we are also depriving citizens the right to protect themselves. Are the chances slim to actually reach for your gun or hear the intruder? Maybe - But - You will have more of a chance NOT to become a victim. There is a big difference between premeditated murder & self defense.
Theres a debate on whether these guns should be legal to citizens or not but i think guns in general should definately be as long as you have a license. But on the other hand i think assualt guns should only be available to special forces and combat soldiers. You don't need those types of high powered guns floating around on the streets or just to go hunting when one shot can literally take the head off of a person's shoulders.
I agree with the top comment by diana25 in her say on how it has nothing to do with cops gettin shot. They hold a dangerous job where there everyday lives are constantly on the line. It's sick to imagine they too break gun laws by shootin innocent people and get away with it because of the position they hold in our world.
I think that gun control laws are a way to make the people in our country feel safer. However the fact of the matter is that whether there are laws to control high fire power weapons a citizen can "legally" have it is nothing but that, a law. Unfortunately when it comes to facts no matter how strong a law is you can still bypass it. For example a law is made to completely ban assault rifles from American citizens. Yes it will lower the amount and type of assault riffles civilians may own, but what about thugs and criminals? How will a law stop a criminal from getting one? They are already breaking the law, all they would have to do is pretty much purchase it in the black market which is a lot easier than most people like to realize. So to sum it all up. Maybe we need more gun control laws, maybe we don't. But in the end who will really benefit from this? Because I don't see your average tax paying American shooting a cop over a routine stop.
I think that we as Americans should continue to have the right to own hand guns, hunting rifles, and so on with a license. However, I don't think that assault weapons should be available to the American public and should only be used and available to armed forces. I also think that the purchasing process of firearms should be a little harder than it is, because there is no reason that the guy should have been able to walk in and buy a gun with a fake ID and no one question anything until after he has committed the crime.
I also agree with crimsonzero about doing background checks on people before they can purchase firearms. Murderers who have already served their time and other criminals along those lines should never be allowed to purchase any kind of weapon ever.
i believe that there should be more gun control. i believe so because there are too many people sick in their heads that are allowed to get guns just by applying and looking at their "clean record" i believe that they should take a lie detector test to see if the are planning to do something with dangerous with there weapon. i believe that is a way to reduce injuries with guns. also they should take classes on weapon safety before bearing arms, not just the person getting the weapon but the whole family so they can prevent a 13 yr shooting there best friend just because they where just playing around
More gun control? First off, we have a lot of laws that need to be more strictly enforced as it is. But Chris Rock said in "Head of State" (paraphrased): The United States has gun licensing to only carry the Gun, but the people can't decide because the people are too busy getting shot in the 'butt'. I think that if in order to carry and own a gun that he himself should get shot. (Like carrying a taser.) But who am I to say that being shot and shot at is not exactly what anyone would call a good time...(unless they were really drugged up.)
Go ahead Mexiii! That is entirely true. We even need to add bazooka and oozi too.
Question...The Law says 10, 20, Life. Is that only with Police or everybody? Because Plenty of people get to trial and get off even though they should get 10, (according to the law).
Is that an example for getting stricter gun laws , or heavily enforcing the ones we have?
I really think that the only way to keep gun control is by goverment enforcing the law but at the same time, the goverment are responsible for selling more guns and allowing people to buy it. It's like the movie "Lord of War", that makes the law and the constitution worthless because of the powerful people who are in power. Most of them corrupted and only want and think about $$$ MONEY $$$ instead of the lives and the good of the people.
I agree and disagree with Diana25 because yes US citizens should be allowed the need for a gun to protect themselves but if you see the news most of them dont used them to protect, but to kill other for some reason. So how can you do Gun Control when there people out there ready to assalt you and you cant do anything to protect yourselves other than using your fist and your cell phone.
Honestly im torn in this subject of gun control because, i see it this way ,YES people should be able to protect them self because lets face it in the 20th century we have alot of crazy people out here.On the other hand with that being said i think we do need to change a few things around because any one can get there hands on a gun with a fake id or countless other ways. But certain people who have issues or anger problems should not be able to have a gun because any little thing can set them off so i mean its a no win situation because the crazy person could have a licensed gun. So no matter how many laws are changed theres always a way to get around them.
i agree with the comment mexii posted. No one needs a high powered weapon to defend themselves to from a criminal. all you need is one shot in the right spot to kill a person. as well as he mentioned we have to take in consideration when the bill of right where established. back then people loved a bit deifferently than how we live life today
If I really wanted to, I could go out and buy a gun right now claiming it is for my safety and use it for the total opposite. That is how easy it is to purchase a gun, and I believe the rules should be a lot more strict! There are other ways of keeping your self safe without killing or severly injuring people. Defense classes, home alarm systems, etc. If you feel the need to carry a gun with you everywhere you go, I would say you are a little paranoid!
