The fight between proponents and opponents of gun control is absolutely nothing new and has only become a more prevalent issue with the rise of mass shootings. Most commonly, you’re either in favor of gun control or vehemently against it; it’s rare to find a person who’s on the fence about this issue. Because of the staunch opinions either in favor of or against gun control, this issue is a relative one depending on whom you ask.
The author of an article published by the National Rifle Association, entitled, “When Gun Control Fails,” raises the idea that gun control is not successful in achieving its intended purpose of keeping Americans safe from the consequences of the misuse of guns. The author cites several examples of instances where individuals who had passed background checks had nonetheless made the decision to carry out mass shootings with the guns that they had legally acquired. The main premise of this article is that stricter gun laws are futile in stopping individuals who want to perform acts of violence.
I firmly disagree with this argument and believe that this idea perpetuates gun violence in the United States. The author explicitly suggests that gun control legislation is an attempt by the Left, or by the Democratic Party, to control American citizens. The idea that this issue is one between political parties is ignorant and fails to address the legitimate concerns behind the need for stricter gun laws. American citizens who are left dead in the wake of mass shootings are both Democrats and Republicans; this issue is far too often boiled down to political affiliation.
The simplistic idea behind gun control is making sure that firearms don’t end up in the wrong hands and making sure that citizens don’t have access to military-grade weaponry. Gun control alone cannot entirely eradicate the horrors of mass shootings, but it can make it more difficult for deranged individuals to obtain the weaponry needed to do so.
It’s personally very hard for me to understand why the NRA would so adamantly oppose legislation that bars mentally ill or unfit individuals from obtaining a firearm, but I want to hear what you think about the issue. Leave a comment below about your stance on gun control.
Megan Eberly
Trigger Warning 