GUNS: TOOL OF DEFENSE OR INSTRUMENT OF DEATH?

In this day and age, politics has become a complex and, in some cases, corrupt system. Parties are more divided, various topics of debate more intense. Gun control is one of these intense topics and, quite frankly, in the media it has become a complicated war between those who support the Second Amendment and those who would rather ban guns all together. 

The Second Amendment was put in place to protect citizens from an over-reaching government. If we as citizens have no way to protect ourselves as individuals, the government can and will control our lives. This is called totalitarianism, and this possibility is why the Second Amendment is of vital importance to this nation. 

In addition, there is the matter of mass shootings. Whenever a news story is aired about another mass shooting, people start screaming for gun control all over again. The question we must ask is if all factors of the situation are being considered in these instances. The answer is likely no. It seems that people look for a quick fix to the issue, instead of seeking a common understanding. Each time a mass shooting occurs it is vital to consider that shooter and not just the tool with which they carried out their heinous offense. 

The very first thing one should understand about guns is that, like anything else, they are a tool. They are simply a device which a person can utilize in some situations. Guns do not under any circumstance have a free will of their own. They are no more able to discharge than a car is able to turn on and move without a human operator (at least, so far). With regard to mass shootings, it must be considered that all legal gun owners are not evil simply because someone takes a firearm and proceeds to use it for a purpose for which it was never intended. 

It is well-observed that most people who legally own guns are rather strict about safety around firearms. Any shooting range will have four basic rules for handling guns: Always handle guns as if they are loaded; never touch the trigger unless you are prepared to fire; always keep the gun pointed downrange (or in a safe direction); and always be sure of your target and what is beyond it (which is to say don’t aim at anything you aren’t willing to shoot). 

All of this considered, there is yet another angle to examine. There are those in the middle who do not desire to ban guns but do want to create and enforce stricter gun laws. This is not the worst solution you could implement; however, this could act as a gateway to banning guns. Therefore, we must create a new, different option, which seems most logical: to require training prior to someone acquiring a firearm.

The process would be to pass a background check, which is mandated by law, and take a course in safe gun handling. Only then could the firearm be purchased and possessed. After this, additional guns could be purchased if desired. All it takes is to put forth the effort to ensure that the potential buyer is safe to own a firearm.

While it is terrible that mass shootings occur, it is important to remember that it is the shooter, not the gun, that is responsible for the crime. A gun is no more responsible for killing someone than a spoon is when a person grows overweight. One of the most important things to remember when considering gun control is that, yes, it is people, not guns, that kill people.