"criminals should not be allowed to carry guns especially if the have had a previous gun charge. If you have been arrested then you somehow disobeyed your rights so you shouldnt have the right to carry a concealed weapon."
I agree with brooke completly! no matter what your charge, you shouldnt be able to purchase/ carry a gun.
We are getting the two sides here. I do have my personal standing here, which is "I don't like it... but it is too late to fix it" sort of like our health system, but most of all I enjoy and appreciate the people's views.
I tried to find an article that presents both sides but to my dismay whatever I found was fanatical for their side and sarcastic of the other side. Now even a kid knows that this is the fastest way to lose a thinking reader and the quickest way to win over an idiot.
I think this article is a bit better because although it takes the side of gun control it does not ridicule the other side.
If any of you find something more objective that stays away from final conclusions please let us know.
If you go to
http://crime.about.com/od/guns/a/gunlawquiz.htm
you can see how much you know about your own states gun laws.
That is an excellent site. I failed the test on Florida.
I went by common sense. :)))
(no pun intended)
Gun control has been and, will be debated for a long time. To start, I must say I firmly believe there should be a law supporting a total ban of assault type weapons in the civilian population. The penalties for breaking this law should be very stiff, whether buying or selling. However, I believe Americans should be allowed to own handguns and guns used for hunting, after going through the proper channels. I do believe that gun control in the form of stricter regulations when buying a gun would help in controlling some of the gun-related violence but not nearly all of it. However it is a step in the right direction, even if it is a small one. I think there should be a longer waiting period, more through background checks, safety classes and require more forms of ID. I think the dealers at gun shows and flea markets show be under tighter regulations. Sometimes these people seem to fly right under the radar. Will this stop the criminals? Probably not. Will this stop law-abiding citizens who wish to obtain a gun legally? Absolutely not. However, will this stop a person who in a fit of anger rushes out to buy a gun to kill someone he or she is angry with? Maybe so. To me even if it is just a small percentage of lives saved it is worth it.
I did not do good on Florida either. I only got 50% right
I believe that the US should have stricter gun control laws, but it does not necessarily mean that dangerous guns will be off the street. Drugs are illegal but look how prevalent they are. If people want to get a hold of guns then they will find a way.
I agree with Mexiii we should arm ourselves but some guns should never be sold to civilians. What is the use of an AK47 or M16 for a civilian?
I believe America needs more gun control. Many people believe that if these new laws start to pass they will begin to loose their freedom. Unfortunately many deaths have occurred because of the fact that we have the right to bear arms. It many ways it is unfair because I would guess only a quarter of the population abuses the ability to own a fire arm. This is why we need more gun control. I have heard many people tell me that they feel safer owning a gun in their household but I believe that this only gives a criminal the option to use a gun against you. If more laws pass on gun control our crime rate will at the very least decrease some and there may be less murders committed.
ssnipes is definitely right. I agree with you 100 percent. It is way to easy to go out and purchase a gun. Even in this article it states that the assailant used a fake idea and purchased a high power assault rifle. This proves that we need more laws to prevent these kind of events from occurring.
I agree with lexi37 just because a person owns a gun doesn't mean that they are going to kill someone. People decide to kill people, guns don’t kill people. A criminal is a criminal if guns weren't around and a criminal wanted to kill someone they would find another weapon
Gun control should definately be regularized, but should not be denied the right to own and purchase a gun. I believe that with the proper education, gun can be less of an issue for civilians. Just look at what sex education can do.
I definatley agree with what mexii had said. You really can not state that much better than that. This is even coming from a person who happens to own a vintage Springfield 30-06 sniper rifle from WWII. The thing is an antique and was passed through my family, but good god I couldn't ever imagine having to actually fire something with so much power towards a living person in self defense(unless in a war of course .....)
I agree with ep and lexi37 people kill not guns. A person with an intent to kill will use anything they can. Yes a gun is probably the easiest way to kill someone but I am sure in most cases he did not go to Wal-Mart to buy the gun.
Sort of off topic.
