Hand Guns

I. Introduction

It is estimated that in 1994, 39,720 individuals died from firearm related

injuries in the United States . This figure is very alarming, especially

when one considers this number not as a statistic, but 39,720 human beings.

The issue that will be addressed is one that brings with it great

controversy. Does our right to own guns infringe upon the rights of others

to live? Would it be a greater injustice to ban the right to own guns thus

saving lives? Would this action decrease pain and increase pleasure for the

majority?

I ask that an open mind be kept throughout this presentation, for guns

impact two basic rights provided by the Constitution. The first can be

found in these words at the end of the introduction: ".in order to promote

the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our

posterity" . The next can be found in the Second Amendment: ".the right of

the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" . These two rights

clearly belong to all citizens, but now one must question: What about the

39,720 individuals who were killed by guns in 1994. Were their rights

upheld, or has a great injustice been committed?

Whenever there is an issue which generates great controversy, there are

always at least two sides or views which must be considered.

There are many degrees of either freedom or control which individuals

believe, but they fall into either pro gun control or against gun control.

Those who are against restrictions on gun control are represented by the NRA

(National Rifle Association). The NRA states the Second Amendment as ".the

ultimate civil liberty- the right to defend one's own life- without which

there are no rights". The NRA strongly defends any and all gun rights, for

they see any gun restriction as the beginning of civilian disarmament.

Those who are for gun control and regulations also have varying degrees of

beliefs, but they all believe that more regulations are in order. Some want

the abolition of virtually all guns, while others simply want tougher

regulations on applicants desiring a gun. This side also has many

organizations which work to represent their beliefs, one of which is HCI

(Handgun Control Incorporated).

The right to own guns is defended by many for some of the following

reasons. The right to own a firearm provides the public with power.