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People visit a makeshift memorial near the Emanuel AME Church June 18, 2015 in Charleston, S.C., after a gunman killed nine people at a prayer meeting in one of the nation’s oldest black churches in Charleston. (Tribune photo)
By Ellen O’Brien, Glenbard West
and Amy Tan, Whitney Young
Turn on the news or log onto social media—stories of gun violence are everywhere. More than ever before, we hear devastating reports of mass shootings in schools, movie theaters and churches. In each case, innocent people were killed, which has created waves of public outcry for stricter gun control laws. The debate over gun control has oscillated between two opposing sides, supported by both politicians and public figures. Although the issue is time-sensitive, the controversial nature of the debate continues to stall new legislation from the capital.
Legislation
For hundreds of years, Americans’ right to bear arms has been ensured by the Second Amendment of the Constitution. However, this law has been the subject of recent controversy. Today, 44 states have clauses in their constitutions that protect citizens’ rights to bear arms so long as they abide by the law and get a permit. Frequent gun violence across the nation has caused U.S. president Barack Obama to make efforts to tighten gun control. He plans to strengthen background checks for gun sales, as well as eliminate loopholes in gun trafficking laws to prevent further danger.
Arguments for stricter gun control
For many Americans, stricter gun control laws pose the only practical solution to gun violence. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the level of access to guns directly correlates with the amount of homicides. Citizens who can easily purchase guns are more likely to kill than those who don’t have access to them. In many cases of mass shootings, the guns used by the killers were legally obtained. The American Journal of Medicine reports that the U.S. has the highest rate of gun deaths, at more than 40 times higher than the United Kingdom, where civilians’ access to guns is heavily restricted. By restricting access, there’s a lower likelihood that killers would be able to get their hands on deadly assault rifles. New laws would enforce more thorough background checks and longer registration processes at gun stores.
Arguments against stricter control
Americans treasure their freedom, especially the right to bear arms listed in the Second Amendment. Those against stricter gun control laws argue they would infringe upon citizens’ basic rights. What’s more, some fear overriding the Second Amendment opens the door for the government to restrict other rights, such as the freedom of speech or press. The Second Amendment allows civilians to protect themselves from militia and terrorist attacks, both domestic and foreign. As the National Rifle Association executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre said, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” This law allowing citizens to own guns is valuable to Americans, as it symbolizes the protection and freedom the U.S. was built on.
Why should I care?
Recently, more and more gun shootings have happened in school settings. While few of us have the legislative power to alter gun control laws, high schoolers still have a crucial role to play in preventing these homicides. As peers, students can offer emotional support to those around them. Offering a friendly smile or caring to ask about their day can lift someone out of loneliness. According to a study done by Jack Levin, a professor of sociology and criminology at Northeastern University, social seclusion and lack of emotional support are common factors among killers. At the first notice of depression or violent inclinations, students should contact a trusted adult, whether that’s a teacher, counselor or parent. Taking these preventative measures may save numerous lives in the future.
What’s next?
There’s a lot to consider with the issue of gun control, which begs the question of what the future holds for the country. Much of the future lies in the hands of whoever the next president may be. In light of the mass shooting in Charleston, S.C., Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton expressed the importance of intensifying gun control laws. On the other hand, Republican candidate Donald Trump is against extensive gun control, stating he believes it contradicts the Bill of Rights. While it’s still unclear which argument will win out, it’s crucial that something be done to protect the nation from the continuous threat of gun violence.
Timeline of major shootings in the U.S.
April 20, 1999: Columbine High School massacre – 15 killed (including two gunmen)
April 16, 2007: Virginia Tech shooting – 33 killed (including gunman)
July 20, 2012: “The Dark Knight Rises” screening shooting – 12 killed
December 14, 2012: Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting – 28 killed (including gunman)
May 23, 2014: Isla Vista shootings – seven killed (including gunman)
June 17: Charleston church shooting – nine killed
July 16: Chattanooga military facilities shooting – five killed
July 23: “Trainwreck” screening shooting – three killed (including gunman)
August 26: Virginia reporter and cameraman shooting – three killed (including gunman)
Quotes
“My biggest frustration so far is the fact that this society has not been willing to take some basic steps to keep guns out of the hands of people who can do just unbelievable damage. We’re the only developed country on Earth where this happens.”
-U.S. president Barack Obama
“Placing a heavier burden on responsible gun owners will do little to prevent troubled individuals from carrying out violent acts. The Second Amendment is very clear and so is my commitment to protecting the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms.”
-Former U.S. senator Mike Johanns
“We’ve got to rein in what has become almost an article of faith that anybody can have a gun anywhere anytime.”
-Former U.S. secretary of state and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton
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