My dad has had guns in our home sine before I was born. He has a license for them and bought them legally. He has them for protection and for hunting. He showed me the guns and even let me shoot one when I got old enough. He didn't want me to be curious, he wanted me to have respect for the gun and what it could do. Years ago my dad put an ad in the flyer to sell an old gun and the cops showed up at our home a few days later. It turns out a similar gun had been stolen and the cops wanted to see my dads. My dad could have been a jerk and not let the cop in but he had nothing to hide. He let the cops in to view the gun, papers and serial #. My parents were glad that the cops were being proactive.
Interesting story peachykeach. Glad to hear the cop[s were proactive!
reply to a question asked of A.Smith....
Some of the kids talk about having/ carrying weapons and how easy it is to get a weapon. As far as the police the kids say that the police will harrass them i.e. follow them around town or show up in places they know the teens hang out bet them up and start trouble with them, that the police when they see an opportunity to pounce they do. Quite a bit of the boys have also said that they have witness or been apart of a gun fight with gang members and police.Know also know that my center is a " drug rehab" for these youth. Many of them come in and will straight up tell you that they told their judge they had a drug problem to get a lighter sentence ( our program is 6-8 months) when in actuality they are drug dealers wanting to get lesser time in order to return to the streets.
Danatrose
Thanks for the reply. It was quite informative.
We will return with another post on drug use later.
I for one thoroughly believe there should be more laws controlling the use and sale of guns in america. Take other countries for example, where guns are illegal or just not used, like england, or japan. Crime rates there are noticeably lower than the good ol US of A. If guns were illegal, then it would be a lot harder for your average criminal to get one, therefore dropping the rates of death in your everyday robberies and petty crimes.
the U.S. should put out more gun control laws to protect the public from its self. There are to many people who own semi-auto assualt rifles which is legal. But theres a way to make them fully auto which is a danger to everyone. Every kind of firearms wheather small hand guns, shotguns or rifles are leathal with 1 pull of the trigger. I say the only person who should have them are the people with a concealed weapons license. And in order to get this a person must go through the same CWL course and they should add a polygraph test and a pyscological examanation. And they should add a law for firearm check up. Like every 3 or 6 months whoever owns a firearm must have it checked by the local sheriff or police agency to show that it is still in the person possesion. If a person hasnt checked in with there firearm a warrent should be issued to search and seize that weapon and give the owner a huge fine.
I disagree with Mexiii. I dont think we should bann the assualt weapons. I know no one needs those to protect a home. what i like to use it for is recreational purposes. I occasionally go out shooting with my buddies and i always bring my assualt rifles with me. And yes the time that the bill was written was different, but even though the firearms are more advanced now days. Its more of what laws should be put in to place not banning it completely.
Okay, lets see...the U.S constitution was written in 1787, centuries ago when the "new world" was still being established and people were continuously fighting for their lives, and even then they didn't have the high powered assult weapons of today. It is barbaric and idiotic to think that the constitution was speaking of these such weapons when it alotted Americans the right to bear arms. The weapons of today have no use; they are dangerous and destroy the lives of many. Even though it would be unconstitutional to say so, i feel that these arms should be banned in America and around the world.
I agree and disagree with angelica d. She makes a good point about the dangerous weapons being driven to the underground black market, but isn't it sort of there already. Too many criminals are getting their weapons of self defense underground already. They are purchasing the weapons without permits and are using them to commit crimes. This is the problem...the wrong people are getting their hands on weapons and it will remain that way no matter how strict our gun control laws get. There are many people in America without guns in their homes already, my family is an example. I feel that bringing weapons into a home, even for protection, is a bad idea. Of course all guns cannot be banned (or else what will the police force fight with, sticks?), but some precautions should be adopted into our system in order to prevent these weapons from getting into the hands of children and criminals.
Monica- I beleive assualt weapons should be banned for the better good of all humans. As mexiii states no one needs that kind of a weapon to defend their home. However I believe stricter laws are need. Yes, more crimes are committed with illegal guns than legal and if a person wants to commit this crime they will find a way. However we do not have to make it easier by allowing the guns to be brought and stashed away at people's homes making it easier to steal or borrow causing many more problems- the wrong person going to jail just because the gun is register to them with their prints and more suicides. I also agree with the statements of danatrose, lexi37 and angelica d. Certain sitituations create a need for guns and " guns do not kill people people kill people". A person should have the right to protect themselves and thier family and save their life to keep living and providing for other. I do want to see more of a commitment to reduces the amount of " reckless killing" - teenagers shooting themselves while showing their friends their guns, kids defending their mothers, and most of all babies just stumbling on to these guns. This happens more and more each day which means there is a need for more control.
