Based on data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) in 2013 there were over 33,000 deaths by firearms, with the majority of these deaths coming from civilian use. That accounts for more than 17% of all documented injury deaths within the United States. I believe that guns are becoming too heavily relied on as a form of protection. With so much speculation in the media of how much crime takes place today, it seems to me as if civilians are turning to firearms as a means of security. For instance, based on Gallup’s poll on the percentage of U.S. gun owning households there has been a spike of 6% from 2011 to current day. Not only has there been an increase in gun ownership, since 2009 there has been a steady increase
…show more content…
The most often used loophole is known as the “gun show loophole”, which pertains to the private selling of firearms. Private selling of such weapons requires no registration, background checks or licensing. This brings upon the issue of convicted criminals or the mentally ill being able to purchase a firearm with no legal action. Loopholes are not the only issues with current firearm regulations. We are still operating off of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System that was established in 1998. There are signs that this system needs renovation, even pro-gun supports such as the National Rifle Association have released statements urging for new background check modifications. This system has allowed multiple to be accepted to purchase a fire arm that based have been convicted of criminal charges or even mental illness. In 2015 a mass shooting occurred in Lafayette, LA that resulted in 11 civilians being shot. The two men involved both managed to legally pass a background check and purchase a firearm. However, this was able to take place although one man had charges of illegal drug possession, while the other had a history of mental illness. All this is not to say that these regulations are hopeless, rather they need improvements. Let’s take cars for example. A motor vehicle averages around 4,000 lbs. and can reach excess speeds of over 100 mph. This is more than enough power to injure or kill several people. Yet, they are a part of our daily lives and we know that such vehicular deaths cannot be completely avoided. Instead of banning all cars, regulations have been implemented to make the cars have more protection, one must obtain a license to be able to drive, and if used in an illegal matter one may be convicted of said crime. I believe the same basis should be taken with firearms. For instance, you could implement a law where you must take training and be
The most often used loophole is known as the “gun show loophole”, which pertains to the private selling of firearms. Private selling of such weapons requires no registration, background checks or licensing. This brings upon the issue of convicted criminals or the mentally ill being able to purchase a firearm with no legal action. Loopholes are not the only issues with current firearm regulations. We are still operating off of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System that was established in 1998. There are signs that this system needs renovation, even pro-gun supports such as the National Rifle Association have released statements urging for new background check modifications. This system has allowed multiple to be accepted to purchase a fire arm that based have been convicted of criminal charges or even mental illness. In 2015 a mass shooting occurred in Lafayette, LA that resulted in 11 civilians being shot. The two men involved both managed to legally pass a background check and purchase a firearm. However, this was able to take place although one man had charges of illegal drug possession, while the other had a history of mental illness. All this is not to say that these regulations are hopeless, rather they need improvements. Let’s take cars for example. A motor vehicle averages around 4,000 lbs. and can reach excess speeds of over 100 mph. This is more than enough power to injure or kill several people. Yet, they are a part of our daily lives and we know that such vehicular deaths cannot be completely avoided. Instead of banning all cars, regulations have been implemented to make the cars have more protection, one must obtain a license to be able to drive, and if used in an illegal matter one may be convicted of said crime. I believe the same basis should be taken with firearms. For instance, you could implement a law where you must take training and be