Pros and Cons of Gun Control in the United States

Regulation of firearms is such a controversial subject in the US. There are many reasons causing this issue to divide a nation. Some preach about banning guns altogether. Others consider that notion to be a sacrilege. In a land of the free and home of the brave, possessing firearms is a part of national identity. It’s embedded into American DNA, just like hot dogs, baseball, and the bald eagle. Despite the glorification of weapons, many citizens are concerned about rising rates of violent crimes. School shootings or random massacres occur too often. But strict control of ammunition is hard to enforce in a country that’s the biggest arms dealer in the world. Perhaps, an alternative solution is required.

Gun Control in America

No country in the world relishes weapon culture more than the United States. An example that illustrates it is the constitutional right of its citizens to bear arms freely. Although, there are different interpretations of an amendment related to people’s right to arm themselves. America is also a leading global arms dealer. Crime or shooting rates are skyrocketing year after year. There’s a heated debate about reasons for gun control that is constantly on the agenda.

Gun Control Debates in the US

America’s violent past gave rise to a cult of weaponry. Images of Wild West outlaws or Prohibition Era gangsters are an element of American folklore. Elmore Leonard, a prolific writer of Western fiction, accurately described a craving for violence in his popular short stories. Gun enthusiasts always cite the Second Amendment as a sample of their “God-given right” to bear arms. Opponents warn about raising crime rates or mass shooting incidents. The topic is, therefore, complex and problematic, with many angles to analyze.

Reading good essay samples regarding gun control also paints a clearer picture of America’s situation with revolvers. Moreover, it is one of the most urgent research topics to write about in any educational institution. If you are in need of inspiration, try browsing through 71 examples for your essay on Gun Control online and learn why this issue can be so controversial. Becoming an expert on such a topic is not as easy as it seems. Thus, getting professional writer help is vital for those who want to discover the field.

Arguing gun control laws’ pros and cons isn’t easy without realizing the problem’s cultural background. Likewise, understanding economic factors, including a booming arms or defense industry, explains the motives for stricter laws not being implemented. There’s simply too much money to be made from selling arms to domestic or foreign citizens. One can walk into a firearms shop on any own in America with some valid ID and buy an automatic rifle like a candy bar. That’s a paradox of the shooting problem in the US. Like everything else in America, cash flow determines the outcome. Although, a proliferation of gang violence forces the government to consider more strict rules for licensed firearms.

Advantages of Gun Control Laws

Any research on gun control points out skyrocketing rates of violent crimes, all firearm-related. The availability of firearms increases the risk of people getting hurt. That’s one of the major arguments for gun control enforcement to become stricter. When we look at those numbers in annual reports, such arguments make sense. Crime wave is rising, plus more people use firearms for “protection”. The question remains, is the government willing to do something about it? Economic interests suppress public outcry for now. But, the apparent advantages of pro-gun control arguments are:

• Restricted revolver availability reduces the crime rate
• Limited access to firearms decreases violent offenses
• Banning the carrying of ammunition lowers the chances of conflicts escalating
• Stricter weapon control puts gang-related activities under control

Arguments Against Gun Control

Since the Constitution protects individual gun ownership, many citizens see it as their birthright. There’s a tradition of carrying firearms dating back to colonial times. Armed militias were a symbol of resistance against British oppression. Today, enthusiasts cite personal protection rights as the main reason for advocating free revolver carrying. Furthermore, they argue that people are responsible for violent crimes. Firearms are merely the weapons of choice. If guns were abolished, people would use knives, clubs, or swords like in the good old times. So, tradition, constitutional rights, and love for the firearm are the main arguments of those who oppose strict control. Also, they argue how:

• Each man has a right to defend himself
• There are other measures to prevent violent crimes aside from prohibition
• People’s right to bear arms reduces the chances of a totalitarian government

Gun Control Measures and Their Impact on the Crime Rate

When you look at the numbers, crime rates go up and up constantly. Shootings occur more often than ever. Gang-related activities raise havoc in American suburbs. Yet, many experts say that strict laws won’t reduce gun violence in the United States. The real cause of violence or criminal activity lies elsewhere. Firearms are just the weapons of choice. But, many federal states experienced a dramatic increase in shooting violence after loosening firearm regulations. Introducing waiting periods or rigorous purchaser licensing has shown a decrease in crime rates or gun-related injuries. Fewer police officers are being injured, plus fewer young people fall as victims of shootings. It appears that some measures produce results eventually if implemented properly.

Wrapping Up

The topic of weapons regulations in America was always controversial. History and tradition play a crucial part in shaping the public’s opinion. Also, specific constitutional rights produce a mentality that advocates the free purchase or possession of firearms. Introducing certain measures helps with reducing crime rates or mass shootings. Economic interests sometimes obstruct the implementation of these rules. It’s an ongoing battle and a debate. Some states choose to strengthen regulations, while others exercise their freedom and constitutional rights. Crime rates fluctuate accordingly. So does public opinion. Hopefully, a compromise can be found that satisfies both proponents and opposers of gun control.