Link: http://thedailybanter.com/2013/05/an-argument-for-repealing-or-clarifying-the-second-amendment/
Date: 5/6/13
Summary: The main arguments for the NRA and gun owners in support of gun ownership can be defeated with reasonable logic. A main argument is that they are needed to protect from a tyrannical government. Although this made sense in 1790, it doesn't make sense today. If the government wanted to kill you, you could. They have better guns and trained professionals behind the guns. The argument that they could be used for protection can be disproved by the fact that “For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home.” The danger of having a gun in your house is not worth the rare scenario in which it which it would be necessary. The argument that it provides you liberty doesn't make sense. The freedom to buy certain products are not protected, and many other products aren't allowed to be purchased already.
Questions: Should people be allowed to own guns? If so, what limits should be placed on them to keep people safe? Why?
Questions: Should people be allowed to own guns? If so, what limits should be placed on them to keep people safe? Why?
I don't think it is a question if people should be allowed to own guns, I think the better question is "do people really need guns? Is it essential?". I agree with the article, maybe when the Constitution was written having guns was necessary for protection, but in today's society, the answer is readily "no". I think we can all agree that the 2nd Amendment is here to stay as long as there is a gun culture and a powerful NRA breathing down our backs. But if it were possible, i think stricter restrictions on gun sales and more extensive background checks should be implemented. These tests would gauge how much the potential customer really needs a gun. If guns were sold more on a need basis, maybe there would be less violence. I acknowledge that restricting gun sales will not stop violence, people can find other ways to hurt other. However I think that pulling a trigger is easier than actually stabbing someone, so maybe people will be more hesitant before resorting to violence.
ReplyDeleteGood stats, be careful about copying & pasting, the formatting makes that section highlighted.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Kelly said regarding whether or not people really need guns. Maybe at a time it was necessary to own guns and maybe there will be a time in the future where it will be necessary, however, as of today it has done nothing but cause harm to our society. There should be no reason why people have guns in their homes for no particular reason. Like it said in the article “For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home", proving that this idea of safety is nothing more than a myth. In order to keep our community safe, there should be laws restricting the amount of guns distributed and who can have access to them. Any person who is interested in buying a gun should have a background check so that people who have a criminal background will not be given guns. Also, making tests to test their knowledge and education. Although this could seem discriminatory it is not because owning a gun is owning a weapon. Giving a weapon to an incompetent person will only lead to tragedies. There should be other tests and restrictions in order to avoid allowing the wrong people to get a hold of guns.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Kelly and Ilana. I believe, as well, that the necessity for guns have greatly decreased. The 2nd amendment was created in the first place so the people would not have to worry about the government disbanding the militia. That, however, is no longer the case. But just because we don't need guns anymore, does not mean people won't want them anymore. I believe most people are very pro-gun because they believe it is their right; just as it is their right to speak freely. As written in the Bill of Rights, people believe it is their given right to have a gun and should not be limited. This, however, is not the case. Gun rights need to be limited so as to eventually end the notion of owning guns as a "god given right."
ReplyDeleteWhen the 2nd Amendment was written, it was during a time when guns were essential to the majority of the people. Many felt the justified need to own guns and be protected as it was not uncommon that everyone owned the weapon for defensive purposes. In today's society, a gun being essential is no longer true, however there are the few people in which the situation is different. For instance people that hunt, both for game and survival, a gun is necessary. So in that sense, limiting guns would seem illogical as it would harm their rights to bear arms. However the rebuttal statement of harm caused by guns can be used as well, stating that many guns are owned in places when it is merely a sign to threaten those around them and strike fear into others (such as gangs). But limiting guns is not the way to go, as it is shown numerous times that once things become limited or illegal, the people that really need it can no longer get it, and all the others who own guns when not essential find loop holes and illegal methods to still obtain such items. I do not have an answer as to how to solve the issue, but one thing is for sure. Limitation is not going to fix, solve, or improve the situation, it can only lead to more harm.
ReplyDeleteWhen the 2nd Amendment was written, it was during a time when guns were essential to the majority of the people. Many felt the justified need to own guns and be protected as it was not uncommon that everyone owned the weapon for defensive purposes. In today's society, a gun being essential is no longer true, however there are the few people in which the situation is different. For instance people that hunt, both for game and survival, a gun is necessary. So in that sense, limiting guns would seem illogical as it would harm their rights to bear arms. However the rebuttal statement of harm caused by guns can be used as well, stating that many guns are owned in places when it is merely a sign to threaten those around them and strike fear into others (such as gangs). But limiting guns is not the way to go, as it is shown numerous times that once things become limited or illegal, the people that really need it can no longer get it, and all the others who own guns when not essential find loop holes and illegal methods to still obtain such items. I do not have an answer as to how to solve the issue, but one thing is for sure. Limitation is not going to fix, solve, or improve the situation, it can only lead to more harm.
