- Introduction
Gun control is one of the major problems in the society especially in the united states. There has been a number of cases that involves the shooting of individuals in the united states. The homicide rates in the United States are higher compared to any other country in the world. Some of the worst shootings have occurred recently such the Sandy Hook Elementary School where 26 children were killed.
- Chicago underground gun market
Chicago has higher rates of underground market because the place is filled with people who are of poor background or are in the middle class. There are a number of many gangs who compete with each other thus leading to violence.
- Ways of acquiring guns
There are various ways of getting guns such as stealing from those who acquired legally. There are those gun sellers who change and become criminals therefore, they will make it easy for people to get guns easily.
- Consequences of gun control
Increase in suicide rates
It will lead to mass murder
- Conclusion
- Reference
GUN CONTROL
Introduction
There should be laws enacted to control guns that are sold to the people in the society. The place where people get their guns, especially in areas where it has banned the use of guns is in the underground gun markets or the black markets where everything ranging from guns to drugs is sold. There should be strict rules and police officers should investigate thoroughly on the areas where there is a market for guns. This means they should go undercover as thugs who are willing to sell the guns. This will ensure them to get the masterminds in this business. There are many effects of having guns in the houses such as suicide or accidental shooting especially children. The matter of gun control has been a key debate in many countries particularly the USA. This is because the number of cases of violence has increased in areas such as schools, malls or universities and start shooting one another.
A good example of the recent case of violence is Connecticut school shooting, and Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting where 20 little children and 6 teachers were killed (Philip et al, 2013). There are a number of children who have shot themselves dead when they are bullied in schools and there are famous celebrities who have also committed suicide by using guns. According to the statistics, the US has the highest rate of violence compared to any other country. It is estimated that 70 percent of people who are killed is due to gun related. The cost of violence in America is estimated to be over $100 billion annually.
In America, one of the areas that are well identified by the police department to have an underground gun market is Chicago. According to economists, the government is able to prohibit gun control but they are unable to make rules that will make it possible for people who are caught dealing guns be punished heavily. According to James Jacobs who is a professor at the New York university stated that according to the criminal's point of view it is easier to have or buy guns Chicago that it is in buying food.
The gun markets regulations
Gun regulations apply to all involved such as sellers and buyers of the guns. The first act that was enacted to ensure that every person who wanted to sell guns must have the Federal Firearms License. In 1994, all the FFLs were supposed to be checked by the federal Brady so that it can ensure the guns are not sold to individuals that are eligible (Philip et al, 2013). The private owners who are not engaged in the sales of guns are not required to get the license but they are fair warned not to give anyone who is not required by law to be given firearms. According to the act the states have been given the power to add more restrictions if they wish. The main aims of this are to ensure that the government is able to keep track of gun markets.
It is a fact that most criminals do not acquire their guns from the dealers who are licensed. Many people have acquired guns legally but are not well stored therefore, when there is burglary the guns are stolen. It has been estimated that over 200,000 guns are stolen from people who bought them legally (Philip et al, 2013). This is where the underground markets are able to acquire the guns. Some people will loan or lend their acquaintances their firearm if they see that they need them. Another way in which the black markets are able to get guns is when the legal owner reconsiders and decides to be a criminal.
Chicago underground gun markets
According to the research that was conducted the crime rates on the southern side of Chicago is high. This is because it is mainly populated with people from the middle class and poor class. Therefore, this will cause it to be prone of criminals thus forming the underground gun market. This area also consists of African American communities and according to the census they are still being discriminated. Statistics show that 70 percent of homicide occurs in this area compared to the whole of the Chicago region. This is because there are more gangs in this region compared to the whole of Chicago. The gangs also have competitions in which causes friction because they all want to sell their guns and gain fame in the region as the toughest and best (Philip et al, 2013).
The prices in the market are cheaper compared to the legal shops. This therefore, causes people to purchase their guns from the gang members. There are many disadvantages such as the gun could have been used in a crime, which could cause one to be arrested and convicted for crimes they did not commit. The gun prices range from $50 to $300. The estimated value of selling guns in this region is much less compared to them selling cocaine. In Chicago, it is illegal to have guns therefore; it is hard for one to get bullets (Philip et al, 2013).
Consequences of gun control
There are many consequences of gun control at home and in the community. There are many reasons that would cause someone to own firearm such as insecurity. Therefore, when one acquires the gun they should be able to store it in a place where it is not easily accessible. Many teenagers have a high risk of having suicidal tendencies and it has been observed that most suicides are done using guns. According to the statistics the suicide rate is high for people who are under 25 years. Adults who have the short guns are at risk of shooting themselves when they are depressed (Edmond et al, 2013). According to the sandy hook shooting the shooter grew knowing where the guns were kept therefore, it was easy for him to plan the shooting where he also killed the mother. It is safe for a parent who acquires a firearm to put it in a safe place where the children will not have access to it.
Conclusion
Gun control is one of the serious issues in the society that can either have advantages or disadvantages. One of the countries where gun control is out of control is the united states. This is because it has experienced a number of violence such as the Colorado shooting and the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings. This also shows that parents or owners of the guns in the household should hide their guns in areas that children will not get them. Chicago is one of the areas that are well known to have an underground gun market. There are many ways the criminals get their underground guns such as robbing people who got it legally and also when the gun seller who has a permit change and becomes criminal. People should not be allowed to have guns because its disadvantages are way worse that the advantages.
Reference
Edmond D S., michelle L. R., Kirsten L.S., & Mary B. R. (2013). Evidence based public health policy and practice: Safer storage of firearms at home and risk of suicide: A study of protective factors in a nationally representative sample. BMJ Publishing Group .
Philip J. C. Jens. L. Sudhir V. & Anthony A. B. (2013). Underground gun markets. Wiley , F588-F618.
