Gun Control

An Assessment of America's

Need for Gun Control

Derek C. Watson

ENG 122

Dwight Paulsen

June 29, 2009

Abstract

There are many differing opinions about America's need for more and better laws surrounding the issue of gun control. Extensive statistical research has been conducted my both sides of this argument. This essay will support the argument that there is no need for more laws or the banning of firearms by showing readers the rights that Americans are entitled to and by showing supporting evidence of the good that personal firearms can do when in the hands of law abiding citizens.

Gun Control is a controversial issue in today's society. One side of this issue is that firearms should be banned. I think because most of them realize that a complete ban of firearms in the US is an unrealistic goal, this side is in favor of more strict laws surrounding gun control. The other side of this issue is the one I will be arguing. My opinion is that firearms are controlled well enough, we do not need any new laws in the US that concern gun control.

I believe that every citizen of America should own and carry a firearm to protect themselves. Drug dealers and criminals are going to have guns, they always will weather they or not they are banned or restricted. If guns are banned, how many criminals do you think will turn their guns in? If we ban any or all firearms, the people who do not follow the rules and laws now, criminals, will not magically start following the rules.

“The bulk of the problem behind gun violence, whether gun homicides or gun violence in general, lies with repeat offender criminals: In state correctional facilities, fully 90% of felons convicted for weapons offenses had prior convictions. 44% of felons convicted for weapons offenses had prior convictions for violent crimes. In federal correctional facilities 75% of felons convicted for weapons offenses had prior convictions. 26% of felons convicted for weapons offenses had...