Gun Control

Growing up in a family that hunted and having spent 21 years of my life in the military, I can appreciate guns as a tool. On multiple occasions I can recall a shotgun providing the evening meal, and sometimes leftovers for the next day. While in the military I witnessed guns used to keep the peace and protect the innocent. By no means do I consider myself an “expert” on guns, but I do possess a working knowledge.

Regarding gun control in America? In this writer’s view control has to do with the number of hands the possessor uses when firing. We’ve heard the arguments: The 2nd Amendment guarantees a citizen’s right to own/possess firearms. Guns cause violence. A person is responsible, not the tool that is used. Cain didn’t use a gun to kill Abel. Gun control does/does not reduce violent crime. America’s violent culture is to blame. Who’s right and who is wrong? Where does it end? This writer has opinions of his own on the subject and sees merit in the other views. Am I advocating that everyone in America be allowed to own a firearm? Am I stating that anyone should be able to purchase and possess a firearm without showing so much as a form of identification? Should the law forbidding convicted felons from owning firearms be lifted? None of the above! My position is simply the ideals of our judicial system all Americans share, ‘innocent until proven guilty’ applies to gun owners as well. Citizens should be allowed to own firearms until they demonstrate they cannot responsibly do so.

The second amendment to the Constitution of the United States secures the other amendments and our way of life. As our founding father Thomas Paine stated, “The balance of power is the scale of peace.” What those who wish to completely and totally remove gun ownership from private citizens don’t realize is, once the 2nd amendment, which they don’t consider, is done away with, the powers that be will eventually get to an amendment they do care about. The difference between...