One of the heated debates in the US today revolves around gun control. Since the implementation of the gun control law, numerous questions have been raised as to whether it should prevail or not. What makes the situation more controversial is the fact that many states have embraced gun control and now need corresponding solutions to this problem point. As gun control continues to be an issue of concern, it is important to review why it is still a problem, its effect on people’s lives and the population, and finally develop and implement a solution that is suitable for opposing sides of American community and the well-being of the whole country itself.
Gun control is an issue of concern as those allowed to use guns are not only police officers, but citizens as well. The freedom for citizens to freely use guns opens room for problems and consequences that would have not been there if strict rules on allowing gun use were implemented (Lott 3). The main debate revolving around gun control is handling guns and why having them should be made legal. The real problem underlying freedom for citizens to use guns is the fear that they may mishandle and use guns recklessly. With a gun, one may be tempted to assassinate their enemies or rivals. Since the gun is a weapon designed to terminate life, allowing gun use to citizens will most likely increase death rates resulting from shoot outs between individuals. Improper use of guns will also be witnessed since the main functions of a gun are implementing law and order. The society is likely to turn the purpose a gun was designed for to make it a weapon of revenge and pleasure. Through misuse of the weapon, the society will eventually adhere to no laws and everyone will feel superior to the other. The clear cut line between the authorities and locals will be long gone as everyone has total control. It is for this reason that minimizing gun use should be done.
However, the proponents of guns believe that having guns has numerous benefits and advantages. In their view, possessing guns as citizens is nothing illegal or wrong. After all, we all need protection in this time when crimes are escalating. The increased cases of violent crimes, arson, robbery, homicide and murder can all be prevented if everyone had a gun. A good example is when thugs walk into your home loaded with guns and attack you. If you had a gun, you would be in a better position to defend your family and avoid any crimes from taking place. The rising insecurity has made people feel the need for guns as personal assets. Even walking or boarding a vehicle exposes one to the risk of being attacked. Recently, Tim and other two passengers were about to be hijacked from the cab terminus. Their luck came following Toms possession of a hand gun which he admits to never leave. Having his hand gun saved them a greatly from the criminals’ attempts to hijack them.
According to Tim, the presence of patrol police officers is a good thing but it is way below the protection that citizens need. As a result, owning a fire arm or gun is the best thing that could have ever happened in this age of increased crimes. Police officers who are entrusted with the duty of protecting citizens have failed to do so hence increasing the demand for guns. At times, the police are too late to respond to calls for help from neighbors or arrive at the crime scene when it is too late. This is where citizens feel that the state and officers have failed to be what they should be. As a result, citizens feel the need to safeguard themselves and the people around them. There is no better way of doing this than owning a gun.
On the other hand, there is a suitable solution that can be developed so as to see gun control prevail and still make citizens feel safe. While we must admit that owning guns is not the ultimate solution to ending crimes, we also must accept the dangers that come with allowing everyone to possess these weapons. The freedom that guns and firearms have brought needs to be controlled (Gold 9). There is a major concern for how extensive the use of guns has gone recently. Gun control is very crucial especially in crime feted places as one of the people who will possess the guns will be crime perpetrators. This could mean that we will be seeing an increased number of crimes yet we should be safeguarding ourselves. Another issue to consider is who handles the gun. Making it accessible to all means that even minors and people who are not sane can purchase the fire arms. Imagine the damage or massacre that would be witnessed if an insane person is given a gun. There is a high chance of damage being done if gun control is not issued.
Elsewhere, a need for police and the government to be accountable is an issue to be looked at. The insecurity that people are experiencing is a result of poor work done by police officers. They have failed to protect citizens and make their cities safe. The government needs to higher accountable police officers who will ensure that law and order are maintained at all times. Achieving this may not come easily but with effort it is possible. For instance, gun control policy in the US has not been achieved fully. Since the election campaigns of president Obama, Americans saw hope for grounds of gun control. Activists and advocates of gun control policy have great concern for gun control since news outlet reported increased gun sales in fire arms after Obama took over office. According to CNN, gun sales have doubled since President Obama took over (Scott 1). President Obama’s government took a slight step towards gun control through releasing a list of priorities for president’s official website. President Obama has managed to implement local programs which address ceasefire programs to end the dangerous cycle of youth violence and address gun control in cities.
In conclusion, the increasing crime rates make it impossible for police to intervene and establish laws for owning guns. A decrease in domestic protection will thus become impossible. Alternative options for policies include increasing security in the states and implementing laws that increase security. It is, therefore, recommended that governments and criminal justice systems work together to increase security measures and ease the problem of citizens owning guns for self-protection.
Works Cited
Lott, John R. More Guns, Less Crime: Understanding Crime and Gun Control Laws. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010. Print.
Gold, Susan D. Gun Control. New York: Benchmark Books. 2004. Print.
Scott, Damon. “Obama Outlines Gun Control policy”. Opposing views. New York Press. 2009
<http://www.opposingviews.com/i/obama-outlines-gun-control-policy>
