When it comes to firearms, everyone has strong opinions. Some are in favor of stricter gun laws, while others feel that gun laws may be taken too far already. Before you decide on a side, you should know some of the strong facts and statistics regarding gun laws. It is always best to keep an open mind and consider all information carefully before making a choice.
Do We Need Stricter Gun Laws?
First, let us look at some of the reasons why those who believe gun laws should be stricter may be right. Did you know that massacres, public shootings, and governmental shootings most often happen with weapons that are easily obtained and are not illegal to own in the United States? Over the last 25 years there have been more than 50 mass shootings, and roughly 78 percent of them were committed with weapons that can be obtained legally in the United States.
Stricter gun laws may have prevented these crimes from happening. Having stricter gun control laws protect the community and its people. One of the most recent examples that many bring up is the Sandy Hook School Massacre. Had stricter gun control and gun laws been in place, many feel that this tragedy may never have happened. Many feel that less strict gun laws are paving the way for violence against children. Some states do not do background checks on people who purchase firearms. Many states that do background checks still allow those with some form of a violent past to own firearms, which many feel contribute to national and community violence.
Now that you have seen some reasons why gun control laws should be stricter, let us look at why some people feel they may be strict enough as it is. First, it is a fundamental right to be able to protect yourself. You should not have to feel victimized, terrorized or fear for your life in any situation. Being able to protect yourself from an attacker is the main reason that the Second Amendment was enacted.
National statistics have proven that violent crime rates drop when there are more people who carry legally. Rape was down a national average (in states that allow concealed carry) by nearly 5 percent, while break ins and street theft were down by 7 percent. Criminals are more likely to leave you alone if they believe that you are armed as well. Others feel that by making these laws stricter those who follow the law and don’t abuse guns are being punished for the acts of those who have.
Each side in this debate has strong arguments, and each have valid points. While you may not agree with each point presented, these are some of the most used reasons for each point of view. Every state has some form of gun control, however, the limits and the strictness vary, and each state is subject to change these laws. Knowing statistics can help you make a determination for which side you stand on if you are faced with a choice.
