The issue of gun control is at the forefront of many topic points during recent political discussions. We can all agree it’s a subject that stirs both concern and controversy. Is the government trying to take away a Constitutional-given right from us and gain even more control over our lives? Or, are they working on ways to reduce gun violence? Either way, you must stay informed and be present when crucial votes are about to take place. Here’s why.
It’s a Fundamental Right
The Second Amendment to the Constitution entitles us as citizens to bear arms. This is for recreation, protection and collection or any reason we see fit. Up to 49% of households in the US have a gun in the home. It’s our fundamental right to own and possess guns as long as it remains within the perimeters of the law.
With an ever-increasing amount of public violence such as school shootings and random acts of violence, gun control is often front and center in a heated debate. It’s true that we need to be more diligent in public settings. But we shouldn’t let it deter us from the Second Amendment and what basic entitlements we deserve as citizens.
Gun Control Laws Won’t Prevent Criminals Getting Guns
Anti-gun groups want to bear down on the requirements and penalties for new gun purchases — mainly in the form of stricter background checks. This can be good and actually stop an unwarranted purchase that was intended to due to harm others.
The major flaw in this thinking is, there’s no crystal ball in gun sales and ownership. Most of these new laws won’t prevent criminals from gaining access to firearms and high-powered rifles if they want to commit crimes. Undocumented mental illness won’t stop a predator from stealing a gun or buying it off the streets.
Do Gun Owners Need a Better Education?
Accidents happen and inexperience is usually the culprit. Could it be that many gun owners simply need to be better educated on how to properly use a high-powered rifle — or any firearm for that matter? It could certainly help prevent accidental gun deaths.
For open-carry permits and to obtain certain types of guns, mandatory firearm training must be completed before the final purchase. This may help curb gun accidents and promote better safety standards.
Gun Rights vs. Gun Control
Something that many gun owners believe is that the opposition uses fear-mongering as a way to sway gun law votes. They think that too many shootings mean we need to ban guns and enforce stricter laws. They can’t argue this point because states like Illinois and Maryland have some of the highest murder rates per capita — Baltimore had 343 murders in 2017 — most stemming from gun violence. Fun fact: they also have some of the toughest gun laws in the nation, proving that more laws do not equal safety.
It’s a sensitive topic, but should only be one component of overturning existing gun laws. Our right to bear arms is a constitutional right.
The relinquishment of certain high-powered guns is a hot topic on the ballot, especially with the upcoming 2020 election. While it’s important that our rights to gun ownership stay in place, we also need to be careful what legislation gets passed. This affects gun control as a whole.
What can you do to make a difference? The biggest thing is to vote! Stay in touch with what’s going on with local and state governments. Be a proud supporter of gun ownership and most of all, educate others on what you know.
Copyright 2019, TargetLiberty.com