ReplyDeleteThe United states needs to fix this amendment and repeal the amendment. There is no need for Americans to have a dangerous weapon in the household considering that the numbers don't lie, and support the idea that guns are more harmful and dangerous than helpful. In fact, I believe that guns should be banned to prevent the numbers from rising any higher then they are right now.
ReplyDeletePeople should be allowed to own guns for certain purposes. Obviously people in law enforcement should be able to have them, and people who live in isolated areas such as farms, where they use their guns for hunting and maintaining their property. There just isn't really a need for guns in our society, and even though it is an amendment, times have significantly changed and we have to realize that and make restrictions that keep our citizens safe. Limits should include, how many guns a person may own, how many rounds of ammo they should be able to purchase, and people who own guns should get tested regularly for conditions that would compromise their health and make them a threat if they owned a gun. Guns aren't safe and I feel as though most people who own them aren't even properly trained to use them. Americans need to realize that everyone around them could be carrying a gun, and in all honesty is there really a need for them?
ReplyDeleteI think Americans should definitely be allowed to own guns. Unfortunately, it is true that guns are involved in many violent crimes, however not all gun owners are criminals who intend to use their guns for illegal purposes. In addition, with the power of the NRA, having the 2nd Amendment repealed would be impossible. Not to mention, the American public would probably start rioting if they were not allowed to buy guys. Repealing the 2nd amendment honestly wouldn't solve much of the crime problem anyways, because criminals will obtain their guns illegally either way. Because of this, I believe the proper action to undertake would be to address the underground firearms market, and try to be more strict in terms of illegally acquired guns.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Weilin, Ilana, and Kelly. Times have significantly changed and we come to reach an age in our society when hand guns or personal guns among civilians are just not necessary anymore. I, along with some of the others who have commented, believe that we really need to revise what the second amendment is saying in order to fit the lifestyle our society today and not a lifestyle from a 200 years ago. With this revision in mind, I think new parameters need to be drawn discussing who should be allowed to own a gun, instead of it being a low-key free for all, and anyone can have one. In this respect, this "gun control" would not be called a limitation of rights to me because as we keep seeing in the news, people with guns are providing more harm than peace, something we do not need .
ReplyDeleteI believe guns shouldn't be available to civilians. Countries around the world, including England, have banned guns and have experienced much less mass murders. It would be a lot harder to kill people if potential murderers only had access to knives. Guns are good for hunting and may be a part of American culture, but the confederate flag and slavery was a part of American culture too. Not all traditions of our past should be kept. We should ban guns in order to promote a safer country. However, we should be sure to give gun possession higher charges in order to dissuade arms smuggling. It would just make getting guns harder if we simply repealed. We need to make sure that it does't seem worth the consequence in order to properly secure safety.
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd Amendment debate has been going on for many years. What cannot be debated is the fact that citizens have the right to own guns. However, that doesn't mean it should be unlimited. There should be more background checks for purchasing guns, for one. Another is that all guns should be kept in a safe location, so that others cannot get their hands on them. It might also be a good idea to penalize gun owners if they are negligent in proper gun safety. If they want own a firearm, then they should also be prepared to adhere to the responsibilities of owning one.
ReplyDeleteI think that people should not be able to purchase guns. I believe that if civilians didn't have the opportunity to come in contact with guns, that there would be less violence or even the thought to use it in a harmful way. There was a time that guns were necessary for people to own but now that time has passed and it is more of a danger than a protection to have a gun. Anyone who wants to purchase a gun needs to have a background check and be aware of gun safety. Although I think that the 2nd amendment is important, i also think that banning guns with make more people feel safe and possibly create less violence in our country,
ReplyDeletethis is Alexandra Oechsle
DeleteIt has been long debated that the second amendment needs to be revised as it seems outdated and it's freedoms have caused many casualties and deaths in the US. As I do agree with this premise, I think that the government should make owning a gun a much more difficult process than it has been in the past. It is vital to put civilian safety above the American Culture that entitles people owning guns. Background checks must be more thorough as well as a mental health background check. Many shootings, especially at schools and local places have been due to the unstable mentality of people possessing guns and with mental check backgrounds, many of these tragic events can hopefully be prevented.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that people should have the right to own guns, yet their needs to be extensive limitations on who should own a gun. There should be a thorough background check of the possible owner and if there are any type of red flag or noticeable wrongdoings they should not be allowed to own a gun. There should also be a limitation on how many bullets each person, outside of military forces, can buy/own. If there is a situation where a citizen obtains more than they are allotted it should be a federal offense. With these limitations there is a possibility that the gun problems would go down.
