Written By Darshan M (Grade 12)
The complex connection between gun legislation and gun-related incidents in the United States is a topic of great debate and division. The nation’s longstanding influence on firearms, protected by the Second Amendment, has led to their widespread presence in society. Yet, the problem of gun violence, including mass shootings, homicides, and suicides, continues to spark discussions on the importance and impact of implementing stricter gun control measures.
Enshrined in the Constitution in 1791, the Second Amendment states the vital importance of a well-regulated militia for preserving a free society. It talks about the inherent right of individuals to possess and carry arms, a privilege that has been connected with American history. From the pivotal role of firearms in the founding of our nation to the rugged individualism of frontier life, the concept of self-reliance and independence has been deeply ingrained in the American consciousness through the idea of gun ownership.
The inception of federal gun legislation can be traced back to the National Firearms Act of 1934, a response to the uncontrolled criminal activities of the Prohibition era. This pivotal law imposed strict regulations on the sale and ownership of specific firearms, guaranteeing a new era of federal oversight in the business of gun control. After this landmark legislation, the Federal Firearms Act of 1938 further solidified the government’s role in regulating the distribution of firearms by requiring licensing for gun dealers and imposing restrictions on sales to certain individuals. These early laws set the stage for future measures aimed at promoting responsible firearm ownership and enhancing public safety.
Following the tragic deaths of influential leaders such as President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Gun Control Act of 1968 was enacted by Congress. This landmark legislation was designed to prevent the unlawful possession of firearms by individuals who were ineligible due to age, criminal history, or mental sanity. The GCA implemented a federal licensing regimen for gun dealers, required background screenings for buyers, and restricted firearm ownership for specific groups of individuals.
Gun violence in the United States is an urgent public health crisis, with alarming statistics: an average of 93 individuals lose their lives to gunshot wounds each day, while approximately 240 others suffer injuries from gun-related incidents. The increasing number of gun-related deaths, surpassing 33,000 in 2013 alone, underscores the severity of the issue. The various forms of gun violence, including homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings, contribute to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifying gun violence as a leading cause of death, particularly among young adults. For example, males aged 15-24 are the most affected, facing a significantly higher risk of gun-related fatalities compared to their counterparts in other “developed nations”.
The recent incident at former US President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania has disrupted the political landscape. A 20-year-old man attempted to assassinate the 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding gun control laws in America. Trump narrowly escaped harm as a bullet from a semi-automatic rifle narrowly missed him, marking the first targeted attack on a US president in decades. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the issue of gun violence in our country.
A study in 2018 said that there are a lot of people and guns in the United States. There are enough guns for every person to have one, with some left over. The U.S. has a lot of guns compared to other countries. Pennsylvania, where someone tried to shoot at Trump, has some of the stricter gun laws in the country, even though there are many guns there. Strangely, someone would try to shoot at a presidential candidate who supports having lots of guns in a state with strict gun laws.
Many US presidents have been killed or almost killed by people with guns. Gun violence is a big problem in America and there are often many shootings where lots of people get hurt. President Biden wants to make stricter laws about who can have guns to try and stop this violence. But former President Trump wants to make it easier for people to have guns by changing the rules in the Constitution. This disagreement about guns is causing more division in America and even led to someone trying to hurt Trump.
The ease of obtaining firearms contributes significantly to the high rates of gun violence in America. With some of the most lenient gun laws globally, the United States allows for widespread access to firearms. Advocates for gun control suggest that implementing stricter regulations on gun ownership could potentially decrease instances of gun violence.
In the complex area of gun control legislation, the path to implementing new measures has a lot of obstacles. The powerful lobbying efforts of groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) present a formidable challenge to those advocating for stricter gun laws. Despite the heartbreaking tragedies that have occurred and calls for change, such as the recent events in Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, Parkland, and Uvalde, the idea of a comprehensive reform at the federal level remains unclear. The divisive nature of the issue, influenced by special interests, further hinders progress in this critical arena.
Gun violence not only results in tragic loss of life but also has far-reaching consequences that are both economic and psychological in nature. The financial burden of gun violence is significant, with estimates indicating that it costs the U.S. around $40 billion each year in healthcare expenses, public resources, and decreased productivity. Additionally, the emotional burden on communities affected by gun violence is huge, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma among residents. These psychological impacts can have lasting effects on mental well-being and the overall unity of the community.
US President Joe Biden has put forth a comprehensive set of measures aimed at strengthening gun laws, despite the personal challenges he has faced with his own family. In April, his administration unveiled a new regulation to decrease the sale of firearms without proper background checks. Additionally, in 2022, Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, expanding background check requirements. The President’s stance on banning assault weapons, though met with opposition, underscores his commitment to promoting a safer and more secure society for all.
Gun violence in America is a big problem that needs a lot of different solutions. They need to pass laws, create programs in their neighbourhoods, use strategies from public health, and come up with new technologies to help stop gun violence. Even though it’s a tough issue, they have to keep working together to find ways to make our country safer. By understanding why gun violence happens and how it affects people, they work together to make sure it doesn’t happen as much in the future.
Featured Image Courtesy – Temple University
