A few months ago, gun control was being debated in full force. Many were outraged over the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, and the death of Travon Martin. Now, after some of the dust has settled, I’d like to share my opinion and state some facts about gun violence and gun control.
My views on gun control are that of a conservative. I believe that almost any American should be able to own a gun. However, I do support background checks, and I believe that that mentally ill persons should not be able to own a firearm. I am pro-carry and believe Americans should be able to protect themselves with a firearm.
In most school shootings, the attacker has been diagnosed with a mental illness, and has either purchased the gun illegally or obtained it from a parent or family member. A factor that would greatly reduce gun related deaths would be if gun owners would keep better track of their firearms, and make sure that their family is educated on firearms. Education is key, and if people knew what power a firearm has, and how quickly a life can be taken with one, gun related deaths would decrease dramatically.
States with the highest gun control include Illinois, but Chicago also has one of the highest reported cases of gun related deaths. More gun control means a rise in gun related deaths and crimes. If a civilian can’t own a weapon, then a criminal who illegally purchases a gun will have an overall advantage. Police are a reactionary force and cannot prevent gun related crimes, while an individual with a gun can prevent a crime without firing a shot. Just pointing a gun at someone will most likely cause them to stop.
At the end of the day, you will never be able to prevent crazy people from committing crimes. Some people in this world just want to hurt or kill others, and a law abiding citizen should be able to protect him or her self.