The Complex Issue of Gun Control

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Taking into account of the recent shooting sprees, the gun control debate has started again. However, people have contemplated: “Why does America need gun laws” and “Why are so many states disagreeing about the restrictions that need to be put in place for civilians looking to purchase firearms.” The reasoning for such contemplation is that the fluxuating strictness of gun laws have led to several incidences within states that have strict gun laws due to the fact that the perpetrators of these incidences have purchased their firearms either from black markets, or states where the severity of gun control is at minimal levels. One of the most important aspects of the debate centered on gun legislature is the distribution of illegal firearms to felons, criminals and American youth. Witemute’s article hints that there have been several illegal gun sales from unauthorized markets and to those under the legal ages of 18 or 21 depending on the type of firearm being sold. Unfortunately, these illegal sales have resulted in an increase in gun related injuries and deaths. (55) Another aspect of this debate is in fact, the lobbyists that are pushing for more lenient or tighter gun-laws. It seems that the lobbyists that wanted stricter firearm-related laws are the ones who have witnessed the damage that criminals and the mentally unstable can really do with a gun in their hand. Those pushing for leniency when it comes to gun legislature state that firearms are trying to protect their right to carry an essential tool for those who want to venture the countryside in search for animals to shoot down for food, clothing or sport. The last aspects of the controversy are the federal and state laws that have decided whether or not concealed wea... ... middle of paper ... ...ina in the other hand has prohibited the possession of any firearm to civilians other than sportsmen, hunters and security personnel. Even though rifles and shotguns are permitted, they require a time consuming licensing procedure in order to even possess one and the only citizens that can procure them are sportsmen who need these firearms to hunt and shoot skeet disks. Works Cited Wintemute, Garen J. "Where the Guns Come from: The Gun Industry and Gun Commerce." Princeton University 2002: 54-71. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. Jost, Kennth. “Remembering 9/11.” CQ Researcher 2 Sept. 2011: 701-732 Wright, Stephen E. “Gun Control Laws Will Not Save Lives.” Ed. Christine Watkins. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issues. Rpt. From “Anti-Gun Group Common Sense Laws and Real Common Sense.” StephenEWright.com. 2010. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 28 Oct 2013.

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