Persuasive Essay On Gun Control

The right to bear arms has been an important conversation in America for decades. As of recent tragedies such as the Sandy Hook shooting and the Aurora Colorado Theater shooting, the debate is more heated than ever. From large-scale massacres to single fatality shootings, gun violence is unwarranted and heartbreaking. However, the Second Amendment protects individual citizens’ right to own firearms: “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,” it states (Bill of Rights). Although this part of the Bill of Rights has not been changed in United States’ history, some citizens argue that, because the Constitution is a working document, this should be adapted to fit current needs and protect communities. Citizens who wish tip the scale in favor of the community’s protection argue that guns are dangerous, easy to access, popular weapons that allow disgruntled or mentally unstable citizens to “inflict mass causalities” and were originally only intended for use in a militia (Joe Messerli). On the other hand, those who wish to benefit civilians argue that taking away guns restrains individual liberty and that gun control would prove futile because criminals would find ways such as the black market to obtain guns, weapons can serve as self-defense prevent crimes, and reasonable restrictions would be more effective than an outright ban (Joe Messerli). Both arguments have valid, well developed ideas, and both sides tend to be passionate in debate.

Originally, framers of the constitution wanted the Second Amendment to extend the rights they held as Englishmen to keep their firearms, as was common at the time (Talal Al-Khatib). While guns w...

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...ted States (Helena Bachmann). So how exactly can America solve our weapons problem? Suggestions such as reducing demand by enforcing harsher sentences, more closely enforcing laws, and public education campaigns are all possible contributing factors to a possible safer America, but there is no clear solution to this problem. More intensive probation strategies, increased contact with police, probation officers and social workers, changes in policing strategies, such increased patrols in hot spots, and programs featuring cooperation between law enforcement, community leaders, and researchers are all known to offer some benefit to communities (Johnathon Stray). What is important in the case of the right to bear arms is maintaining a balance between an individual and society so that eligible citizens may carry firearms without fearing an attack from their neighbor.