I believe in the right of private citizens to own a gun for self protection. However,high power and fully automatic assault weapons should be banned. A citizen purchasing a high power weapon will probably not use it for hunting or self protection. Police lives are exposed to greater danger minimizing their ability to protect private citizens.
This article on the 1997 Los Angeles bank robbery is a perfect examples why citizens should not carry assault weapons or high power rifles.
i think guns should be banned. its the 21st century. you have kids having access to there parents guns. these kids bringing guns to schools. people accidentally shooting each other. this country needs serious gun control.
i agree with danielle its barbaric and guns have no use in our society.
I agree with diana, U.S. Citizens should be allowed to have guns if they have thier license and all the other requirements they need to get them legally. Now as far as whatever kind is what I'm a little skeptical about. What need is there for a U.S. citizen to have an AR-15, or something with such high power? The only reason i agree with the constitution is because I think people would be able to protect themselves from criminals, but is the over kill of a high powered rifle neccesary?
Also I think the 2nd Amendment could use some changing, this amendment was passed after the U.S. and great britian war. The United States at that time relied heavily on local militia's at that time and I think thats the main reason for the amendment in the first place. But times change and thats why the amendments are able to too. And this one could use a little modifying.
I also agree with angelica on the fact that criminals would just see it as an oppurtunity to build the world of black market gun trade. I guess in this case you just have to weight the pros and cons of gun laws, and choose which one will hurt the citizens of the U.S. less. Because its not the citizens that commit the crimes, so why should they be punished.
i agree with dfrank2 and angelica about the criminals and how it would be an oppertunity to build the world on black market gun trade and that you would just have to way out the pros and cons but i think guns should be illegal for protection. i know that florida state law says anyone who breaks into your home, you have the right to shoot. i know my older sister has a gun for protection and she also has 2 small children, yet she has also been threatened by a stalker that they would come to her house and kill her and the kids. so say the law stated guns were illegal, and this lady came in and tried to kill her? my sister would only be able to defend herself with household items or her body. i just think the government should crack down and tighten up. get the guns out of the hands that dont need to be holding one.
Weapons are weapons, and people are people. There is nothing to can do to eliminate violence and there are people on in this world that can kill a person with there bare hands almost as fast has you can kill someone with a gun. Therefore, in my opinion it is not the weapons that need to be controlled it the people.
Professor Smith I also agree with you in saying that there is almost no need for anyone to carry a gun into public places, like the Mall.
Weapons are too easy to get a hold of. I mean its ridiculous that a child can get their hands on something so dangerous so easily. Prime example: the 14 year old who went on a killing spree in his high school last week. Its out of hand and something needs to be done. Innocent people are losing their lives over something that is suppose to be used to protect lives but instead they are taking them.
Update on this issue:
Justices mull 1st real look at 2nd Amendment in decades
The court is deciding if it will hear a case that might define gun rights under the Constitution.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/
washington/judicial/
2007-11-11-guns_N.htm?csp=34
Mrs. Smith is right. I was always taught to defend yourself and family by all means neccesary. If that means having a gun then so be it. But when do you no when it is an emergency or not. Having any weapon, especially a gun, can make an individual extremely dependent on its use and protection. But there are many instances where a civilian was just reaching for something in their pocket and was shot because of it. Having a gun makes a person feel like they are in control of the situation. But if they were in control then why do they need a gun?I personally feel it is a right to consume any weapons and now a days you need to protect yourself. But sometimes a gun is placed in the wrong hands.
I agree with Angelica. There are guns that seem more appropiate for an average civilian and some that should be left for armforces. By all means the arm forces are well trained and most civilians are fascinated by guns. But do they really need to carry such guns. I do not think so. Something needs to be done. There are more frequent incidents where children are bringing guns to school and i wonder how they got a hold of them. It freaks me out how it seems like almost anyone can have a gun... i do not like the idea but i plan to own a gun in the future to protect myself and my family.
we should just limit the size of the guns that are given to americans there is no reason why a person would need a ar15 or an ak
i dont think america needs more gun control laws. i believe that it unconstitutional to try and put a limit on guns the second amendment does not say the right to bare arms to a limitation. it says the right to bare arms period.
i completly agree with diana25 in everything she says.police will just break the law and take more guns so it wont matter if there are mor gun control laws.
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