Here's Why Gun Control Doesn't Make Sense Right Now
Arguments against gun control are quite varied. In the United States, the issue of regulating weapons is hardly as black or white as the extremes of the political spectrum would have us believe. Like all major social issues, there are a number of variables in the gun control debate. Some people take a stand on ethical or ideological grounds; others (generally in the firearms industry) stand on grounds of profit. Most elected officials are in it to pander for the political points, and the majority of their supporters seem quite happy to decide now and get informed later.
Both sides have their extremists and more moderate supporters. Why are people against gun control? Every argument has two sides, and this list of pro gun facts is one of them.
Click here for the other side of the debate.
- 12,018 VOTES
A Person Bent On Committing A Shooting Doesn't Care About "Gun-Free Zones"
While it is true that gun-free zones can keep law-abiding citizens from overreacting and turning simple altercations into lethal shootouts, a person bent on committing a mass shooting can be counted on to seek out soft targets – i.e., places where guns aren't allowed. For that reason, gun control in the form of gun-free zones can facilitate gun violence by leaving law-abiding citizens exposed.
- 21,855 VOTES
Self-Defense Is A Basic Right
Whether you want to see it as a "God-given right" or simply the prerogative of every living creature, the right to defend oneself and one's household is as inalienable as rights come; it's what the Second Amendment to the Constitution was created to protect. Adequate self-defense means ownership of the means that may be used against you, and US law confirms this.
- 31,641 VOTES
The Bad Guys Already Have Guns
In 2015, the US reached a point where there were more guns in the country than people. Statistics on ownership of these guns are unreliable and mostly unavailable, so it's impossible to know how many of these guns are legally owned and how many are illegally possessed. If a person intent on doing harm wants to get a gun, they either have one already, or can easily get one.
- 41,566 VOTES
Gun Ownership Is Protected By The Constitution
The right to private gun ownership is enshrined in the Second Amendment to the Constitution, and it has been since the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791. Interpretations of the Amendment have varied over time, with little attention paid to it at the state level until well into the 20th century.
- 51,423 VOTES
Gun Bans Haven't Stopped Other Kinds Of Assaults From Occurring Elsewhere
No nation is free of murder and assault. Granted, guns do make the job easier, but in places like the UK, knives and blunt objects are still regularly used for acts of assault. It is true that victims of assault are more likely to survive, but the raw rate of assaults in gun-banning nations isn't much lower than it is in America.
- 61,193 VOTES
Murder Rates Have Been Falling, Even With More Guns In Circulation
Murder rates have been dropping steadily since they peaked in 1994. In fact, over the last 20 years, the murder rate has dropped by half – while the number of guns in circulation has increased.
Statisticians believe the drop in murders is attributable to a number of factors.