Introduction
If we can think about one of the most controversial topics that has been mentioned over and over again in the media and in regular discussions, gun control would probably be at the top of the list. There is a huge debate about whether guns should be taken away, which also takes away our right to bear arms, or if everyone should be able to own a gun as they please. However, shedding light to all of the horrific tragedies that have occurred within the past few months and years, more and more citizens are leaning more towards stricter gun laws. This essay will be about the difficulties and debates about gun control and what President Obama has ordered as a way to reduce the risks of another shooting occurring.
The public and government officials are very conflicted about what to do about the constant mass shootings that have been occurring in the United States. There have been seventy-eight mass shootings between 1983 and 2012 (Lemieux, 2014). The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was probably the straw that broke the camel's back for a lot of people who are adamant about stricter gun control. Having to control guns and limit gun ownership is a topic that is a very controversial topic because of a historical and political background (Lemieux, 2014). The only two countries in the world that give their citizens a guaranteed right to bear arms is the United States and Mexico, unlike other countries who make it a privilege and require much more than just citizenship. Politically, lawmakers in the United States touch base on the topic of gun control with cause because of the major difference in the opinions of the voters. (Lemieux, 2014). Studies have shown that gun control laws serve as a great deterrent for suicidal males and laws that forbid high risk individuals from owning guns are also a great deterrent (Lemieux, 2014).
Gun Control
Obama seems to have been trying to play fair with the entire gun control debate. He has mentioned a plan to decrease of Internet gun sales. He says that those who want to sell guns online must have a license and get a background check, which might be effective (Farley, 2016). Obviously, those who do not follow those rules will face the necessary consequences. Obama has also announced that the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) will conduct investigations in search of anyone who is illegally selling guns and firearms (Farley, 2016). Obamas orders and request are bid conflicted with those who have been selling firearms under their own terms. Jeb Bush mentioned that Obama's plan would be a burden to those who sell firearms privately and they would not be required to abide by the laws (Farley, 2016). Obama's gun control orders are surely developing and hopefully, lawmakers can come to a conclusion that the public will agree with.
Conclusion
Gun control will always be a topic that is difficult to talk about because a lot of Americans own guns to protect themselves and because of the rise in shootings across the states their rights are being taken away. While the distribution of guns is something that needs to be controlled effectively, lawmakers need to take action quickly because while the year just started, there have already been a couple of shootings, unfortunately. It is firmly believed that gun control is something that will be always talked about due to conflict of interests, beliefs, and opinions.
References
Lemieux, F. (2014). Effect of gun culture and firearm laws on gun violence and mass shootings
in the united states: a multi-level quantitative analysis. International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, 9(1), 74-93.
Farley, R. (2016). Sorting Out Obama’s Gun Proposal. Fact Check. Retrieved from
http://www.factcheck.org/2016/01/sorting-out-obamas-gun-proposal/