ReplyDeleteI believe that people should own guns and even if we tried to stop people from owning them, it would never happen due to the fact it is the second amendment. I believe there should be major restrictions for guns, like if you have something on your record, you automatically can't get one and you should have to get a doctors note in order to purchase one. All in all, guns are meant to kill things and nothing else but I'm not gonna stop someone from getting one as long as they are mentally stable enough to have one.
ReplyDeletePeople should be able to own guns but under very strict limitations. They need to have a background check and should also be for very specific people who have had no affiliation with crimes. It helps keep the community safe so they can have self defense; however, I can cause caos if used incorrectly. Guns are killers and should only be allowed for certain uses.
ReplyDeletePeople should be able to own guns but under very strict limitations. They need to have a background check and should also be for very specific people who have had no affiliation with crimes. It helps keep the community safe so they can have self defense; however, I can cause caos if used incorrectly. Guns are killers and should only be allowed for certain uses.
ReplyDeleteI believe that people should have the right to own guns, but the government should enact stricter guidlines and more thorough background checks for those who wish to own a gun. In the end, it is not funs who kill people, it is people who kill people; guns are only the tools used to carry out the action. People should also be restricted to the number of guns they can own, as the main reason to own a gun is to provide protection. When the 2nd amendment was passed, the right to bear arms was not clear as to who it applied to. The government today has been lenient enough to interpret it as a right that applies to civilians as well, so the government should also take responsibility in carrying out stricter guildelines.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I believe that Americans should have the right to owning a gun, I think they should be limited to the types of guns normal citizens can own. I don't believe one needs a full out automatic or semi-automatic gun for protection. I also believe that to be able to own a gun there needs to be stricter background checks to make sure guns don't end up in the wrong hands. Since there have been many shootings in schools and movie theaters recently due to guns getting in the hands of mentally ill.
ReplyDeleteThe second ammendment should not be repealed. Guns have been a part of our constitution. People should feel safe and be able to protect themselves in their homes. Background checks are required to purchase guns and most crimes done with guns are used with illegal obtainment of guns. Those who are law abiding citizens should not be punished for the foolishness of others. Keeping a gun for safety should not be limited. People do not realize that even if they do not care about having a gun, the government is limiting our rights more and more for it's benefit, not citizen's benefit. This relates to those who oppose Edward Snowden. People say they have nothing to hide so who cares if they have their right to privacy or not. The same goes for the 2nd amendment. Although you may not believe you need it, if a time comes when you do, you will not be safe because you have allowed the government to limit your rights beforehand.
ReplyDeleteThe second ammendment should not be repealed. Guns have been a part of our constitution. People should feel safe and be able to protect themselves in their homes. Background checks are required to purchase guns and most crimes done with guns are used with illegal obtainment of guns. Those who are law abiding citizens should not be punished for the foolishness of others. Keeping a gun for safety should not be limited. People do not realize that even if they do not care about having a gun, the government is limiting our rights more and more for it's benefit, not citizen's benefit. This relates to those who oppose Edward Snowden. People say they have nothing to hide so who cares if they have their right to privacy or not. The same goes for the 2nd amendment. Although you may not believe you need it, if a time comes when you do, you will not be safe because you have allowed the government to limit your rights beforehand.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Haley, access to firearms is an essential personal right in this country. No person nor body can abridge the second amendment. However, this is within reason. That means that prior background checks should be mandatory, and special considerations should be taken having firearms in the same household as mentally ill individuals. In addition, I believe that a series of unnecessary laws have been carried out recently in some states, such as several Concealed Carry Laws, Mandatory Firearm Ordinances, and the expiration of the Assault Weapons Ban. After all, why would any normal person need to keep a gun hidden in their pocket while shopping at Walmart, be forced to keep a firearm in their house as mandated by the county, or be in possession of an assault weapon outside of the military? The NRA and many gun rights activists have gone way too far in stretching the meaning of the second amendment. It is time to be reasonable and simply retain the right to have a firearm in your house and use it for regular purposes while safeguarding the safety of others by being a responsible gun owner.
ReplyDeleteYes, people should be able to individually own handguns. There should be regulations regarding where u can buy guns and who guns are sold to. Big cities should not be allowed to have guns because of the insane congestion and because of how many people there are. I feel that in a suburb u should be allowed to have guns, however with a population over 10,000 you should not.
ReplyDelete