Gun Control Laws

Gun Control Laws: a Public Health Issue

The United States encounters over 28,000 deaths related to firearms each year. Over 75 deaths a day. In addition, there are about 250 injuries caused by guns each day. (www.ichv.org/statistics) Several actions have been implemented in attempts to neutralize these staggering statistics. But, the Unites States' fatality, and injury rates continue to dwarf those of other countries. Gun violence is a major public health concern across America.

When compared at an international level, rankings place the United States at the top of the list, among other high income countries, for homicides caused by firearms each year. Its next worthy adversary, Canada, would have to quadruple its numbers to even approach that of the United States.(Homicide Data from CDC WISQARS) So the question is, what is causing these substantial differences, and why can't the United States reproduce the statistics of similar countries.

The Second Amendment of our Constitution is as follows:

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

This creates a barrier for many gun control laws that are geared toward subduing violence related to firearms. There are alternatives that do not infringe on peoples right to bear arms, but unless implemented strictly, seem to have little effect on the safety of the public. Gun control in America has reached guidelines at which it may regulate the selling, owning, and use of guns. These guidelines are as follows:

i Banning handguns. Handguns are the cause of most of our gun-related problems. Banning them will greatly reduce the number of people dying each year.

i Banning the manufacture of "junk" guns. Guns that clearly serve no other purpose than that of inflicting bodily harm.

i Banning assault weapons. These weapons are extremely dangerous and should not be in the hands of a regular citizen.

i Regulating all gun sales. Guns should be allowed to be sold only by licensed dealers.

i Requiring that all gun owners obtain a license. This will provide information on gun owners.