Introduction
There has been a universal assertion that the more guns held by citizens in a country, the more the crime rate in that country. Since the United States of America has the highest number of guns based on international evidence and comparison, it is presumed that, the States has the highest number of crime and murder related to guns (Kopel, 1995). This is in fact false because, in the 1960s Russia had strict laws on gun possession whereas the USA was ridden with guns. However, in 1960 and 70s the murder rate in Russia was thrice as high as that of America. This comparison drives me to the support of my position that, gun law should allow citizens to own guns as the number of guns does not increase crime or murder but in fact reduce the same.
N the united state, the gun control debate has taken two approaches. One supported by the criminologists who want to know whether the gun law would reduce gun crime and other misuse or it will deprive people a better means of self-defense. The other approach by legal scholars studies how the law confiscates or restricts arms possession. In this paper however, I am going to look at how the gun law will reduces murder and crime.
It is reported that more than 31, 000 people die from gunshot wound in the USA annually. In 2010, there were estimated 337, 960 non-fatal gun crimes and 73,505 people treated with minor gunshot wounds. In this case, it is important to define who is allowed to own a gun and the restriction that would enhance national safety (Kopel, 1995. The gun control law’s main objectives are; define condition of who should own a gun, implement regulations that prohibit the defined persons from owning a gun and restrict the carrying of concealed guns outside homes and to regulate the firearm design for personal and public safety.
The federal law prohibits the possession of firearms by the following groups, felons, fugitives, mentally ill, substance addicts, ex-military, illegal aliens and those under the age of 21 years among other categories. The justification of prohibiting these groups from gun possession lies in the data indicating their involvement in violence. However, the law allows youths of 18 to 20 years to own shotguns though there are high rates of homicides committed by these youths.
What makes Americans so attached to their guns? This can be based on the two cherished values of individualism and equality. To American, guns effectuate and symbolize individualism and self-reliance. The equality version of America is not on wealth distribution but individual equality. From time in memorial, American are known to be hunters, guns were used for this purpose, however, in the modern days, few people rely on hunting for food, the attachment for guns is now linked to sports.
Regulating the gun design can save lives. This will be to regulate the ammunition capacity in relation to preventing mass shooting (Kopel, 1995. Large capacity magazines should be prohibited for personal use since they promote mass killing without stoppage to reload. The law should address the specific type of firearms to be possessed by the citizens.
There are various states that have enacted laws that permit the possession of firearms. A quick glance at gun ownership in the USA shows that by March 1st 2013 there were about 270 million firearms possessed by civilians and 897,000 by police. These arms are mainly meant for self-defense.
In the USA the debate on the possession of guns has been of great concern. Some people are against it while others are supporting it. I do support and agree for people to be allowed to possess guns. In referring to the Kentucky state laws on purchase, possession and carrying of firearms with ammunition, the law clearly states that only residents of the Kentucky common wealth are allowed to possess or purchase rifles, handguns, and any other firearm acquired under federal law and the Kentucky Revised Statutes from authorized dealers. The law further states that it’s lawful to carry a handgun in open. Family members can as well carry the riffle with the permission of the owner. Furthermore a business owner is allowed to carry a gun leased by the business (Webster, 2012). The wide spread possession of fire arms leads to reduced rate of crimes by preventing criminals from approaching everyone as this implies you are also protected with a gun, research have shown that for instance Denmark has almost half the gun ownership in rate compared to that of Norway but its murder rate is 50% higher .The study further confirms that Russia has one-ninth of Norway’s gun ownership but the murder is 2500% higher. Viewing at the table in the document attached, it clearly shows that nations with very high gun ownership rates produce a corresponding decrease in the murder rates. In addition to that, there is clear evidence that in most of the countries that are allowed to own a gun has helped reduce murder cases and any other form of violent crimes.
Even though I do support the fact that more guns equals to few crimes committed, yes there is a drop in crime committed though it is eight times higher than Norway’s which is close to 300% higher rate of gun possession crime rate in the United States .
In conclusion, I do support the gun possession as evidently observed from the past observations and countries practicing it. It is the only safe way to reduce crimes and therefore producing a society free from crimes and social integration will be enhanced. In addition to that, an effective gun control strategy should be enforced to avoid the provision of guns to people of unsound mind and people who are considered as children, also old people should be restricted from using the gun, With that consideration in mind, the society will get the best of it hence a society free from crimes.
References
Webster, D. W. (2012). The case for gun policy reforms in America. John Hopkins Bloomberg school of public health. Retrieved from http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-gun-policy-and-research/publications/WhitePaper102512_CGPR.pdf
Kopel, D. B. (1995). The ideology of gun ownership and gun control in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.constitution.org/2ll/2ndschol/60dk-i.pdf
