Unit 1

Gun Control 

Summary:

For years gun control has been a topic of interest, and it continues to be a highly debated topic, especially with incidents like the Sandy Hook school shooting a few years ago occurring.  The Republicans of this country tend to support gun rights, while the Democrats are trying to limit people's right to bear arms.  The Second Amendment is the Republican's go to reference.  They argue that declining American's their right to bear arms infringes on their Constitutional rights.  Each state in the U.S. has their own gun laws, and most states require people to have a permit to carry a concealed weapon.  Even though people are required to have permit, it raises concern because some people don't think certain people should be granted a permit.  Criminals, mentally ill patients, and children are not allowed to obtain a permit, but that hasn't always stopped them in the past.  Crazy people have been known to get a hold of guns and commit mass murders.  That's why supporters of gun control want stricter laws.  Democrat's main argument is that stricter gun laws will protect innocent lives and prevent unnecessary bloodshed.  In this modern time that we live in, it is unnecessary to carry a weapon for protection.  When this country was established, it was normal and necessary to carry weapons for one's own safety, but today it is not.  Back to the Republicans point of view, they also argue that stricter gun laws won't stop mass murders from happening; if someone is crazy enough to want to take innocent lives, they are going to do it no matter what the consequences are.

Analysis:

I believe in gun rights and the Second Amendment that states, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed", but I also believe in regulation.  It is clearly stated in the Constitution that people should be allowed to own guns, but people shouldn't just be allowed to run free and shoot whoever they want.  I agree that certain people shouldn't be allowed to own a weapon.  Guns are dangerous, and people need to understand that with rights comes responsibility.  On that note, no matter how much regulation there is, if someone really has the desire to kill someone they're going to do it, and if guns aren't available to them, they will resort to other methods.  Unit one was all about the Constitution and how the United States was established.  In 1791, when the Second Amendment was ratified, bearing arms was part of the foundation of America, but now in days guns are more of a recreational thing to own for sports like hunting.  Besides for the use of protecting this country, guns may not be very necessary, but if someone feels like they should be able to carry a gun, then they should be allowed to express the right that they are granted by the Constitution, (as long as they have a permit).  The debate over gun rights has been going on for years and will probably continue to go on for years since there may never be a good solution that satisfies either side of the argument.

http://www.redstate.com/diary/jollygiantsd/2014/06/07/end-goals-gun-control/
http://www.redstate.com/2014/07/10/gun-control-will-never-stop-barbarism/
http://openreader.org/the-controversy-of-gun-control/