Keeping guns at home for self defense should be legalized. However, with the possibility of uneducated individuals getting access to guns, the positive aspect of this undertaking is lost. In this case, the gun owner alters negatively the security assurance of the people they are in contact with; the uneducated gun owner turns into a real insecurity. Generally, the household of the uneducated gun owner is at high risk of getting harmed by the same gun.
What would happen if an intruder laid hands on the gun of the beholder? It is true that lack of supremacy over the gun or general carelessness could make the intruder gain access to the firearm. In case of such a situation, the person is likely to use the same firearm to hurt the given household. Legal ownership of guns by law abiding citizens inevitably becomes the cause of many tragic and unnecessary deaths. Legally held guns end up being possessed by criminals, who would have greater difficulty in getting weapons if they were less prevalent.
In some instances, the availability of guns to the younger citizens may be dangerous. Children and teenagers may get their hands on their families’ weapons and cause harm, knowingly or unknowingly. This is because legalization will make it easier for many people to access guns. Further, general and normal societal misunderstandings and quarrels would be fatal if guns were involved. Numerous shootings and deaths take place in domestic fights or in arguments involving drunkards in bars (Cochran 205, para 1). If drunken individuals were to go out and look for guns for revenge, considering that it is currently illegal, chances are that they would be exhausted and probably sober before getting the guns.
However, the pros of owning a gun are also numerous and weighty. Many individuals have the right and obligation of protecting their families in their own homes. The level of rising crime in the recent times calls for various individuals to be on the look out. With the thought or knowledge that there are firearms in the homes of would be victims, the attackers would have to think twice before taking certain actions. Research has it that the rate of crime in some jurisdiction in the United States where ordinary citizens are allowed to own guns is lower by up to 13% in comparison to other areas (Matsuo 16, para 3). Therefore, in cases of intrusion in homes, especially those located far away from the base of law enforcement officers, the respective individuals can protect themselves adequately before the arrival of the policemen (Lott 3, para 2).
Shooting is an important sport enjoyed by many individuals. Sportsmen have the right to pursue and fully enjoy their preferred leisure activity. Spending on guns and other related equipment in the games generates revenue for the government. Therefore, legalizing of firearms is a positive undertaking.
Evidently, a country is in a better position in terms of defense if most of its citizens are proficient with guns. In some countries, it is a provision by the law that adults maintain firearms and periodically train in their respective use. Evidently, widespread ownership of firearms is also a safeguard against external and domestic tyranny.
Owning a gun is therefore a very important aspect. The fact remains that it is not guns that kill people, but rather it is people who kill. Therefore, the blame should not be directed to guns. There are many weapons such as knives that are usually used to kill. Therefore, legalizing gun ownership in homes will go a long way in ensuring a safer milieu for every citizen.
WORKS CITED
Lott, J. More Guns less Crime. Illinois: University of Chicago Press, 2010. Print
Matsuo, Fumio. Democracy Gun. New York: ReadHow You Want, 2010. Print.
Cochran, Clarke. American Public Policy. New York: Wadsworth Publishing, 2011. Print.
