Gun Control

     The recent escalation in gun control laws in California and around the United States due to the increase in mass shootings and firearm related incidents are not the way to reduce gun violence. Just like drugs, the war on guns in the United States is a high focal point in our society and among our politics. Anti-NRA and gun activist groups constantly slam the NRA and other groups over many ridiculous and untrue allegations. The problem is not those licensed and trained gun owners. It is the irresponsible and inexperienced individuals that cause a threat to society when they have these weapons in their hands.
     I care about gun rights and control of firearms as well as the prevention of the misuse of them across the United states and this world. Californians have also seen the highest increase among gun laws nationally. There is no coincidence in this either, being a Democratic state and all. The increase in gun laws is not the answer because the reality of it is that gun ownership is protected by the constitution, woven into the fabric of our country and is not going away. With proper training comes proper care and usage of whatever it is. Guns are no different. When you put a weapon with the capacity to kill an entire classroom of students into the hands of an untrained individual, not much good is bound to come of it. The Country and the constitution were founded on the right to bear arms. It is what led to the American Revolution and the founding of our country.     
     If the United States government can completely alter the constitutions 2nd amendment, like it's aiming at, what's to stop them from going for the rest of our constitution? We are giving our governments too much control in their abilities to regulate and oversee our lives. Personal defence is essential in many instances and often times saves lives. If we took the ability away for civilians to arm themselves, many more regulations would follow shortly and with increasing control over us. Firearms are an essential method of defense and many people would be put in harm's way without an authoritative figure that has the ability and knowledge of how to wield one properly. Gun safety classes and proper evaluations should be done for those wishing to own or carry a firearm.
     Many people wonder how gun control wouldn't help, seeing that many areas across the United States are having an all time high in gun violence rates. They argue that guns are meant to kill people, it's obvious they are a problem in the United States. However, they are often times uninformed and mistaken about what they are going around saying. Those that commit gun violence are most often times always inexperienced and untrained with the weapon they are handling. Extensive background checks and also psychological tests should be done before the purchase of a firearm is allowed. It is already much more difficult for a normal person to be able to exercise their 2nd amendment. No matter the regulation or laws the government implements to regulate firearms, like any other outlawed commodity, there will always be those that find ways to get them and make them available to others.

Contributing Writer: Gabriel Lindsey