Gun violence is a topic commonly seen in the news today. Many people contribute the rise in violence to the accessibility of guns. Others associate it with the restrictions placed on guns. Frequently, the news features stories of accidental deaths due to easy gun access. Naive children and depressed teenagers are dying because of the carelessness of their gun-owning parents. Guns should have tighter regulations in order to prevent more innocent deaths.
Many people say guns are necessary for self-defense. However, guns in homes increase the risk of homicide, suicide, and unintentional injury. Bringing guns into the homes of arguing couples, suicidal teenagers, and curious children will lead to more death. Fewer than one in five murders occur in connections with a predatory crime. The argument of guns protecting women from predatory crime are imprecise. The majority of rape and aggravated assault occurs between people who know each other. Researchers have concluded that there is no benefit to easing restrictions on concealed handguns. In fact, criminals react to changes in the law.
Currently, there is a loophole to purchasing guns at gun shows: a background check is not required. This leads to guns being illegally trafficked to other states. Criminals also seek out straw purchasers to get guns for them which contributes to gun trafficking. If a gun purchased by a straw purchaser showed up in a criminal investigation, the straw purchaser could claim they sold it to an unidentified third party with little risk of criminal culpability. In July 1993, Virginia became the second state in the nation to limit handgun purchases to one gun a month. Before this law, 35 percent of all guns illegally trafficked to the Northeast were from Virginia. After the law, that number fell to 16 percent.
All citizens have the right to a gun due to the second amendment. However, guns need to be regulated in order to protect the lives of law-abiding citizens. If gun restrictions are lightened, more innocent people will lose their lives in avoidable situations. The reasoning of owning a gun for self-defense is understandable. However, that increases the risk for unintentional death. Guns should not be outlawed completely but, should have tighter regulations in order keep America safe.Democrats believe in upholding the second amendment and that citizens should be allowed to have firearms with reasonable legislation. Democrats understand the consequences of gun violence and advocate for an open conversation about firearms. They believe in effective enforcement of current laws while strengthening background checks. The Democratic Party wants to reinstate the assault weapons ban and eliminate the gun show loophole. They want to enforce mandatory child safety locks and require a photo ID for purchasing guns. They also want to increase the amount of prosecutors who focus on gun crime.
Republicans strongly advocate against gun control. They believe it is every citizen’s right to own a gun due to the second amendment. They believe changes in sociological norms has no bearing on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The Republican party believes that gun regulations are largely unconstitutional. Republicans do recognize that not every citizen should have a gun but, the matter should be left up to the states to decide.
Libertarians are against gun control. They believe that gun violence is increased when gun laws are enacted. They also believe that gun control is “victim disarmament”. Armed citizens shoot more criminals than the police but only shoot innocents one-tenth of the time. Citizens act as responsibly, if not more so, than trained law enforcement. Libertarians believe everyone has the right to self defense. The Libertarian Party strongly supports the second amendment and strongly opposes “victim disarmament” disguised as gun control.
The Green party strongly supports the Brady Bill. They advocate for thoughtfully, carefully considered gun control. They also believe that police officers should restrict use of guns and forms of control weapons. The states must pass legislation that limits police possession of control weapons. The Green party wants to extend background checks to all private sales of firearms and eliminate the gun show loophole that allows sales without a background check. They also want increased protection for victims by allowing them to make impact statements.
The Constitution party upholds the second amendment. They believe that the government may not properly infringe on these rights. Constitutionist oppose attempts to prohibit law abiding citizens from ownership. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have them. Guns are needed for the citizen’s protection against criminals. The Constitution party wants to repeal all firearms legislation starting with the Federal Firearms act of 1968. The party calls for the rescinding of all executive orders and any future executive orders that would in any way limit the right to keep and bear arms.
Works Cited
"Democratic Party on Gun Control." Democratic Party on Gun Control. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Democratic_Party_Gun_Control.htm>.
"Green Party on Gun Control." Green Party on Gun Control. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Green_Party_Gun_Control.htm>.
"Gun Control." The Constitution Party. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.constitutionparty.com/gun-control/>.
"Republican Views on Gun Control." Republican Views on the Issues. Republicanviews.org, 28 Dec. 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.republicanviews.org/republican-views-on-gun-control/>.
Ruwart, Mary. "Do Libertarians Favor Gun Control." The Advocates for Self Government. N.p., 16 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.theadvocates.org/libertarians-favor-gun-control/>.
Weil, Douglas. "Gun Control Can Reduce Crime." Guns and Crime. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. At Issue. Rpt. from "Gun Control Laws Can Reduce Crime." The World and I (Feb. 1997). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.
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