Gun control, a sensitive topic in the US, especially after the recent events. The United States leads the list of developed countries in gun related fatalities, including suicides, and is up in arms among both the populace and politicians about what to do.
Some cry for the complete elimination of firearms from non-law enforcement personnel while some demand even more leniency when it comes to the standard, everyday gun purchases, demanding less regulation and fulfillment of their constitutional right to arm and defend themselves.
This constitutional right does exist and should not be ignored. The problem is that the US has a real problem with the abuse of firearms, ultimately leading to tragic occurrences of abuse and death.
The path that seems the most logical to explore is that of increased regulations and background checks on those who wish to purchase firearms. This would allow for the fulfillment of the constitutional mandate of the right to arm oneself, and at the same time making sure firearms don’t get into the hands of the wrong people.
Some claim that everyone should be entitled to own a gun, with no or limited restrictions and no background checks. Unfortunately, this is the path which leads to tragedy; when people who are unstable and just waiting to explode get their hands on a weapon, it is a sure recipe for disaster.
If one looks at other developed nations, such as England, Germany, Switzerland and others, who all have more rigorous gun regulations, one will observe drastically lower gun tragedies and even suicides via firearm. This is due to the precautionary methods put in place, including intense background checks and training, ensuring those in possession of a firearm are prepared and capable to use it.
Ensuring that those in possession of firearms are adequately prepared for usage in a safe and controlled manner, means more than avoiding tragedy in an evasive way. It ensures that we will have people on the streets who are armed and ready for action in case there is an emergency. Our government and politicians need to realize the benefits that having armed citizens can provide while also taking cautionary steps to ensure that those with weapons are in a stable state of mind and are well trained for deployment. This will take us on the path for a safer nation with less of the tragedy and murder which we have been experiencing as of late.
